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Graham Clark
Music Features Writer
@Maxximum23Clark
3:21 PM 22nd June 2018
arts

Billy Idol, Manchester Apollo

 
Making a rare appearance in the UK, Billy Idol one of the original survivors of the punk rock movement, is still as popular as ever as the 3 date tour is a sell out.

The former Generation X singer still has the snarl, attitude and star quality you remember him for.

Shock to the System kicked off a concise yet comprehensive appraisal of his career to date. In guitarist Steve Stevens he has one of the best - in fact Stevens at times is as much part of the gig as the main man himself - Stevens takes centre stage many times displaying his talent as he plays the guitar behind his back on Dancing With Myself.

Idol, dressed in black unbuttons his shirt to reveal a healthy torso. The rock gestures are present throughout the concert as he raises his clenched fist many times.

It is the big hits though that really sound supreme, Eyes Without A Face benefits from the soulfulness of Stevens guitar. The 1983 track Catch My Fall is one that he does not play regularly so it was good to rediscover the song.

Idol let's the music speak for itself as he doesn't say much in between the songs. As things come to a climax with Rebel Yell, Idol reveals that it his one of his songs he likes best to perform.

White Wedding benefits from an acoustic arrangement from Stevens before the full band re appear on stage to play the classic track.

By the time we get to Mony Mony, it was nearly all over. For the fans it had been worth the 4 year wait since he last played a gig in the north. A great return.