The partnership we all needed in the current turbulence of the world, American grunge legends L7 have taken the easy challenge of putting their own twist on the rock & roll classic “Fake Friends” by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. Featuring lead vocals from Donita Sparks with Joan Jett joining in on guitar and vocals, the single was released on 21st April alongside b-side ‘Witchy Burn’, a take of their 2019 Scatter The Rats album single ‘Burn Baby’.
‘Fake Friends’ was set to be released around L7’s New Zealand/Australian tour this May, but was cancelled due to the Coronavirus outbreak. “When the tour got cancelled due to this horrible virus, we decided to release the tracks as a way to keep our fans’ spirits up a bit, as well as our own,” shares Sparks. “New material gets everyone excited and happy and maybe gets them dancing around their cribs. That’s something positive the band can do for our fans in these uncertain times. When rock n’ roll duty calls, L7 answers.”
“To have Joan’s vocals on this track along with mine is super surreal and cool,” says Sparks. “Our band has experienced many fake friends, especially when you’re down. Some of these people you thought were your friends are nowhere to be found. Your phone calls aren’t returned, etc. It’s painful and it sucks. Then you find out who your true friends are.”
Donita has also launched a weekly absurdist variety show on the ‘We Are Hear: On the Air” streaming network.
