After honoring the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Slash and Motley Crue, the 6th annual Sunset Strip Music Festival honored another legend on August 1, 2013. The one, the only Joan Jett was announced as this years honoree, making August 1st officially Joan Jett day! With top hits including I Love Rock N’ Roll and I Hate Myself For Loving You, it was no doubt that Joan Jett would be the perfect honoree for this years SSMF.
The night kicked off with a red carpet event full of press, TV crews and many amazing artists including Korn drummer, Ray Luzier, singer of punk-rock band, X- Extene Cervenka, The Orgy, Actor, David Faustino and many, many more.
After a couple hours of the red carpet, fans and artists alike went inside the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip and heard many stories of Joan Jett. Among those who spoke were Grammy nominated comedian, Margaret Cho, actress, Carmen Electra and guitarist from both Nirvana and Foo Fighters, Pat Smear. Later in the tribute, radio DJ, Rodney Bingenheimer presented a custom Gibson guitar to Joan Jett who thanked everyone. Shortly after, Nic Adler, owner of the Roxy Theater and owner of the Whisky A Go-Go, Mikeal Maglieri spoke and presented Jett with the ‘Elmer Valentine’ award which was named after the original honoree (who owned some of the original Sunset Strip venues). Lastly, the city council presented Jett with an official plaque which declared August 1st to be Joan Jett Day.
90 minutes after the tribute had finished, fans waited anxiously for Joan Jett and the Blackhearts to perform. This would mark the first time that any honoree performed.
