FAINT WAVES

Slightly better photos than the last time I saw Billy Idol, courtesy of yours truly.

Some of you may experience déjà vu, as I’ve already seen Billy Idol and wrote a bit about it here. You might recall that I started my summer of concert-going with Billy Idol when I saw him back in May, well now I’ve ended it with him here in September. I’m happy to report he was just as good if not better this second time around.

This wasn’t just repeat business though, this time, Billy Idol had a very special guest open for him: Nile Rodgers & Chic. I didn’t know this but the two men are friendly, having met way back in the early 80’s, they both seemed happy to be sharing the stage with each other. Speaking of happy, I’m happy to tell you that Nile was terrific, a truly fun and remarkably well produced and conducted live set. Nile’s touring band did a wonderful job recreating the various sounds from four decades of musical activity; covering the Chic era and Nile’s 70’s work (Sister Sledge), his 80’s song-writing and production (Diana Ross, Madonna, David Bowie, etc.), his 2010’s resurgence (Daft Punk), and his continued success in the 2020’s (Beyoncé). Seeing Nile is one of the best ways to experience disco and post-disco in the modern day, his live show is truly a testament not just to his own staying power, but the genre itself. With some of these musicians and acts either gone, retired, or not easily seen; Nile is a definitive way to see some of this music done and done well. I can’t recommend it enough, go see Nile & Chic. It’s a fun show.

As for Billy Idol, like I said, he didn’t disappoint. Billy is a consummate entertainer and still has a tremendous amount of power behind his live show. Last time I spoke on Billy live, I focused a lot on Billy and Steve Stevens, his long-time guitarist. I want to say this time, Billy’s entire backing band is tremendous. The band consists of Steve Stevens (Lead & Rhythm Guitar), Stephen McGrath (Bass Guitar), Billy Morrison (Rhythm & Lead Guitar), Erik Eldenius (Drums), and Paul Trudeau (Keyboards). This lineup has been with Billy for many, many years now and it shows in their tight performance. Naturally, these were the same people with Billy when I saw him back in May, but I’m happy to say that there were some welcome new faces joining him this second time around too: Kitten Kuroi and Maiya Sykes on background vocals. A crucial element that I will say was missing at the first show I saw, backing vocalists, was present this time. Having Kitten and Maiya there really helped songs like “Eyes Without A Face” and “Hot In The City” feel more organic and full. While the set list mostly remained the same, there were two notable inclusions that I was happy to hear: “Catch My Fall” and “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore”. The latter track, an unreleased song from Rebel Yell that only recently saw the light of day on the newly expanded anniversary release. I fell in love with “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore”, it easily could’ve been a B-Side to “Flesh For Fantasy” and offers up one of the finest and most impassioned vocals Billy ever recorded. Hearing it live was a real treat, it’s been turned into a duet between Billy and backup singer, Kitten Kuroi. The song puts her front and center, giving her a chance to show off her power and range. It was a definite highlight in a top-to-bottom great show.

On the whole, it was a great time. The venue’s sound maybe wasn’t as strong as the last Billy Idol show I saw, but that didn’t diminish how strong Nile and Billy were, performance-wise. No complaints. Were there other songs I wanted to hear Billy do? Of course! That’s the problem with knowing everything by an artist. On the hits side, hearing “Sweet Sixteen” or “L.A Woman” would’ve been a dream. From Rebel Yell, “Do Not Stand In The Shadows”, “Daytime Drama”, or “Crank Call” would’ve been lovely to hear. On the deep cuts side, I would’ve been floored by “Shooting Stars”, “Hole In The Wall”, “Worlds Forgotten Boy”, or “Love Labours On”. On the newer side, “Can’t Break Me Down” and “Bitter Pill” would’ve been a lot of fun too. That’s the trouble, Billy and his band would be on stage for three hours if I had my way, and I’d probably still think of something else I wanted them to play. Despite this, a terrific show from a terrific performer and his brilliant backing band.

~FW.