Okay. I was asked to start another entire thread involving the career of the one and only Billy Idol. Needless to say, the new album is wonderful, but let's dig deeper than that. Would anyone like to share their favorite BI album? Least favorite album? Does anyone have any found memories of seeing him perform live? Any fans of the Generation X material? Any thoughts?
Library Jon
The last time I saw him live was the tour after his road accident. He walked on stage on crutches but flung them into the crowd. It was obviously a joke as he 'rocked out' all night.
Remember Generation X on a few Top of the Pops. Not sure what market they aimed for as I didn't think they met the 'punk' criteria. Remember thinking he was just an Elvis wannabe!
Moving to the USA was obviously a good career move. I liked Hot in the City but not Mony Mony. I only started to take interest around the Flesh for Fantasy/White Wedding period & became hooked.
I didn't rate his concept album except the single Shock to the System, however I believe his fans consider it to be an underated gem!
Whilst writing this I am getting the urge to listen to his 12" remix album!!!!
His autobiography is on my xmas list. Glanced it in WH Smith's & he references YES on a few occasions!
Rebel Yell is a fantastic album. The great thing is all the songs all sound totally different from each other. If you mixed out the vocals, or overdubbed other singers, you might not guess that Daytime Drama, Catch My Fall, The Dead Next Door, Do Not Stand In The Shadows and Blue Highway were all by the same band.
I remember when the first Bozzio/Levin/Stevens album came out, I saw a review that described Steve Stevens as "Billy Idol's guitarist, but don't let that stop you from hearing this album". Stop me?! That's half the reason I wanted to hear the album, because I'm a big SS fan, and am always happy to have more opportunities to hear his guitar work.
New album?
Billy Idol: an OK artist, not someone whose music I feel any great need to own. At least he writes (some of) his own stuff, so he is more than an "Elvis wannabe".
The song, "Summer Running", from Devil's Playground, is one of the best Idol songs, in my opinion. The calm acoustics leading into the thunderous middle section, returning to the calmness is perfect!
Rebel Yell is my favorite album of his. It is also in my top 20 all-time. Not a clunker on the disc!Originally Posted by GuitarGeek
When Billy Idol had his motorcycle accident, I was dating this girl who would babysit his son, Willem, at times. One day she asked if I could pick her up from his house. It was Easter Sunday and Billy had just returned from a week of physical therapy. He was the one who actually buzzed me in through his gates. When I drove up the driveway, he walked out of the house to greet me. He was wearing a smoking jacket and sweat pants and had to use a cane to get around. He was very cool. He gave me a few guitar picks and we chatted about his music. Great day, as I didn't expect him to be home at the time. Good times!
In 2004, I was in rehearsals with Tears For Fears at a sound stage that housed many rehearsal rooms. We were gearing up for Inland Invasion, which is a festival held by L.A. radio station KROQ. I arrived at the studio one day and, as I am getting out of my car, Billy speeds into the next parking stall. He jumps out and says, "Hey, I fucken know you, don't I?" I recounted the Easter Sunday encounter and he definitely remembered me. The reason he was so anxious to get into the parking space was that he ran over some junk on the road and he heard a clanking sound from underneath the car. He and I got under his BMW to then remove some plastic stuff that had gotten stuck. Turns out he was in the rehearsal room next door, rehearsing for the same festival. Small world!
As for Steve Stevens… I liked his Atomic Playboys. I still play that CD every year or so.
Great stories. What is it that you do that you meet rock stars like that, if you don't mind me asking?What is to be said of Steve Stevens solo material? I do own both of the B/L/S albums, but that is it.
Library Jon
There doesn't appear to be any quality DVD releases?
The deluxe version of the "Rebel Yell" album is worth considering as it has 5 great bonus tracks on it. It can be bought on Amazon Marketplace for $4 plus shipping in "new" form. Excellent.
Library Jon
A few years ago I was messing around and remixing the song "Rebel Yell". I am nowhere near finished. Still needs some effects and song separation in places. I eliminated some keys to be drastic and give it a demo/raw feel. I might jump back in and mess with it some more:
http://www.studiogruno.com/vital/17R...auresRemix.mp3
…and an instrumental version:
http://www.studiogruno.com/vital/18R...entalremix.mp3
I had forgotten that Steve Stevens played guitar on Vince Neil's (singer-Motley Crue) first solo album during the early 90s. Most of it really did not do much for me, but there were a few good songs.
Library Jon
Steve Stevens also won a Grammy (or an Oscar, I forget which) for playing guitar on the instrumental theme from the movie Top Gun.
Note: I think my proofreading skills are improving! I initially typed "Top Gear" and then just before hitting send, I realized my error!
A great instrumental disc is Steve Stevens' Flamenco-a-Go-Go.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flamenco_a_Go-Go
http://www.amazon.com/Flamenco-Go-St.../dp/B00004NHAB
The title track has some techno vibes, but the rest is pretty good. Definitely check out "Our Man In Istanbul" (although this video is fan-made)
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