Former The Runaway's guitarist Joan Jett began forming the Blackhearts, a backing band for her burgeoning solo career, with manager Kenny Laguna's assistance circa 1979. Since then the roster has included the current lineup of Thommy Price on drums, guitarist Dougie Needles and bassist Enzo Penizzotto and numerous predecessors like Gary Ryan, Eric Ambel, Danny Furious, Lee Crystal and Kasim Sulton.

She continues to tour each year, performing USO shows in places as far off as Afghanistan, and has a regular sattellite radio show. The current touring band includes longstanding drummer Thommy Price and manager Kenny Laguna on keys along with Dougie Needles on lead guitar and Enzo Penizzotto on bass. .