Concert review: Billy Idol

05/25/2005 7:48 AM, Reuters


Although he's entering his fifth decade, Billy Idol is a testament to the youth-preserving effects of rock 'n' roll and a hedonistic lifestyle.

Possessing a voice that can still growl with libidinous menace and a body that men half his age would kill for (not to mention women), Idol demonstrates on his current tour that he's more than a reasonable approximation of his former chart-topping self. The tour, which included two nights at New York's Beacon Theatre, is plugging "Devil's Playground," his first album of new material in 12 years.

Performing with the brilliant guitarist Steve Stevens, his longtime cohort and songwriting partner, as well as a band that included bassist Stephen McGrath, drummer Brian Tichy and keyboard player Derek Sherinian, Idol whipped through a high-energy two-hour set that included most of his hits as well as a generous selection from the new release.

Clad in the requisite tight black pants and shirt -- the latter of which was quickly shed -- the peroxide-blond singer demonstrated his trademark sneer and swagger as he delivered propulsive renditions of such hits as "Eyes Without a Face," "Flesh for Fantasy," "Dancing With Myself," "Sweet Sixteen" and "White Wedding." He also performed his Generation X classic "Ready Steady Go," after announcing the song's age -- "26 years!" -- in a tone of disbelief. Adding texture to the proceedings was Stevens' steady stream of guitar flourishes and solos, delivered in a wide range of styles.

While the new songs necessarily suffered by comparison, there were several respectable numbers among them, including such aggressive ditties as "Super Overdrive," "Body Snatcher" and "Rat Race." He shifted into '50s-style acoustic rocker mode with the new "Cherie," followed by a cover of the Buddy Holly classic "Peggy Sue."

The singer was clearly in a nostalgic mood, making frequent references to such hallowed '80s NYC venues as CBGB's and Danceteria and reminiscing about writing songs in his one-room apartment before delivering a passionate, acoustic "Hot in the City."

Two full rock-out covers closed the evening: a more than respectable version of "Who Are You" and the chart-topping "Mony Mony," a song to which the singer apparently lost his virginity when he was 11 years old. Who said press notes don't provide useful information?

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter