Billy Idol Ignites Austin with ‘Rebel Yell’ and Raw Rock Energy at 69
Who needs the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame when Billy Idol is still out here delivering arena-shaking, shirt-peeling, guitar-scorching performances like he did Sunday night at the Moody Center in Austin? The punk-rock provocateur brought every ounce of his trademark snarl, sneer, and sex appeal to a crowd ready to relive the glory days—and hear what’s next.
Joan Jett kicked things off with a bang, but it was Idol’s entrance to “Still Dancing” from his fresh LP Dream Into It that launched the night into high gear. From there, he cranked out “Cradle of Love” and “Flesh for Fantasy,” setting the tone for a night where the past met the present in perfect harmony. With Steve Stevens’ guitar wizardry slicing through the air and a dazzling stage setup that pulsed with every beat, Idol offered more than just a nostalgia trip—he delivered a full-throttle rock spectacle.
At 69, Idol’s stamina and stage command were nothing short of awe-inspiring. Trading his black tee and red leather jacket for a stripped-down red vest that showed off his still-solid physique, he played the crowd like a seasoned showman. When he introduced “77,” his new track with Avril Lavigne, he winked, “I’m still young. I still got what you need.” Judging by the crowd’s reaction, he wasn’t wrong.
New cuts like “People I Love” fit seamlessly alongside hits like “Hot in the City” and the iconic “White Wedding,” which saw the crowd screaming the “Start again!” line like it was 1982 all over again. Idol also shared personal stories—drunken nights with the Stones, the bourbon bottle that birthed “Rebel Yell,” and the pop roots of “Ready Steady Go”—giving fans a glimpse into the wild ride behind the music.
Though his voice occasionally wavered, Idol’s charisma and Stevens’ fiery fretwork more than compensated. The guitarist, celebrating his 66th birthday, shredded solos and shot sonic laser beams across the venue, electrifying every corner of the room.
Billy Idol’s Austin set wasn’t just a concert—it was a reminder that rock and roll doesn’t age, it evolves. And as long as Idol’s howling into the mic, the rebel spirit stays alive.
