This year, Billy Idol was a first-time nominee on the ballot for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But when the list of final inductees for the Class of ’25 was announced last week, the pride of Stanmore, England was not among those so anointed.
Nevertheless, Idol is currently having a moment: He’s kicked off the “It’s a Nice Day To…Tour Again” run of dates with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts; just released Dream Into It, his first album of new material in more than a decade; and is prepping for the summer release of a career-spanning documentary, cheekily titled Billy Idol Should Be Dead as a nod to his checkered past and seeming nine lives.
On this Houston stop, the second date of the tour, Idol put on a strong, forceful show just crackling with energy. And one that covered all the bases: the hits, deep cuts, covers, and new material.
Standouts from his ‘80s/’90s catalog included a lusty “Cradle of Love,” serrated-edged “Rebel Yell” (inspired, he told the crowd, by the Rolling Stones bourbon of choice at a long-ago party he attended), swinging “Dancing with Myself,” and powerhouse closer “White Wedding”—which inspired full-throated audience participation.
But it wasn’t just a nostalgia show. Nearly a third of the set list was new music culled from Dream Into It. The semi-autobiographical album follows the trajectory of your average Behind the Music doc (ironically, Idol’s own 2001 episode was one of the series’ most memorable).
Young Billy grows up in the UK’s rough-and-tumble punk scene. Achieves worldwide fame and success early. Cue the heavy drugs-and-booze consumption, near-death episodes, groupie roulette, and failings as a romantic partner and parent.
Then comes redemption and a cleaning up of his act in middle age. And now a still spiky-haired elder statesmen (and three-time grandparent) with many regrets enjoying “regular” life. With a sorry/not sorry condemnation and celebration of his naughty (but really fun) past.
Of those songs, set opener “Still Dancing,” “Too Much Fun,” and “77” were all far superior in these live versions than their studio counterparts, with the latter being most transformed from the punk pop duet with Avril Lavigne on record to a hard rock tour de force onstage. And Idol seemed sincere when discussing the title track and how it reflects his feelings about his life and career.
Fans of Idol’s early band, Generation X, got a pogo-friendly “Ready Steady Go” (the first song he ever wrote, with bandmate Tony James) and inspired by the British TV live music show. The group also recorded the first version of “Dancing with Myself.”
Throughout, Idol seemed to be genuinely enjoying himself, certainly making use of the entire stage and was in fine voice. Unfortunately, his vocal mic was mixed too low during some numbers, making him hard to hear while singing or understood while speaking.
Visually, the large, tall screen behind the band showcased a lot of very cool visual effects, often with a city scene, scaffolding, or mechanical dystopia of the future.
His five-man band and two women backup singers jelled well. And of course, the star here was Idol’s longtime guitarist/collaborator and head shredder, Steve Stevens. His several solos likely had guitar nerds drooling. One of the show’s surprises was a cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter,” Idol duetting with one of powerhouse singers whose name I could not quite get.
And while Idol will probably have another shot at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Joan Jett is already enshrined in that glass pyramid in Cleveland, along with the “classic” lineup of the Blackhearts (Ricky Byrd, Gary Ryan, Lee Crystal) and manager/producer/songwriter Kenny Laguna.
Idol mentioned during his set that he first met Jett in 1978 when both attended a Dead Kennedys show in Los Angeles. She and the current Blackhearts, Dougie Needles (guitar), Michael McDermott (drums) and Hal B. Selzer (bass) were all taut energy clad in black.
(Sorry kids—and photographer Violeta Alvarez—Joan Jett did not allow any photographs during her set. Perhaps because that facial plastic surgery has not aged well).
Highlights included “Cherry Bomb” (from her time with teen all-girl group the Runaways),” “Fake Friends,” 2013 deep cut “Different,” a shimmering “Crimson and Clover” (her hit cover of the Tommy James and the Shondells tune), and a snarling “I Hate Myself for Loving You.” Few singers do anger and repudiation better than Joan Jett.
Kudos also for her cover of the Replacements’ “Androgynous,” a tune she said she especially loved for both its sound and message. Putting her guitar down to just sing, she was clearly animated and into it, coming to full fruition after a somewhat disengaged start.
Overall, the perfectly-matched bill made for a stellar kick off to the Pavilion’s season of rock shows. And proof that Billy Idol will eventually punch his ticket to Cleveland soon.
Fun Fact 1: The headliner was born with the name William Broad. He adopted his stage name when chemistry teacher in school wrote on his report card “William is IDLE.”
Fun Fact 2: Joan Jett’s signature tune, “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” is not an original tune. It’s a remake of a 1975 song written and performed by British band The Arrows. Hear it HERE.
Overheard in the Crowd:
ME: Billy Idol is wearing a Billy Idol T-shirt.
BILLY “LADDIE BOY” RYAN, MY +1: Does that make him meta?
Woodlands Pavilion Report Card: Lots of interestng new menu items this season at concessions, and video screens have been upgraded with great picture quality improvement. There’s even some new camera angles, including one from the back of the stage looking out. Not a fan of the app-only Ticketmaster tickets replacing printed ones. Had to keep pulling it up on the phone every time I left and returned to my seat.
Let’s Get Physical: The 69-year-old Idol and 66-year-old Jett are amazing physical specimens, both trim and in great shape. Idol even went shirtless at one point. I need to do more sit ups.
Random Notebook Dump: Shout out to the sweet 15/16 year-old-couple in Section 103, Row P slow dancing during “Eyes Without a Face” and bopping during “Mony Mony.” Young love is alive. Even to crusty, jaded, middle-aged music journalists.
SET LISTS
Billy Idol
Still Dancing
Cradle of Love
Flesh for Fantasy
77
Too Much Fun
Eyes Without a Face
Steve Stevens Guitar Solo
Mony Mony
Dream Into It
Gimme Shelter
Ready, Steady, Go
Blue Highway
Steve Stevens Guitar Solo
Rebel Yell
Encore
Dancing With Myself
Hot in the City
People I Love
White Wedding
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
Change the World
Cherry Bomb
Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)
You Drive Me Wild
If You’re Blue
Different
Fake Friends
Lie to Me
Androgynous
Love is Pain
Everyday People
I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll
Crimson & Clover
I Hate Myself for Loving You
Bad Reputation
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2025.
