August 16, 2024, – Bell Center, Montreal, Canada
Swearing alert! What can I say : it’s BILLY-FUCKING- IDOL! A long time fan but yet some how this is the first time I got to see him. I never could afford seats and I understand why now. With it being a completely packed to the brim sold out event. Even half way through the show the last two seats around me where filled by actual ticket holders.
You see, the last time Billy Idol was in town – I won tickets, the next day …after the show was over. Promotional issues or email delays whatever happened I missed out on the fun of a Billy Idol show. So I have been waiting to see him ever since.
See Also: Black Flag at Foufounes Electriques, Montreal
As I raced through the crowded chaos of the Bell Center halls as usual, with a couple of minutes to spare before Platinum Blond hit the stage. It was more slow platinum grey shuffle to be honest. But I made it. Those who had great seats and vantage points on the floor were conserving their energy for the man of the hour.
Platinum Blonde
It was time to take a real trip back to the eighties glam scene, and what better way to do it than with some Canadians on the bill. Fans got to rock out to a stellar setlist of hits as Platinum Blonde paraded selections from their catalogue across the Bell Center’s airwaves.
Even with many line up changes, they were still as fresh as ever. Going eight times platinum (ironic, really) on the charts before this tour was an extra treat for the resurgence of appreciation for real music.
The songs that seemed to resonate with the audience the most, were Crying Over You and Doesn’t Really Matter. They should have played longer if only there was time. I really enjoyed the energy the trio gave to warm us up for the Idol himself.
We didn’t have to wait very long in between sets as most made the biggest mad dash for the bathroom. I feel bad for some left stuck missing the beginning of Billy Idol’s set as the line was insane just a few minutes before the show was about to begin.
Billy Idol
(Do Not) Stand In The Shadows made sense as an opener. The band played with no singer to be found until he got out of those shadows and emerged to a wall of ecstatic screams. Montreal had waited long enough for this night. What a performer at sixty eight years young. When you’re as comfortable as he is there’s no need for distractions. With just a simple video montage backdrop of a reflection on his career. With help on guitar from longtime best friend Steve Stevenson and a stacked crew.
Delivery was on point with Cradle Of Love and a very naughty Flesh For Fantasy. Still sporting the same bleached blonde hair as he always has, which he eluded to later. “Don’t mess with the frock. Too important. Off limits!” he insisted. It’s that look that transformed the middle isle to the stage to a cat walk of people trying to get as close as they could for a selfie.
With all the charm and charisma and the lip snarling Idol was exuding, he needed to take a breather half way in. So Stevenson took over to deliver a great Led Zeppelin solo homage. Glad to have witnessed that, but at the same time regretting not making it out to the guitar workshop he had done a day prior to the show at Steve’s Music Store – an iconic Montreal guitar and music shop.
He went straight into the raunchy version of Mony Mony that everyone now sings. That was fun and exactly what I expected of our city. Slowing it down for a cover of Love Don’t Live Here Anymore, back up singer Kitten Kuroi joined him for an emotional rollercoaster duet. Her powerful voice brought a whole new level to the song, sadness captured onstage as he embraced her.
In 1981, Idol’s first success was here in Canada. Back in England they didn’t quite catch on until later. He gave a heartfelt thanks for being so great and giving him his break. Coming from experiencing his first New York City night after he moved to the United States. Hot In The City was inspired by a night in Hells Kitchen. Turning the temperature up and changing the lyrics to a ‘Hot Montreal Night’ got a huge reaction. It was already beyond sweltering but I don’t believe anyone cared in this moment, they were having too much fun.
Cheekily admitting he likes to tease us with that last song like a nice slow burn. Idol finally delivered his signature Rebel Yell. Montreal yelled for more at this almost midnight hour. But people weren’t that easily fooled, he couldn’t leave us hanging without a few more. The show wouldn’t be complete until I was Dancing With Myself, and about another eighteen thousand other people to Generation X Song.
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Giving a huge thanks to long time friend Stevenson and choking up a bit in the process. You can’t fake emotion here – we’ll spot the bullshit. Idol described how we influenced his life and how we made his night “So fucking great”. In return we yelled and rebelled to one last song; White Wedding. With a introduction and proper thanks to his bandmates, that made this incredible Rebel Yell Tour possible.
What a night! A night Montrealer’s won’t forget anytime soon. We want more, more, moooorrrrrreeee!
Photos: Patrick Beaudry
