North on the 101 Freeway past the Capitol Records building, exit down Highland past the Hollywood Bowl, onto Sunset Boulevard in front of Hollywood High School. With each passing mile, the klieg lights that swept the sky became more distinct as my course for the night neared... a visual X marked the spot on the treasure map. Destination: the House Of Blues (HOB) on the Sunset Strip, or as it was renamed for three nights this week in September, the House Of Billy. As in Billy Idol.
For these events, the HOB took on a new look. The exterior of the building was draped in images of Idol created by acclaimed Obey Giant graphic designer and illustrator Shepard Fairey, who also designed the album artwork for the June 2008 release The Very Best Of Billy Idol: Idolize Yourself. "My own house is way too orderly, so we decided to go down to the Strip and make a mess," said Billy in a recent press release.
As I arrived at the HOB, there was another change up. The traffic on the Strip was at a standstill! I’ve been to this venue many times and I have never seen such a mob surrounding it. Not only that, they were the most eclectic group of fans for a single performer than I’ve ever seen. Old-time punks wore the “colors” that showed their affection for bands like Agnostic Front, Black Flag, and The Damned with worn and ragged tee shirts, ripped denim, leather and Doc Martens. On the other hand were a lot New Wave enthusiasts in the leggings/stonewashed jeans and skinny tie fashion modes. And in between just your average Joe/Josey of every age group over 18. Quite a mix-up of characters, considering that they were all there for the same reason... to worship in the House Of Billy.
Article comments
1 - Stacey
Great review! One thing though....It wasn't Stevens vs McGrath in the guitar face off. Brian Tichy comes off drums to play against Stevens....
2 - tink
ACK!!!!!!! You know...I just assumed it was McGrath as I missed the switch around with Brian. Later, my photog mentioned he'd come out from behind his kit to play guitar, but I didn't make that connection. As you can tell, at least one mind at the concert (mine!) was in the gutter and not totally focused on all the players.
BOY...is my face red!!
Thanks for the gentle correction Stacey. Glad you liked the review regardless!!
3 - Stacey
Hey, no problem whatsoever!...easy mistake, especially when all eyes are generally on well, you know who. And since I couldn't be at any of the HOB shows in L.A. I appreciate your detailed review.....you made me feel like I was almost there. Almost ;)
4 - tink
In the blog I put up on my "home sweet home", I always write an accompanying piece to my BC articles. Usually they address a different side of whatever I have place here on BC and often a piece of my own personal RnR history.
In this one however, I talk about making such a public oops. Hope you will check that out.
5 - Kim
Wasn't there 2 more pics when this article first went up? Or was I just hallucinating? lol