Joan Jett Cancels Upcoming Concerts After Back Injury Leads to Surgery

06 August 2026

Rock legend Joan Jett has been forced to temporarily step away from the stage after suffering a serious back injury that required surgery, prompting the cancellation of two upcoming performances as she focuses on recovery.

The 67-year-old singer and her band, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, announced the change through social media, explaining that Jett recently fractured a vertebra in her back. Although she initially hoped to continue performing, doctors ultimately determined that surgery was necessary.

The injury means Jett will no longer perform at the Washington State Fair on September 5 or the Puyallup Rodeo on September 6. The shows had been scheduled as part of her continuing live performance calendar.

Jett addressed fans directly in the announcement, explaining that she was disappointed about having to cancel the appearances. She emphasized that she had tried to find a way to make the concerts happen but ultimately needed to follow medical advice and give herself sufficient time to recover.

The musician also reassured supporters that she expects to return to performing once she has healed. While no precise recovery timeline was announced, the cancellations appear intended to give Jett enough time to recover properly rather than rushing back onto the road.

For an artist whose career has been defined by relentless energy and live performances, taking an unexpected break represents a significant adjustment.

Jett has remained an active touring musician decades after first becoming a major figure in rock music. Her career began in the 1970s as a founding member of the Runaways, the pioneering all-female rock band that helped establish her reputation as one of the genre's most distinctive performers.

She later formed Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and achieved enormous commercial success with songs including "I Love Rock 'n Roll," "Bad Reputation" and "I Hate Myself for Loving You." Her rebellious image, unmistakable voice and guitar driven sound helped turn her into an enduring influence on generations of musicians.

Jett's impact has extended well beyond record sales. Her career helped challenge expectations surrounding women in rock music at a time when the industry remained heavily dominated by men.

That influence was formally recognized in 2015 when Joan Jett & the Blackhearts were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Even as younger generations of artists emerged, Jett continued touring extensively and appearing at major festivals and events. Her music has also maintained a strong presence in movies, television, advertising and sports, allowing songs recorded decades ago to reach audiences who were not alive when they were originally released.

The latest cancellations therefore come as disappointing news for fans accustomed to seeing Jett maintain an active performance schedule.

Still, the decision reflects the importance of allowing a serious back injury enough time to heal. Recovering from surgery can be particularly demanding for touring musicians, whose performances involve extensive travel, long periods on stage and physically demanding schedules. Fans quickly responded to the announcement with messages wishing Jett a smooth recovery and expressing hope that she will soon be able to return to performing.

For now, however, the priority is recovery rather than rock 'n' roll. After spending decades building a reputation around her "Bad Reputation" attitude, Jett is temporarily trading the stage for rest, with every intention of picking up her guitar again once her back is ready.