Joan Jett: Rock and roll is powerful

Joan Jett says rock and roll gives people the ability to say exactly what they mean.

The 56-year-old singer is famous worldwide for her band Joan Jett & The Blackhearts' song I Love Rock 'n' Roll. And Joan has revealed in a new interview that she believes the genre is about more than just entertaining people with sounds.

"I think people have to understand that rock & roll is not just rock & roll," she told RollingStone.com. "It's more than that. It can be a message sender. It is something that is powerful and strong. And it is something that can be used to fight – people have injustices, and you can declare them and fight for it.

"I think rock & roll is a brash sort of medium, so you're allowed to say what you want and what you mean."

Joan also referenced the Russian feminist group Pussy Riot, three members of which were imprisoned after being charged with "hooliganism motivated by religious hatred".

She added that the power of music gives bands like them the ability to say exactly what they want through the medium of song.

"I think it's true, where there is political agitation, you've got Pussy Riot and whoever else will come because rock & roll allows that – to acknowledge the deepest things you want to say to people and say it," she added.

Joan's legacy was honoured last weekend as she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

While the singer was blown away to be recognised at such a prestigious occasion, she admitted there were aspects of the ceremony that she found harder to believe than others.

"It's really cool to see Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr," she laughed when asked what had been her favourite moment of Saturday evening. "I remember getting Paul's [self-titled solo] album and listening to it in my bedroom, and then all of a sudden I'm onstage with him. And it's very surreal. And amazing. That shows that you can make your dreams come true."