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Billy Idol and Joan Jett Are Hot in the City of Nashville
by Rich and Laura Lynch
Billy Idol along with Joan Jett were hot in the city of Nashville, Tennessee on May 17, 2025. Their gig at the Bridgestone Arena was one of many stops for this pairing who will be on the road through September.
A fist-pumping Billy Idol was in fine form all night long in Nashville.
Billy Idol hails from England and is an actor, singer and songwriter. In the 1970's he was the lead singer of the punk rock band Generation X. He moved to New York City in the early 1980's and his solo career took off when he collaborated with guitarist Steve Stevens.
His self-titled debut in 1982 was a commercial success thanks in part to the then-new music channel MTV. A visual artist like Idol was an ideal fit for the nascent media outlet. Since then, he has toured consistently around the world and continues to create new music. Billy released both The Roadside EP in 2021 and The Cage EP in 2022 on Dark Horse Records - earning him praise from fans and media alike.
Steve Stevens put his guitar god credentials on display at the Bridgestone Arena.
Joan Jett is often referred to as the "Godmother of Punk". She paved the way for other female guitarists to be front and center. Joan first gained recognition for her work in the all-female band the Runaways. The girls went their separate ways in 1979.
Joan then founded the independent label Blackheart Records and formed her backing band the Blackhearts. At that time a women fronting an all-male rock band was rare but with albums and singles going gold there was no denying the force that is Joan Jett. Today, Blackheart is a successful entertainment company producing music, film and television while supporting emerging artists. Joan Jett & the Blackhearts frequently travel the globe with headlining shows alongside fellow rock legends like Billy Idol.
At the Bridgestone, Billy declared that he is still doing what he does best and that is to put on an engaging and energizing show with the opening number "Still Dancing". Next, "Cradle of Love" rocked with rousing riffs from Billy’s longtime collaborator Steve. The gifted guitarist had a number of spotlight moments including a quick tribute to Led Zepplin ending with a bit of "Eruption" (Van Halen). Stevens and the rest of Billy's band provided solid support all night. Lighting and visuals were also utilized so that the whole "It's a Nice Day To ... Tour Again" performance was a lot more than just nice.
It really was a nice day to tour again in the 615.
With another nod to the past, Idol took his jacket off to expose his flesh during "Flesh for Fantasy" while "77" was a newer number. It was catchy and satisfying as was "Too Much Fun" - an ode to a rebellious lifestyle. Billy described "Dream Into It" as the landscape of his life while thanking fans for the fact that his recent material has been charting just like "Eyes Without a Face" did many years ago. Yet, time appears to have treated Idol well. He is still able to pull off black leather and spiky hair. He also worked the stage the whole night drawing folks in with his charisma and signature snarl thus giving fans their "Mony Mony's" worth.
"Love Don't Live Here Anymore" featured the sexy back-up singer Kitten Kuroi sharing lead vocals with Idol who then went even further into his past with "Ready Steady Go" from his Generation X days. As expected, "Rebel Yell" was riveting as was the power packed conclusion consisting of "Dancing With Myself", "Hot in the City" flowing into the more reflective "People I Love" where Billy confessed to missing important moments in the lives of those who mean the most to him. Idol ended the night with a celebratory "White Wedding" before fans walked the aisle to exit the arena as Broadway blared in the background.
Steve Stevens and Billy Idol both had nice things to say about each other in Nashville.
Joan Jett has plenty to celebrate too with a catalogue that keeps fans coming back for more year after year. Like Billy she still favors an iconic look that projects a punk rock attitude. She opened with a message to "Change The World" followed by the catchy "Cherry Bomb" from her Runaway days. Fans happily sang along to the seductive pairing of "Do You Want to Touch Me (Oh Yeah)" and "You Drive Me Wild". The latter - Jett said from the stage - was one of the first songs she penned early in her career.
"If You're Blue" was a newer number while "Different" dealt with feelings of not belonging. "Fake Friends" and "Lie To Me" was directed to those who have done her wrong. Joan simply stated that she could relate to "Androgenous" (The Replacements) while "Love is Pain" circled back to turbulent relationships.
Billy and his band brought all the nostalgic glory you could ask for and more in Nashville.
Jett reminded fans in Nashville that there are very few artists in the world who can boast a similar formidable closing four-pack as she did from her Demonbreun adjacent vantage point. Joan concluded her set with fan favorites including a rousing "I Love Rock 'n' Roll", a compelling "Crimson & Clover", a lively "I Hate Myself for Loving You" and the bold "Bad Reputation" that proved her Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame membership remains in good standing.
Billy Idol and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts were both hot in the city of Nashville with the Bridgestone Arena successfully hosting yet another winning night of music. Please visit their website for a full list of upcoming events.
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Joan Jett opened the show in Music City.
Related Links:
For more information on BILLY IDOL and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -
Billy Idol |
Joan Jett |
Billy Idol Is Anything But Idle in Nashville |
Bridgestone Arena
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