September 14, 2010 at House of Blues in Boston, MA
Live Photos and Live Review by Lena Lamoray
September 18, 2010
BILLY IDOL performing live with the one and only STEVE STEVENS by his side, so what could be better than that? Only that I was privileged enough to photograph it! Billy Idol was on my list of artists that I have to photograph before I die so I guess you could say I’m a huge fan. I’ve seen Billy several times live and I have to give him credit for forcing me down the path that I needed to go down. I am not going to get into details but Billy helped me become what I am today. Remember the good old days of MTV, when it actually lived up to its title, MUSIC Television? I remember it well and Billy Idol was featured on everything. You could not turn MTV on without catching a Billy Idol video and that was a wonderful time in the world of MUSIC Television. “Don’t Stop” was the first tape ever given to me and my Barbie dolls had their own dance numbers to each of the songs. Hey, I was really young at the time but even then I knew what I liked and it was and still is Billy Idol!
Billy Idol is brilliant and his music stands the test of time because it is something that you just can’t get enough of and you never grow out of it. I know I can never get enough Billy Idol in me, hmm that sounds a bit wrong but oh so right at the same time. To quote my good buddy Detective Sergeant Rick Hunter, “It works for me”. What girl does not want to put on a bodysuit and spank their ass in a Billy Idol video? That seemed to be the common go to move in several of his videos, in case you need to be reminded. Yes, Billy Idol IS rock n’ roll and no one can out sneer him.
Seeing Billy Idol live is something that everyone needs to experience at least once. Billy and Steve are such an amazing force of pure musical ecstasy. I’ve seen them together live several times and they have always been remarkable. I also went to see Steve Stevens in Vince Neil’s band several years ago and every time Steve came over to the end of the stage the girls freaked and pawed at his leg like savages. Steve has no time for a smoking break so he always incorporates it into his act and I have to admit I was a little worried about the cigarette and those vinyl pants. Steve Stevens always treats the audience to unique guitar solos right off of “Flamenco A Go-Go”, a must own album for any Stevens fan. Steve also played on my favorite Michael Jackson song of all time, “Dirty Diana”. Steve is definitely one of my absolute favorite guitar players. He switched guitars every song and even played a Hello Kitty guitar with a pink fuzzy strap. I think that guitar choice makes it clear that Steve is awesome and has a fun sense of humor.
Billy Idol is still as hot as hell and I’m not the only one that thinks so. When asked about the show one gorgeous female fan said, "the show only increased my life-long desire to make out with him" and I can’t agree with her more. Billy Idol looks like he just stepped off the cover of Men’s Health magazine with that amazing physique and don’t even get me started on those abs. Billy once said that he got them from eating strawberry ice cream but I have a feeling he was pulling our leg on that one. I would like to believe that strawberry ice cream gives you six pack abs but I am very certain that is not true. Billy Idol has such a unique and charming stage presence full of smiles, sneering and fist waiving. Billy has always had the best stage attire and he insists on teasing us with it every time. He lifts his shirt up and then pulls it down, takes it off and then puts another one on…have mercy, Billy! He even spent a whole segment conducting the audience. He found something special when he began decades ago and he has always maintained that intrigue. “Eyes Without A Face” has always been one of my favorite songs and live it was just beautiful, especially when Steve gets to his screaming guitar solo. Billy is such an exceptional vocalist and when he belted out “Rebel Yell” we all wanted “more, more, more”. Being able to photograph “Dancing With Myself” was a dream come true because that was the song that introduced me to the greatness that is Billy Idol. I am proud of myself for being able to hold my camera steady enough to get some shots. Some of my other favorite songs of the night were “Flesh For Fantasy”, “Sweet Sixteen”, “White Wedding”, “Mony Mony”, “Scream” and “Blue Highway”.
In case I have not made myself clear, I LOVE Billy Idol. He is amazing live and you really need to check him out and trust me you will not be disappointed. Billy Idol and Steve Stevens have inspired a countless number of fans, musicians and other celebrities even mention him in their day to day offerings. I know that when Billy became popular everyone wore crosses and wanted to look as cool as he did while unwrapping gauze in the “White Wedding” video. Billy Idol and Steve Stevens will forever be my favorite rock duo. Go and see Billy Idol live, RIGHT!
