Billy Idol delivers a powerful and high energy performance at Nashville’s legendary Ryman Auditorium with The London Souls
It’s been almost a decade since Billy Idol’s last studio album but 2014’s release of Kings and Queens of the Underground might be one of his best. Billy along with longtime guitarist, collaborator and friend Steve Stevens have been on an extensive European and North American  tour in support of the album much to the delight of his huge fan base and the Sold Out Ryman Auditorium crowd.
As the Ryman house lights fall a loud cheer fills the room and everyone is immediately up and on their feet, Billy runs out, stands on top of the monitor risers and launches into his opening song “postcards from the past†from their new album. Without pausing Billy rolls into 80’s favorite “cradle of Love†and another new song “Can’t break me down†and Bang, Bang, Bang the show is off to a rocket-fast start
The evenings set included a little something for ardent long time Billy Idol fans as well as newer fans as they performed a couple of Generation X songs “Dancing with Myself†and “Ready Steady Goâ€, a couple more new songs from Kings and Queens of the Underground  including the awesome single “Save Me Now†and “Whiskey and Pills†and hit songs from the Rebel Yell album “Flesh for Fantasy,†“Eyes Without a Face†and “Blue Highwayâ€. Billy, Steve, and the group seemed to really be having a great time on stage as there were smiles and numerous fist pumps. The crowd was also really into the performance, pouring out energy, dancing and singing along with most of the songs.
Throughout the evening Billy was tossing items into the crowd including autographed plates with stickers, autographed drumsticks, numerous signed set lists even the signed shirt off of his back after he performed “Whiskey and Pillsâ€. Steve’s guitar solo also deserves a mention as a memorable moment of the evening with flavors of “Roundabout†(his longtime tribute to friend and Yes guitarist Chris Squire) and “Stairway to Heaven†mixed in.
Billy Idol closed out the main set with the ever popular rock anthem “Rebel Yellâ€. In the middle of the song Billy was slowly moving across the stage egging the crowd to join him in the chant “Do you feel Alright, I feel Alright, Do you feel Alrightâ€. It was a great show moment!
Before launching into the shows two encore songs Billy takes a moment to thank everyone in attendance for “making his life so f’n great†also thanking Steve for also “making his life so great†as well. With just the two of them now on stage, Steve plays the first chords of “White Wedding†and the crowd goes crazy. It’s a special moment, Steve and Billy continue to play and sing more than half of the song before the rest of the band joins in.
Billy finished off the evening with the Tommy James and the Shondels cover of “Mony Mony†capping off an outstanding and memorable evening of rock in classic Billy Idol Fashion!
With the house Lights up Billy introduced the other members of the band before high-fiving those at the front of the stage and signing a few of the posters and album covers that were handed to him. Touring with Billy Idol and Steve Stevens are Stephen McGrath – bass, Billy Morrison – rhythm guitar, Erik Eldenius – drums and Paul Trudeau – keyboards.
Opening the evening was New York City-based The London Souls. This Duet of Tash and Chris performed a 30 minute set of classic hard-hitting high energy rock and roll with powerful drums and wild guitars that started the evening on the right foot.
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Billy Idol
The London Souls
The Ryman Auditorium