Joan Jett reveals why she still performs Gary Glitter song: ‘If people want to come at me for it, do it’

Joan Jett Still Performs Gary Glitter Song Amid Controversy

Joan Jett reveals why she still - Iconic rock icon Joan Jett continues to perform Gary Glitter’s 1973 anthem "Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)" despite the singer’s history of child sexual abuse allegations. The 67-year-old artist has openly shared her reasoning for retaining the track in her setlist, highlighting its enduring appeal and her personal connection to the song. While some critics have questioned her choice, Jett remains unapologetic, stating that her interpretation of the piece is distinct from its original context.

Glitter’s Legal Troubles and Jett’s Defense

Since the late 1990s, Gary Glitter has faced a series of legal challenges, including convictions for downloading child sexual abuse material and engaging in indecent acts with minors. His 2015 sentencing for attempted rape and sexual contact with a 10-year-old further solidified his controversial legacy. Yet, Jett insists that these allegations do not detract from the song’s value. “If people want to come at me for it, do it,” she said, drawing parallels to other artists with similar histories.

“I still perform the song because it’s part of my journey,” Jett explained in an interview with The Telegraph. “It’s not about endorsing what happened to Glitter, but about giving it a new life through my own voice. If we want to scrutinize everything, then let’s not forget that even my favorite band, the Rolling Stones, once sang about a 15-year-old in 'Stray Cat Blues.'”

Jett’s decision to keep the track in her repertoire reflects her belief in recontextualizing art. She emphasized that her version of the song carries a different tone and message, allowing her to reinterpret its lyrics while maintaining its core energy. “I’m not condoning the actions that led to the song’s creation,” she clarified, “but I’m giving it a new life through my own interpretation.” This approach underscores her commitment to artistic reinvention, a theme that has defined her career since the 1970s.

From The Runaways to Solo Stardom

Jett’s musical journey began in the mid-1970s as a founding member of The Runaways, where she became a symbol of female empowerment in a male-dominated genre. Her bold style and electrifying performances helped shape the punk scene, but she soon carved her own path. In 1987, her debut solo album Bad Reputation featured a cover of "Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)," which she later continued to perform, blending it with her own brand of rock.

Glitter’s legal troubles grew alongside his fame, but Jett’s career flourished. She later formed Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, a band that became a cornerstone of rock music. Over the years, she has released 12 albums with the group, earning critical acclaim and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her continued performance of Glitter’s song, despite its association with past scandals, has sparked debates about how artists reconcile their work with their personal history.

Glitter’s Recent Legal Status and Financial Struggles

At 82, Gary Glitter is still entangled in legal battles. He was released from prison in 2023 after serving half of his 16-year sentence for sexual offenses, only to be re-arrested for breaching parole terms. His alleged inquiry into accessing the dark web during release prompted another incarceration. As of March 2024, he is reportedly serving his sentence at HM Prison Risley, where his financial situation continues to worsen.

Jett’s stance has also been influenced by Glitter’s ongoing legal issues. While she acknowledges the song’s history, she argues that its meaning has evolved. “It’s not just a relic of the past,” she said. “It’s a piece of music that resonates with new audiences. If we want to judge everything by its original context, then we must also consider how it’s been transformed by artists like me.” Her comments suggest a broader cultural conversation about legacy and reinterpretation.

Glitter’s bankruptcy in 2023, following a £500,000 payout to an abuse victim, has added to the scrutiny of his work. Yet Jett’s choice to keep his song alive demonstrates her focus on artistic freedom. She believes that music should be judged on its own merits, even when its origins are tied to controversial figures. “I still perform the song because it’s mine now,” she said, emphasizing her personal connection to the track.

Artistic Independence and Public Perception

Jett’s decision to include Glitter’s work in her setlist has sparked mixed reactions. While some fans appreciate her boldness, others criticize her for not distancing herself from the singer’s past. She, however, remains undeterred, pointing out that many iconic songs have been reimagined by artists with their own interpretations. “If we’re going to hold artists accountable for every lyric they ever sang, then we should also revisit the works of others,” she argued, reinforcing her belief in the song’s current relevance.

Her comments highlight a tension between art and morality. By reinterpreting Glitter’s song, Jett asserts that music can transcend its creator’s controversies. “It’s not about defending the past,” she said. “It’s about how the song lives in the present.” This perspective has led to renewed discussions about how cultural icons are remembered and redefined through the lens of their later work and public image.