Bill Idol Rocks Out in Atlantic City

August 23, 2008 – House of Blues – Atlantic City, NJ

It was a varied crowd Saturday night at Billy Idol’s show at the House of Blues. The quintessential eighties big hair female fans, the younger punk kids who appreciates good music, and the always present casino guests (that were there solely for free tickets) filled the sold out club to its capacity. I was a little perplexed at how the cornucopia crowd would react when a rock legend hit the stage, but to my surprise, the entire place surged with energy as the 53 year old English rocker opened the show with his hit single, “Dancing With Myself”. Idol had stopped in Atlantic City to promote his newest greatest hits compilation, “Idolize Yourself”.

Idol continued on with the march of hits which included “White Wedding”, “Flesh” and a tune off the new record, “John Wayne”. You couldn’t help but sing along with some of Idol’s greatest rock anthems. I have to give much commendation to the production crew for the show because the lighting looked spectacular. Using some of the newest LED lights on the market, the stage was filled like a prism with tons of color waves and effects. It was clear that you were not just seeing a concert but more so a “rock and roll show.”

Legendary rock god/guitarist Steve Stevens is still touring with Idol. Playing his guitar like an extension of his soul, you simply couldn’t have been anything but in a trance from his playing. Upside down, behind the back, on top of his head, every which way you could think of, Stevens wailed out all the hits. At 48, Stevens shows no signs of aging or slowing down, his still slays with the best of them.

Walking into the show unsure of what to think, I certainly walked out of the show with a whole new respect for Idol. If you ever have the chance to see Idol, I say dust off the jean jacket and leather pants, get liberal with the Aqua Net, and rock on with one of the greatest showmen to ever grace the stage.