When two legends come together for a co-headline tour and it’s done right, it’s a special thing. That was the case and more when punk royalty united in Billy Idol and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts for It’s a Nice Day to…Tour Again, making a stop at Noblesville’s Ruoff Music Center.
After Joan Jett wrapped up a set that fell right in line with the stunning and perfected set she’s been known for the last 40 years, getting the party started and the crown primed for Billy Idol.
After a short wait, the lights went down and the English punk icon- Billy Idol himself took the stage as a giant red LED silhouette appeared on the video screen behind the band.
Although nearing 70 years old, Idol didn’t show any sign of aging, as he ran and jumped around the stage like it was 1985 all over again.
Idol, a true showman and front man, took the opening song of “Still Dancing” to walk around the stage and interact with every member of his band, from guitarist Steve Stevens down to the backup singers, showing that it isn’t all about just the name on the marquee.
It was a party in the crowd, with little kids air drumming, girls jumping and screaming when Idol took off the shirt underneath his leather jacket and fans drinking and singing at the top of their lungs.
Signature fist-pumping and leather jacket in tow, Billy Idol threw in all the hits and a cover of “Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones to follow up “Mony Mony,” which got even more people dancing and partying in the crowd.
Billy Idol isn’t slowing down any time soon and proved in Noblesville that he’s still one of the greatest performers in all of rock and roll. It was truly one of the biggest parties of the Summer and shows that good music transcends generations. It was like going back in time to the 1980’s and a night that anyone in attendance will remember and talk about for months to come.
-Reggie Edwards