Joan Jett Announces New UK Tour With The Blackhearts

After a 16-year absence from headlining tours in the United Kingdom, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts are set to make a highly anticipated comeback in summer 2026. The run begins with a previously announced date at Glasgow’s O2 Academy on July 2, before moving through Manchester, Leeds, Wolverhampton, and culminating in a final performance at London’s British Airways ARC.

For a band whose legacy is deeply intertwined with the evolution of hard-edged rock and punk attitude, the tour signals more than just a return—it underscores their enduring relevance on an international stage that helped shape their early career.

A Personal Connection Rekindled

At the center of the announcement is Joan Jett herself, who reflected on the significance of returning to the UK. “We can’t wait to be back on stage in the UK this Summer!” she said. “I wrote and recorded ‘Bad Reputation’, my first solo LP in London. It’s been too long since we’ve been in the UK and we’re excited to see everyone!”

The statement highlights a full-circle moment for Jett, whose formative years as a solo artist were partly rooted in London’s music scene. That connection adds a layer of nostalgia and authenticity to the upcoming shows, positioning them as both a celebration of the past and a reaffirmation of her ongoing influence.

Classic Anthems and a Shift in Direction

Audiences can expect a setlist stacked with defining hits, including “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll,” “Bad Reputation,” and “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” alongside other staples that have cemented the band’s place in rock history. Support across all dates will come from UK Britpunk duo The Meffs, offering a contemporary edge that complements Jett’s trailblazing sound.

Tickets are scheduled to go on sale at 10 a.m. on April 24, 2026, through Planet Rock Tickets, with strong demand anticipated given the rarity of a full UK headline run from the group.

Notably, the tour replaces the band’s previously announced role as special guests on Sammy Hagar’s Best of All Worlds UK Tour. Rather than serving as a supporting act, the shift positions Joan Jett and the Blackhearts firmly at center stage—an intentional move that reflects both their legacy status and continued drawing power. In an era where legacy acts often revisit the road in supporting slots, this decision signals a renewed confidence in their ability to command audiences on their own terms, reinforcing their standing as one of rock’s most resilient and uncompromising forces.

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ UK tour dates for July 2026:

Glasgow O2 Academy – Thu 2nd

Manchester O2 Academy – Sat 4th

Leeds O2 Academy – Sun 5th

Wolverhampton The Civic Hall – Tue 7th

London British Airways ARC – Wed 8th

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