When people think of Joan Jett, one of the first things that comes to mind is her iconic 1981 hit I Love Rock ‘n Roll. The song became an anthem for rebellious rock fans, cementing Jett’s status as the Queen of Rock. But what many people don’t realize is that I Love Rock ‘n Roll wasn’t originally her song.

The Original: A 1975 British Rock Tune

The song was actually written and first recorded in 1975 by the British band The Arrows, a rock group led by Alan Merrill and Jake Hooker. The Arrows’ version had a slightly different feel—more of a gritty pub rock vibe than the high-energy anthem Jett would later make famous. The band recorded it as a B-side to their single Broken Down Heart, but it didn’t gain much traction at the time.

Interestingly, I Love Rock ‘n Roll wasn’t even released as a single in the UK. Instead, it gained a bit of exposure through The Arrows Show, a TV program in Britain where the band performed it. That’s where Joan Jett first heard the song while on tour with The Runaways in the late 1970s.

Joan Jett’s Take on the Song

Jett immediately recognized the potential in I Love Rock ‘n Roll and wanted to record it. She first attempted a version with Steve Jones and Paul Cook of the Sex Pistols in 1979, but it wasn’t until she formed Joan Jett & The Blackhearts that she gave it the full treatment.

In 1981, the band released I Love Rock ‘n Roll as a single, and it became a massive hit, spending seven weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It remains one of the most recognizable rock songs of all time.

Why Joan Jett’s Version Overshadowed the Original

Jett’s raw, unapologetic style and punk-rock attitude gave the song new life. While the Arrows’ version was more laid-back, Jett’s cover amped up the intensity, making it a stadium-ready rock anthem. Her version had all the ingredients of a classic: a catchy chorus, an unforgettable riff, and her signature raspy vocals.

The song’s massive success meant that, over time, the original version faded into obscurity, leaving most people unaware that it wasn’t Jett’s own creation. Even today, many assume she wrote it.

Alan Merrill’s Perspective

Alan Merrill, who co-wrote and sang the original version, later expressed mixed feelings about the song’s legacy. While he was proud of its success, he often lamented that The Arrows never got the recognition they deserved for writing it. Sadly, Merrill passed away in 2020 due to complications from COVID-19, but his contribution to rock history lives on through Jett’s version.

A Testament to Rock’s Evolution

Joan Jett’s I Love Rock ‘n Roll is a perfect example of how a great song can evolve and reach new audiences. While The Arrows planted the seed, Jett turned it into a worldwide phenomenon. Whether fans realize it or not, every time they belt out the chorus, they’re singing a piece of rock history that dates back further than they might think.

So next time you hear I Love Rock ‘n Roll, you’ll know—it’s not just a Joan Jett song. It’s a rock classic with a hidden past.