Although point of origin shouldn’t be an issue, Billy Idol and his cohort in crime, guitarist Stevie Stevens, have chosen one of the oddest spots to stage a live event. Limited to only 250 lucky concertgoers, the band’s superlative performance in front of the Hoover Dam once again proves that location is, indeed, everything.
Photo credit Jane Stuart
And while most long-time and erstwhile fans alike will scratch their heads wondering how the acoustics will translate, let’s just say the joy of discovery is well worth the price of a movie ticket. And as day turns into night over the historic backdrop smack dab in the gorgeous Colorado River, it’s wholly evident his music was really best suited for such a monumental occasion.
Aided by his long-time band and guitarist of 40+ years, Stevie Stevens, the set list reveals a singer who loves to play around with song structures as much as his band. Judging by the cell-phone-less crowd and the cavalcade of pretty women lined up all along the barricade, nobody left unsatisfied and there was never a dull moment. The extended live show, preceded by a short acoustic set with just Idol and Stevens, also features cameos by such disparate artists as singer Allison Mosshart (The Kills, The Dead Weather), guitarist Steve Jones (Sex Pistols, Generation Sex) and bassist Tony Kanal (No Doubt).
“Our show at Hoover Dam was a monumental and surreal career highlight,” notes Idol. “I’m excited to get State Line out into the world. With this film we set out to highlight the continued importance of one of the most inspiring infrastructural achievements of the 20th Century, while also bringing the power of rock n roll to a stunning, magical location. I think we more than succeeded on both accounts.” Of his activism relating to water conservation, Idol adds, “The drought conditions prevalent in the American West are severe and impossible to ignore. It takes all of us conserving water in whatever ways we can to preserve the future of our natural resources for our grand-kids and beyond. I’m proud to help amplify this issue in whatever way I can.”
Now approaching five decades as a recording and touring musician, Billy Idol has proven himself a tour-de-force with whatever band configuration he chooses. For the uninitiated, Idol played the first-ever Generation Sex tour in the U.K. and E.U. earlier this year aided by Tony James (Generation X), and Steve Jones and Paul Cook(both of Sex Pistols fame).
Since 1982, Idol has proven himself as a prolific and successful solo entity aided by the able guitarist and chief songwriter, Stevie Stevens. And while it seems like the Billy Idol band is never off the road, he did manage to release ‘The Roadside’ EP in 2021 and ‘The Cage’ EP in 2022 on Dark Horse Records. His seminal record ‘Rebel Yell’ just turned 40 earlier this week and, as luck would have it, will be celebrated with an expanded edition due in early 2024.
If that ain’t gigolo cool, nothing is.
BILLY IDOL 2024 tour dates:
February 8—Rancho Mirage, CA—Agua Caliente
February 9—Lincoln, CA—The Venue inside Thunder Valley Casino
February 11—Las Vegas, NV – Super Bowl LVIII
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Fast Eddie
Categories: Billy Idol, News, Tour Dates
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