Starting out in London’s Punk Rock scene during the late ‘70s, Billy Idol would go onto become one of the biggest Rock artists in the ‘80s era. Someone who has an ever-distinctive snarl to his singing voice, Idol’s image is equally attached to him as the music. Sort of a Punk Rock Elvis, he would capture audiences with a tremendous stage presence, raw energy, but most of all, some really great songs.
In fact, his songs are a massive part of Rock-n-Roll history; this includes hits such as 1982’s “White Wedding,” as well as 1983’s “Rebel Yell” and “Eyes Without a Face.” Songs that transcend time, Idol has continued to rock and roll through the decades, last putting out his impressive EP The Cage in 2022. An EP that developed out of frustration of forced isolation during the COVID lockdowns, it marked Idols’ second consecutive EP after 2021’s The Roadside.
Now in 2023, Idol continues to push forward with the unique new live release Billy Idol: State Line. Released to both Blu-ray and DVD on December 15th via MVD Entertainment, it marks Idol’s fourth live home video format to be offered to fans behind 2002’s VH1 Storytellers, 2009’s In Super Overdrive Live, and 2011’s No Religion Live (documented from the 1993 Tour). All great releases, what stands out about 2023’s Billy Idol: State Line is how different it truly is. In fact, it is maybe one of the most unique concert experiences ever captured on video. In the past, artists have recorded concerts in exotic places – including Collective Soul in Morocco, Goo Goo Dolls in Alaska – but how many have done so within the heart of Hoover Dam? The answer is none… that was until Billy Idol came along.
Quite historic, Billy Idol was given access to the pedestrian restricted area to host a very exclusive concert in front of 250 fans back in April of 2023. As part of an effort to support an ongoing effort to promote the importance of water conservation, Idol performed a 16-song set; including all his classics and some newer tracks. A show full of adrenaline, some guests on stage included The Sex Pistols’ Steve Jones, The Kills’ Alison Mosshart, and No Doubt’s Tony Kanal.
Very cool indeed, it should not be overlooked at all that long-time Guitarist Steve Stevens was apart of this, along with other killer musicians such as Erik Eldenius (drums), Stephen McGrath (bass), Billy Morrison (guitar), Paul Trudeau (keyboards), along with Kitten Kuroi (backing vocals) and Maiya Sykes (backing vocals). In fact, the band sounds extremely tight and the passion put into it is vividly visual. Furthermore, the production of the concert film itself is second to none. This is thanks to some really great angled shots of the performance, all backdropped by the wondrous hoover dam, fit with superb visual quality.
These factors all in mind, beyond the actual concert itself, what truly makes this a must watch is the care put into the surrounding content. Idol, someone who clearly appreciates and respects history, does a fine job of narrating the history behind Hoover Dam, thus making this more of an educational experience than one would think. Something for all generations – especially younger ones who seem to be getting less and less cultural history in the educational curriculum these days – it is really quite stimulating. Beyond this, there is also a bonus feature of Idol and Stevens traveling all the way down to record to the roof of the powerhouse directly at the foot of Hoover Dam to perform an acoustic set.
In all, Billy Idol: State Line is more than another concert DVD/ Blu-ray, it is a piece of Rock-n-Roll history. Something you will absolutely want to check out, it is highly recommended to pick up the physical format to add to your collection. Something different and refreshing, Cryptic Rock gives the Billy Idol: State Line release 5 out of 5 stars.
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