Concert Review, Billy Idol live in Ottawa

Billy Idol gets the crowd going at Scotiabank Place.

Although Billy Idol was billed as a supporting act for Def Leppard on this evening, there were no doubt many in attendance just as excited to see this 80’s icon perform. Billy Idol performed for a little over and hour to a full house and had the crowd on their feet for much of the performance, so rather than simply mention him as an opening act in my Def Leppard concert review, I thought he was worthy of an individual post.

At some concerts the supporting act does not play to a full capacity, but everyone was seated on this night in time to watch both bands perform. The lights dimmed and somewhere from behind the stage Idol screamed a “Hello Ottawa, Billy Idol is coming and all hell is coming with me!” The crowd cheered as his band appeared, including his long time guitarist Steve Stevens, and they began to play Rock the Cradle of Love. Idol appeared to a large ovation and got the night going. Once everyone applauded and cheered Idol’s appearance, the opening number didn’t do much to excite the crowd. This was one of Idol’s post 80’s singles, and no doubt had far less nostalgic appeal than what was yet to come. The second number of the night, Dancing With Myself, got the crowd moving and singing along instantly.

Billy Idol played mostly familiar music much to the delight of the crowd. Included were hits White Wedding, Flesh for Fantasy, Eyes Without a Face, Rebel Yell and covers Mony Mony and LA Woman. He did throw in a few less familiar numbers throughout the night including John Wayne, from his newest greatest hits package and Ready, Set, Go from his days a part of Generation X. Although, I believe this song has been a part of his set list for some time and the crowd responded well to it.

The song I was looking forward to the least probably had the most entertainment value of the evening. Oh how I dreaded hearing Mony Mony. I never liked this song thanks to many weddings I have been to and have been forced to dance with Great Aunt So-and-So as everyone screamed Hey Mother……you know the line. However, when this song was performed the crowd was on their feet and singing along. Idol left the stage and went into the crowd. It went like this, Billy sang, “Here she comes now singing Mony Mony” – passed his mic to a member of the audience who then sang the infamous unofficial line of the song. He kept walking around the audience doing this for the rest of the song, all of which could be viewed on two of the large screens suspended above. It made for some very funny moments and a great part of the show.

Another show highlight was the performance of White Wedding. We were treated to a stripped down acoustic version of this song with just Idol and Steve Stevens on the stage. But fear not for those who wanted to hear the rockin’ version of this hit, about half way through Stevens traded his acoustic for an electric and the rest of the band joined in to proceed with the song as we remembered it in the 80s.

Idol has not changed much over the years. He has aged a little (just a little), but he looked to be in great shape and can still hold his own on the vocals. He had the crowd into that night and gave an awesome performance.