Rock Icon Joan Jett Cancels Remaining 2026 Performances After Undergoing Spinal Surgery

Veteran rock musician Joan Jett has announced a hiatus from live performances due to a significant injury that necessitated surgical intervention.

According to an announcement shared by Jett's team on her Instagram Story, the 67-year-old rock legend and her band, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, have called off their final two scheduled concerts for September 2026.

The statement, which was also reported by Rolling Stone, explained, "Following a recent injury, Joan Jett has undergone orthopedic surgery on a fractured vertebrae and will begin the necessary healing process."

The announcement further clarified, "In close consultation with her doctors, Joan will not be able to perform at her forthcoming September scheduled shows in Costa Mesa, California, on Sept. 5 and Louisville, Kentucky, on Sept. 24."

The statement conveyed Jett's regret: "While Joan hates to disappoint fans, she will be taking this time to focus on physical therapy and healing. She's looking forward to delivering tremendous concerts for many years to come."

Concert Cancellations and Replacements

The Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, California, where Jett was slated to perform on September 5, posted Jett's official statement along with an update regarding the event.

Their statement read, "While we understand this is a disappointment to all of you, we are happy to announce that Cheap Trick will be performing in her place, with X opening the show."

For ticket holders, the venue advised, "If you wish to attend the Cheap Trick / X show on Sept. 5, do nothing and your tickets will be valid. We look forward to seeing you." They also provided refund instructions: "If you wish to get a refund, please contact your point of purchase and we hope to see you at another show in the future."

Jett's performance in Louisville was scheduled for the inaugural day of the four-day Bourbon & Beyond festival, held at the Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Exposition Center. The extensive festival lineup includes major acts such as Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, Mumford & Sons, Chris Stapleton, and Kacey Musgraves, among others.

A Distinguished Career in Rock Music

Joan Jett first gained prominence in the 1970s as a founding member of The Runaways, an pioneering all-female rock ensemble. She later achieved widespread international acclaim after forming Joan Jett & the Blackhearts in 1979.

Between 1981 and 2013, the band released ten studio albums, producing numerous hit singles including "I Love Rock ’n Roll," "Bad Reputation," and "I Hate Myself for Loving You." Joan Jett and the Blackhearts were honored with an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.

More recently, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts launched their inaugural acoustic album, "Changeup," in 2022, followed by their six-track EP titled "Mindsets" in 2023.

The band, known for its consistent touring schedule since its inception, has shared stages with notable artists like Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, Bryan Adams, Alanis Morissette, and Billy Idol in recent years. Prior to Jett's injury, the group concluded their first U.K. headline tour in 16 years in July.

Last Monday, Jett posted an Instagram compilation of clips from their U.K. tour, expressing gratitude to fans: "Thanks for the summer love Europe, can’t wait to come back."

The current roster of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts features Jett alongside Dougie Needles, Hal B. Selzer, Michael McDermott, and Kenny Laguna. As of now, the band does not have any future performances scheduled.

Navigating the Physical Demands of Touring

Jett has previously spoken about the physical toll of decades spent on the road and how she has adapted her fitness regimen with age.

In a 2025 interview with USA Today, she remarked on her past physical ease, stating, "I never had to work out my whole life. I was just lucky I had an athletic body. But now it’s a different story. I see an arm and am like, ‘Whose arm is this with the crepe-y skin?’"

She elaborated on her current routine: "But I try to walk every day and I do some weights. I had a shoulder operation so it’s important to keep my muscle strength up and I do a lot of core work. And you know, traveling, walking through airports and venues, that’s my exercise. But the traveling, that’s the one part of my job that I don’t love. It’s all wear and tear on your body."