Billy Idol at the Mohegan Sun 2019

Billy Idol Mohegan Sun Uncasville, CT August 3, 2019

The 63-year-old Billy Idol and his band revved up the Mohegan Sun arena and the many thousands who came out in force to see the white headed boy of punk from the 80’s. Idol came out of the 90’s and is still rocking decades later.

Idol was joined by his band

Idol started the night with “Dancing With Myself” and he proved he could still hold his own and rule the stage. He performed selections from his early years with Generation X as well as many from his later decades after going solo.

Billy Idol covered the entire stage from side to side making sure everyone in the audience had a chance to interact with him and he’s never lost his trademark scowl. Wearing black leather over black he and the band had the floor audience on their feet from the first couple of songs and they never sat down. He is still high energy and so was the band.

Idol had the audience right with him as he performed “Eyes Without a Face” from his second album and 1983 double platinum release “Rebel Yell.” He also didn’t hesitate to take on some of the Doors music with his rendition of “L.A. Woman.”

While Idol exited the stage for a costume change longtime guitarist Steve Stevens stepped in for showcase of his song “Dementia.” It was blended with a bit of flamenco and a couple of notes from Led Zeppelin tunes. Steve Stevens has been with Idol through the decades after joining with him in the first solo years and the beginnings of the MTV generation of over the top music videos, and is still with Idol going into 2020.

Also joining Idol and Stevens was Billy Morrison on guitar, Erick Eldenius on drums, and Paul Trudeau on Keyboards.

The show closed with “Rebel Yell” The band then left the stage while the audience cheered for more. During “Rebel Yell” the audience gladly filled in the “more, more, more” refrain.

They reappeared for the encore of what some say is his most well known hit “White Wedding.” I think that is a must for an Idol concert ending. They fit a great deal of history into around an hour and a half and the audience seem well satisfied.

The concert was well paced plus it’s great to see a more mature Idol still out touring. The set was entertaining and he and the band have stood the test of time. I would not hesitate to see Billy Idol again and if you get the chance to see him do it.

Review by Donna Erichsen