Billy Idol Rocks The Cradle Of Love At Cruel World Festival

The classic beginning guitar riff to Dancing With Myself danced over the crowd, exciting thousands of fans, as Billy Idol took the stage at Cruel World Festival on Brookside Golf Course at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California last Saturday.

Billy Idol played the third to last set of the night. Two of his biggest hits, Cradle of Love and Flesh for Fantasy sounded particularly great as the crowd sang along. Cage, Idol’s most recent release, sounded incredible live and is arguably some of his best work since Charmed Life. Eyes Without a Face has captivated fans for decades and found a particularly welcoming home in the hearts of Gen Z-ers following its popularity on TikTok. Steve Stevens, Idol’s guitarist, enticed fans with his electrifying guitar solo. Stevens’ clean chops remain unerring and his execution and stage presence remain flawless.

Idol played his acclaimed cover of Tommy James And The Shondells’ Mony Mony which was, meh, neither here nor there. In a set already jam-packed with hits, it seemed as if this song could have been left off the setlist. He followed up with Generation X’s 100 Punks and Blue Highway. The set closed with three of his biggest hits; Rebel Yell, Hot In the City and of course, White Wedding.

All in all, the punk rock veteran delivered a wildly energetic set making it quite a night to remember.

Live photography courtesy A Goldberg