PNC Pavilion

Cincinnati, OH.                                               May 6, 2023

Photos By: Tom Rentz

There are some concerts that can leave the audience feeling disconnected, either because the performers take a while to warm up or because they test new material on the crowd. Sometimes, bands lack the chemistry to spark the audience's excitement. However, Billy Idol's Saturday night show at the PNC Pavilion in Cincinnati, OH was far from such a performance. For a full 90 minutes, he captivated the sold-out venue with a powerful, straightforward show that had everyone on their feet, cheering from start to finish.

Unlike some legacy performers who rely on fancy video screens or pantomimed choreography, Billy Idol kept things simple. He appeared on stage in his black leather jacket, wasting no time before launching into "Dancing With Myself." His opening number was enough to get everyone up on their feet, and the cheering never stopped between each song.

Idol had an abundance of strut and swagger, working his way across the stage while interacting with those in the front rows. He traded his trademark sneers and pumping fists for thoughtful stories between songs. He shared personal accounts of his past motorcycle accident, as well as experiences being close to people who lost their lives to drug addiction. Meanwhile, his setlist ranged from his Generation X years, such as "One Hundred Punks," to his popular record "Rebel Yell," featuring hits like "Eyes Without A Face" and "Flesh For Fantasy," and including newer EPs "The Roadside" and "The Cage," which were released in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

Billy Idol's guitarist and writing partner, Steve Stevens, played exceptionally well, and had a killer Guitar solo a few classic Led Zeppelin tunes in it. His guitar playing was non-stop, alternating between his signature sound that pulsated through all of Idol's most well-known songs and extended feature guitar solos on an otherwise empty stage, which drove the increasingly loud cheers of the crowd. Finally, the band returned to the stage and launched into the band's biggest hits.

The set ended with "Rebel Yell," followed by an encore of "White Wedding." Idol sincerely thanked the crowd, shaking hands with many in the front row before finally leaving the stage. After nearly 90 minutes of an unforgettable and powerfully dynamic performance of his classic catalog, the audience was left wanting more.

Review By: Tom Rentz

Setlist:

1. Dancing With Myself (Generation X Song)
2. Cradle Of Love
3. Flesh For Fantasy
4. Cage
5. Speed
6. Bitter Taste
7. Eyes Without A Face
8. Steve Stevens Guitar Solo / Over The Hills And Far Away & Stairway To Heaven (Led Zeppelin Covers)
9. Mony Mony (Tommy James & The Shondells Cover)
10. Running From The Ghost
11. One Hundred Punks (Generation X Song)
12. Blue Highway / Snippet of the Top Gun Anthem
13. Rebel Yell

Encore:

14. Hot In The City

15. White Wedding

Photos By: Tom Rentz

Setlist:

1. Love Goes On
2. Goodness Gracious
3. God Knows I've Tried
4. Cover You
5. Alone (I-Ten Cover)
6. Devil On My Shoulder / Band Introductions
7. Int / Coffee Shop / Next Morning
8. Liquor Store On Mars