Still Dancing Billy Idol Rocks Wembley with Timeless Swagger
- Alan Bryce
- Jun 28
- 4 min read
OVO Arena in London – 24th June 2025
IMAGES / WORDS ALAN BRYCE
Billy Idol has remained a prominent figure in the music world since his debut with Generation X in 1976, building a nearly 50-year career marked by both challenges and triumphs. After launching his solo career with his self-titled debut in 1982—which featured hits like Hot in the City and White Wedding—Idol quickly followed with the acclaimed Rebel Yell in 1983, producing enduring tracks such as Eyes Without a Face and Flesh for Fantasy. He continued his success through the ’80s with Whiplash Smile and into the ’90s with Charmed Life, which included the hit Cradle of Love, though a serious motorcycle accident shortly after recording nearly ended his life. His 1993 experimental album Cyberpunk received mixed reviews, prompting a step back from the spotlight, aside from occasional performances and an iconic cameo in The Wedding Singer (1998). A 2001 reunion with longtime collaborator Steve Stevens led to 2005’s Devil’s Playground, and after a holiday album in 2006, Idol returned in 2014 with Kings & Queens of the Underground, supported by a major tour. Remaining active, he has since collaborated with artists like Miley Cyrus, Avril Lavigne, and Yungblud, affirming his relevance across generations.
In 2023, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2025. That same year, Idol released Dream Into It, his first studio album in 11 years, featuring collaborations with Joan Jett and Avril Lavigne. With generally favorable reviews and a new single, Dance Into It, Idol launched the It’s a Nice Day to Tour Again tour across the U.S. and Europe, proving that his enduring legacy still burns bright.
As part of his latest tour, Billy Idol appeared at the OVO Arena in London, supported by the legendary English rock band New Model Army. Formed in 1980, they were a perfect and musically complementary choice for Idol. Despite numerous lineup changes over the years, the band has released 16 studio albums—the latest, Unbroken, arriving in 2024. Their 12-song set pulled tracks from nine of those albums, offering a well-balanced mix for longtime fans and new listeners alike.
Idol hit the stage to rapturous applause from a packed OVO Arena, opening with Still Dancing—the debut single from his 2025 album. Catchy, punchy, and self-aware, it served as a reminder that Idol is, indeed, still dancing. This was followed by two fan-favourite classics, Cradle of Love and Flesh for Fantasy, before he returned to new material, including the single 77. The set then flowed seamlessly into Eyes Without a Face, during which longtime collaborator Steve Stevens delivered a stunning guitar solo—one that reminded the crowd just how underrated he truly is.
The rest of the main set struck a strong balance between old and new, including Idol’s famous cover of Mony Mony, first recorded in the ’80s and included on his 1988 greatest hits album. A standout moment was a fantastic rendition of the Rolling Stones’ Gimme Shelter, before the set closed with a massive audience singalong to Rebel Yell—clearly spontaneous, and clearly joyful.
As the band left the stage, the audience stayed on their feet, cheering for more—and they weren’t disappointed. Idol returned and introduced longtime friend and former Generation X bandmate Tony James, joining him to perform Ready Steady Go and Dancing With Myself, the latter of which gained fame from Idol’s own debut solo album. After James exited, Idol brought the show full circle with Hot in the City and crowd-pleaser White Wedding—a euphoric end to a hit-filled night, with the entire arena dancing and singing along.
This show felt like a homecoming for Idol, who was born just a mile up the road in Stanmore. He referenced his roots warmly, clearly still connected to the place that shaped him. Idol performed with unmatched confidence and swagger, shaped not only by decades of experience but by his battles with health and addiction—battles he has clearly overcome. Few artists from his era have stayed as consistent and compelling.
Looking around, it was striking how broad his appeal remains. The audience spanned generations—young and old—proof that Idol still resonates far beyond the nostalgia crowd. Nearly 50 years in, he remains passionate, relevant, and true to both himself and his fanbase.
It’s inspiring to see. There’s genuine love for Billy Idol and his music—evident not only at Wembley but also earlier this month at BludFest. Long may it continue.
What a pleasure it was to witness Billy Fkn Idol. Until next time!
SET LIST
Still Dancing
Cradle of Love
Flesh for Fantasy
77
Too Much Fun
Eyes Without a Face
Steve Stevens Guitar Solo
Mony Mony
(Tommy James & the Shondells cover)
Dream Into It
Gimme Shelter
(The Rolling Stones cover)
People I Love
Blue Highway
Rebel Yell
Encore:
Ready Steady Go
(Generation X song) (with Tony James)
Dancing With Myself
(Generation X song) (with Tony James)
Hot in the City
White Wedding
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