t was the middle of September and the further into evening it got, the more it began to seem like Fall was here. It was a perfect night for a concert at Iroquois Park Amphitheater. The previous nights had been hot and muggy. Good weather got there just for Billy Idol, along with an enormous line of fans, lined up so far back, that it seemed to go on forever. After nearly forty years he still draws a crowd like this. Billy has not slowed down since his start in Generation X in 1977 and has only grown more popular with his solo career in the 1980’s. Today you would still be hard pressed to find a person who didn’t sing along to “Rebel Yell” when it came on the radio station. Mr. Idol has achieved music immortality and we were all here to witness up close and personal how this man had become a legend.
The opening band that had been all the buzz in the new music scene took the stage: The London Souls. This two man band armed with only a single guitar and a small drum kit packed a huge punch. They were part of an old school music resurgence tucked into the minds and bodies of young artists who put their own spins on the genre. Their set was short and sweet and met with a standing ovation from previous and new fans alike.
Looking around at the now full amphitheater, there were the middle aged crowed you expected, seasoned fans of several decades, but along with them were their children. Teaching your kids about good music is as important as anything in their school’s curriculum. Friedrich Nietzsche said that “Without Music, life would be a mistake” 
and these thoughtful parents took that quote to heart. As the main event grew closer teenagers and young adults joined in yelling for Billy Idol. Both the young and old Billy Idol fans reassured me of Neil Young’s words, “Rock and Roll will never die.”
Seeing Billy Idol run out on stage like a twenty year old as the band began playing “Postcards From the Past,” I thought neither of Billy Idol. It’s not often you 59 year old with a six pack. People may have thought to themselves, “Could that be him? This man is too young!” But when you hear his voice, you know there’s no duplicating that sound. Something about pure Rock and Roll keeps the mind, body and soul of an artist young. Up next was one of his top hits “Cradle of Love.” After that Billy greeted the receptive audience and led us into the Queens of the Underground hit “Can’t Break me Down”. The heart warmed toe tapping audience who couldn’t help but sing along a bit, reassured Billy nothing could break him down. The energy we all felt from this concert told us there is no healing power like rock and roll. No form of drug or alcohol could replicate the feeling we got from this music ad we were only three songs in. Next up was another popular Generation X hit, “Dancing With Myself.” If you hadn’t heard this song or danced to it, I suggest you check your pulse. The Iroquois Amphitheater and surrounding areas within earshot of Billy’s singing were full of people singing along and dancing to the hit song as he yelled “I’m getting the chance to Louisville dance. Louisville dance!” It took a while to start “Flesh for Fantasy,” as the audience was ecstatic with applause. So far this night was everything they hoped for and much more. The applause didn’t dwindle as Steve Steven’s displayed his guitar playing prowess. Steve Stevens has been around since Billy Idol formed his own band, and is a wonder that could be replaced no easier than replacing the Grand Canyon or the Sistine Chapel. Another great guitar intro lead us into “Save Me Now.” An appropriate song, I mean, who wouldn’t want to be saved by music like this? It is one of Billy’s more beautiful songs.
“Ready Steady Go” pumped the crowd back up, bringing Billy to tell us about his love for Kentucky and being here before. He also told us he didn’t know whether or not he had been here on the Rebel Yell tour due to a wild and appalling past life. Mr. Idol is a beautiful story teller, in and out of song, connecting beautiful imagery to songs that moved the hearts of every person in that amphitheater.
Following “Eyes Without,” Steve Stevens was on his own to play a fantastic solo. With Spanish influences with a bit of Led Zeppelin overtones, and all around great display of a lifetime of practice, if Stevens isn’t on Rolling Stones list of top 100 guitarists, their editor needs a reality check!
The last hit was one the songs the audience had been waiting for; It was time for “Rebel Yell.” Every member of the band proved their worth at this point. Lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass and drums, it was a perfect combination of musical experts. After the band left the stage the audience was crying for “more, more, more.” And of course he came out and played a few more. It wouldn’t be a Billy Idol concert without a “White Wedding.” No matter how many times you’ve heard him cover Tommy James and the Shondells’ “Mony Mony” on the radio or on commercials, you’ve never heard it with a guitar solo like this rendition. Billy introduced the rest of the band, Steven McGrath-bass, Billy Morrison-rhythm guitar, Eric Eldenius, Paul Trudeau-keyboards, and of course, Steve Stevens.
The show was over. It was a whopping hour and forty-five minutes but it wasn’t enough. Not one person in that audience would object blowing off work or any familial obligations to stay there the rest of the night. It was ok, though. He would be back and we would all be waiting for him. Billy Idol is a Rock genius and an excellent showman. He spoke to us on our level and loved our town. Most of all he played a great show. I don’t know about you folks, but after this night, I’m going to make sure I own every single Billy Idol album.
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Review by Ted Darden, RockRevolt Contributor
