Joan Jett – Bad Reputation

“Bad Reputation” is the song that solidified Joan Jett’s identity as a no-compromise rock figure. Co-written with Ritchie Cordell, Kenny Laguna, and Marty Joe Kupersmith, it first appeared on her debut solo album in 1980 (self-released as Joan Jett) and, after she founded Blackheart Records, was reissued as Bad Reputation in 1981 when she finally secured distribution.

Jett has said “Bad Reputation” came from being repeatedly rejected by labels, judged for her style, her past with The Runaways, and her refusal to conform. The song is an act of defiance: lyrics like “I don’t give a damn ’bout my bad reputation” capture her attitude of owning her identity on her terms.

The original studio version runs about 2:48 and blends punk rock rawness with rock ‘n’ roll hooks. It features crossover elements of punk, hard rock, and glam-tinged production.

A music video, directed by David Mallet, was made after “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll” became a hit. It dramatizes Joan’s early struggles: the rejections from record labels, her perseverance, and eventual rise. It includes a cameo by Kenny Laguna, co-founder of Blackheart Records, playing a record exec in one scene.

“Bad Reputation” has had long cultural life: it became the theme song of Freaks and Geeks (1999-2000), appeared in films such as 10 Things I Hate About You, and has been referenced, covered, and reused in countless contexts. VH1 ranked it the 29th greatest hard rock song of all time, and Rolling Stone included it in its list of the 500 Greatest Songs.

When Joan Jett was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015, she opened the ceremony as the first performer of the night, beginning her set with “Bad Reputation.”

Key Facts

• Song: “Bad Reputation”

• Artist: Joan Jett

• Writers: Joan Jett, Ritchie Cordell, Kenny Laguna, Marty Joe Kupersmith

• Album: Joan Jett (1980 self-release) / Bad Reputation (1981 reissue)

• Release date (single): 1980

• Genre: Punk rock, Hard rock

• Length: 2:48

• Labels: Blackheart, Ariola, Boardwalk

• Video director: David Mallet

• Notable cameo: Kenny Laguna as record exec

• Rock Hall: Joan Jett opened the 2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony with this song