I’d never seen Billy Idol perform live before. I had, however, recently seen a live DVD that made me interested in catching a live performance from Idol. Well, the man did not disappoint.

Idol and the band tore through a number of classics and some newer songs, too. They even through in a smoking performance of The Doors’ “LA Woman,” which was redone as “Rockford Woman” in honor the town in which the group was playing. There were harder rocking cuts and mellower ones, but everything seemed to keep the crowd entertained. I particularly like the autobiographical ballad they did mid set, although one of the guys near us started booing during that piece. Well, there’s no accounting for taste. Apparently he was of the “if I haven’t heard it on the radio, it ain’t worth listening to” persuasion.

All in all, Idol and company kept the crowd entertained throughout the set. He showed that he might be aging, but he’s far from old. It seems like Billy Idol puts on a quality show that’s high energy in 2010. Steve Stevens was back on guitar and purely scorched. I was also impressed by keyboardist Derek Sherinian, but I’m always impressed by the man. I’d have to say that everyone in the group put in excellent performances. I’d definitely see Billy Idol again.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2010  Volume 5 at lulu.com/strangesound.