Billy Idol's Rebel Yell Echoes Through London's Budweiser Gardens

Dan Savoie

Billy Idol

Billy Idol, the sneering, snarling, fist-pumping prince of punk, brought his rebel yell to the Budweiser Gardens in London, Ontario on August 14, 2024, and left the crowd wanting more.. more… more! At 68 years young, Idol proved he’s still got the moves, the grooves, and the attitude that made him a rock ‘n’ roll icon.

Idol first made waves as the lead singer of Generation X before embarking on a solo career that would define the sound and style of the 1980s. With his peroxide blonde hair, leather jacket, and permanent sneer, Idol became the face of a new breed of rock star – one who blended the raw energy of punk with the glossy sheen of pop.

Joining Idol on this leg of his Rebel Yell Canada 2024 tour were Canadian rock legends Platinum Blonde. The band, inducted into the Canadian Walk of Fame, delivered a punchy setlist of their most memorable hits, setting the stage for Idol’s explosive performance.

Taking the stage to a deafening roar from the crowd, Idol launched into a 15-song set that spanned his incredible four-decade career. The setlist was a perfect mix of classic hits and deep cuts from his 1983 masterpiece, Rebel Yell, which celebrated its 40th anniversary this year.

Backed by his longtime band, including guitar virtuoso Steve Stevens, Idol’s energy was infectious. He strutted, snarled, and swaggered his way through each song, his voice still packing the same punch that made him a star all those years ago.

Stevens, Idol’s collaborator of over 40 years, was given ample opportunity to shine. He performed several jaw-dropping guitar interludes, including snippets from Led Zeppelin’s “Over the Hills and Far Away” and Van Halen’s classic epic “Eruption”. His mastery of the instrument was on full display, leaving the audience in awe.

Visually, the show was just as impressive as the music. A massive 3D video screen served as the backdrop, with the set changing to match the mood and theme of each song. The effect was immersive, transporting the audience into Idol’s world of rebellion and rock ‘n’ roll.

Highlights of the night included a rousing rendition of “Rebel Yell,” which had the entire arena on their feet and singing along. Idol’s signature hit “White Wedding” was another crowd-pleaser, with the audience joining in on the iconic “It’s a nice day to start again” refrain.

Idol also paid tribute to his punk roots, performing a couple of Generation X songs that had the old-school fans in the crowd nodding their heads in appreciation. It was a reminder that, beneath the glossy veneer of his solo success, Idol has always been a punk at heart.

Dan Savoie

Platinum Blonde

Platinum Blonde is the perfect complement to Idol’s rebellious spirit. The band delivered a high-energy set that had the crowd dancing and singing along. The band’s classic hits, like “Standing in the Dark” and “Doesn’t Really Matter,” sounded as fresh and vibrant as ever. They also treated fans to their newest single, “Wired,” a testament to their enduring creativity and relevance in the Canadian rock scene.

As the night drew to a close, the crowd was left buzzing with the kind of electricity that only true rock ‘n’ roll can generate. Idol and Platinum Blonde had delivered a one-two punch of nostalgia and raw, unbridled energy that left everyone craving more. It was a reminder that, in a world of manufactured pop stars and soulless radio hits, there’s still nothing quite like the power of live rock ‘n’ roll.

All photos by Dan Savoie

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