It's nice to see that bad boy Billy Idol has not changed. The original punk rocker who was originally in the band Gen X and then had critical success as a solo artist in the 1980s has released In Super Overdrive Live
Aging rockers can disappoint - Billy Idol didn't. Too many older artists who have not managed their fortunes well are touring because they need the money. There is nothing worse than an old, fat, past their prime artist trying to pay for their impeding retirement with a tour and concert DVD. They usually can't play well and should not tour. Period. Billy Idol is not in that category I'm pleased to say.
Recorded live at Chicago's Congress Theater last summer, this 70 minute long Blu-Ray disc shows that he is as good if not better than his hey day. A man in his fifties who would take off his shirt had better be in shape and look good. He did.
Teaming up with Steve Stevens, who is the original guitarist on his first several albums, was a smart move. Neither has done as well without the other and although each are stars in their own right - they have always been more successful as a team. Maybe I'm dating myself, but I saw them live at Malibu Night Club on Long Island during the White Wedding tour in the early 1980s and I believe they sound better now. Very tight, the dynamics of each song mixed well. This was as much a Steve Stevens show as it was a Billy Idol one and he was given the opportunity to show his diversity and chops. Unlike many guitarists from that era, Stevens never overplayed, stretching out during his solos and hanging back where he should, while at the same time adding something important to the mix.
Article comments
1 - annie
i would love to see Billy again in sydney ocnce more. I saw him in 87, when i was 21. It was a magical night. I think i cried cos i couldnt c him the 2nd night. But now at 54, he looks so hot still. Please come back Billy. X