Billy Idol • Joan Jett and the Blackhearts • September 5, 2025 • Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe
Billy Idol has always been the embodiment of rock and roll swagger—spiked hair, leather-clad attitude, and a sneer that became iconic in the MTV era. Decades later, he still carries that same magnetic energy on stage. His recent stop at Utah First Amphitheatre on his “It’s a Nice Day To… Tour Again! tour, proved that time has only sharpened his presence rather than diminished it. Backed by the ever-flawless Steve Stevens on guitar and a band that blended precision with raw power, Idol delivered a set that celebrated both his hits and deeper cuts, while nodding to his punk beginnings and wide-ranging influences.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
When Joan Jett and the Blackhearts take the stage, it’s clear why her music has endured for decades. From the moment she strode out, guitar slung low, the crowd was locked in. Jett’s presence is magnetic—confident, fierce, and unapologetically true to herself. Backed by her tight, road-tested band, she delivered a setlist that blended raw energy with timeless anthems.
The show kicked off with hard-hitting numbers that immediately reminded fans of her punk roots. Tracks like “Cherry Bomb” and “Do You Wanna Touch Me” pulsed with attitude, proving that Jett hasn’t lost an ounce of fire since her early days. The Blackhearts, with their driving riffs and steady rhythm section, kept the momentum high, giving every song an edge that resonated throughout the venue.
Of course, the crowd came alive when Jett launched into “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Voices filled the air, uniting generations of fans in one of rock’s most enduring sing-alongs. Equally powerful was her rendition of “Bad Reputation,” which carried the same rebellious bite as when it first hit the airwaves. Between songs, Jett kept her banter short but impactful, letting the music do most of the talking.
What stood out most was the authenticity of the performance. There was no need for flashy production or gimmicks—just gritty guitars, pounding drums, and Jett’s unmistakable rasp cutting through it all. She played with the same hunger and conviction that first made her a trailblazer, reminding everyone why she remains a rock icon.
Billy Idol
On a personal note, I thought I was going to have to miss this show. I had tickets to see Oasis in Los Angeles at the Rose Bowl the night after this show. I thought that I’d need to travel to L.A. on Friday. Thus causing me to give up my spot covering Billy Idol and open it up for someone else. After going back and forth, I finally determined that I needed to be there. I have followed Billy Idol since childhood and have never had the chance to see him. I didn’t want to miss another opportunity. I’m beyond glad that I stayed and caught this concert. The show did not disappoint in any way and I know I would have regretted missing it.
The night roared to life with “Still Dancing,” an opener that set the tone immediately. Idol bounded onto the stage with his trademark fist pumps, and the audience responded in kind, rising to their feet before the first chorus hit. That momentum carried straight into “Cradle of Love,” one of Idol’s biggest hits from the late ’80s. The song sounded as fresh as ever, with Stevens’ sharp riffs slicing through the air while Idol’s raspy vocals worked the crowd into a frenzy.
By the time “Flesh for Fantasy” rolled out, the show had already established itself as a carefully crafted journey through Idol’s catalog. The sultry groove highlighted his ability to blend menace with melody. His voice was gravely but controlled, bringing both grit and sensuality to the performance. Then came “77,” a nod to his early punk days and the rebellious spirit of the late 1970s. It was a moment that reminded fans Idol wasn’t just a pop icon—he came out of the underground, and he never forgot those roots.
Steve Stevens stepped into the spotlight for a blistering guitar solo that was equal parts technical wizardry and showmanship. His command of the instrument was mesmerizing, moving effortlessly from flamenco flourishes to face-melting rock riffs, and drawing roars of appreciation from the audience.
The energy ramped up again with Idol’s infectious cover of “Mony Mony,” a staple of his live shows. The entire venue was on its feet, shouting along to the chorus, hands raised as if it were the last song of the night. I’ll admit, I was surprised to hear this song this early in the night. But seeing how the set unfolded, it made sense. Besides, it was a perfect time to see the crowd rise to this level. The cover is one of Idol’s biggest hits. The Utah audience devoured it. They absolutely loved it.
The concert surged forward with “Too Much Fun,” a newer cut that proved Idol isn’t content to rest solely on nostalgia. He delivered it with as much conviction as his classics, and the crowd responded enthusiastically. That momentum carried into “Ready Steady Go,” a Generation X song that reconnected Idol with his punk roots and original band. It was raw, fast, and electric, with Stevens tearing into the chords like a man possessed.
Perhaps the most unexpected highlight came with “Blue Highway / Top Gun Anthem.” Idol and Stevens blended the track seamlessly, showcasing the cinematic power of their music. Stevens, who famously contributed to the “Top Gun Anthem,” gave fans goosebumps with his soaring guitar lines while Idol prowled the stage like a veteran showman, equal parts rock star and storyteller.
No Billy Idol concert would be complete without “Rebel Yell.” When the opening chords rang out, the venue shook with excitement. Idol worked the audience masterfully, stretching the chorus into a call-and-response anthem that had everyone shouting “More! More! More!” long after the final note.
Encore
After a brief pause, the encore erupted with “Dancing With Myself.” The punk-disco classic had the crowd bouncing in unison, a celebration of defiance and individuality that has lost none of its edge over the years. This was one of my favorite Billy Idol songs growing up. I can still vividly remember the music video of Idol on top of a skyscraper with people climbing the building to dance with him. We didn’t have to work that hard to get to that point. All of Utah First Amp was dancing with Billy, and it was incredible.
Idol kept the energy surging with “Hot in the City,” transforming the venue into a pulsing dance floor. I totally forgot about this song. It’s a great feeling when you think you’re remembering all the songs you’ll be hearing at a show, only to be surprised by one you forgot. This was a cool placement in the setlist, and I was so happy to hear it.
He then surprised the crowd with “People I Love,” a heartfelt number that provided a rare moment of introspection amidst the fire and fury of the set. It was a reminder that, beneath the bravado, Idol has always been capable of writing songs with emotional depth and resonance.
Finally, the night closed with the unmistakable chords of “White Wedding.” From the opening guitar riff, the audience was on its feet, fists pumping, singing every line as though it were a rallying cry. Idol’s sneer was on full display, and the band delivered the track with thunderous precision, leaving the crowd exhilarated and satisfied.
This wasn’t just a trip down memory lane. Billy Idol continues to prove himself as a dynamic live performer—equal parts punk rocker, pop star, and rock icon. With a setlist that balanced nostalgia with freshness, and a performance that oozed energy, grit, and authenticity, the night was a testament to why he remains one of the most enduring figures in rock.
I’m happy to report that I still made it to the Oasis show. Any lack of sleep in traveling to Southern California was worth staying to see Billy and worth getting to see Oasis reunited. I’m also happy to report that Billy Idol himself attended Oasis at the Rose Bowl. He gets it.
Setlist
Still Dancing
Cradle of Love
Flesh for Fantasy
77
Eyes Without a Face
Guitar Solo (Steve Stevens)
Mony Mony (Tommy James & the Shondells cover)
Love Don’t Live Here Anymore (Rose Royce cover)
Too Much Fun
Ready Steady Go (Generation X song)
Blue Highway / Top Gun Anthem
Rebel Yell
Encore:
Dancing With Myself (Generation X song)
Hot in the City
People I Love
White Wedding