X 

By Janelle Rominski/Music Craving Productions

XZo

I was beyond excited to attend the Billy Idol with Slash concert at the Riviera Theatre Wednesday night. I have always wanted to see the man behind "White Wedding" and the guitarist of "Sweet Child O' Mine." 

X 

Upon entering the theatre, I stood as closely to the stage as possible...which was pretty far away. I couldn't wait to see Slash, his hat, his hair and his unbelievable shredding skills. The backdrop was lowered, the crowd roared with excitement, Slash came on with his band and one of the greatest nights of rock 'n roll was underway.

X 

Singing vocals for Slash was Myles Kennedy, who is also the lead singer for Alter Bridge. Kennedy and Slash collaborated on "Starlight" and "Back From Cali," two songs featured on Slash's latest self-titled album. His newest album also features tracks of Slash playing with vocals from Ozzy Osbourne, Fergie, Iggy Pop and more.   

X 

Kennedy's voice is so distinct and amazing that it uniquely blended well with every song that was sung. Among the songs performed was one of my favorites, "Sweet Child O' Mine." You can view a short (poor quality) video of "Sweet Child O' Mine" on my YouTube here:

X 

Slash made playing the guitar look as easy as blinking.  His effortless skills carried out for 75 rockin' minutes. 

X 

After Slash and his band left the stage, the stage crew got ready for Billy Idol's set. It took forever for Idol to come out.  The crowd and I waited for 40 long and painful minutes. A cute little kid next to me, no older than 12, said, "It's not fair for Billy to make us wait this long." After the house lights turned off, the stage lights dimmed, the crowd was pushing in closer to the stage in anticipation and Idol and his band came out to put on what I was hoping would be a great show. I was mistaken.

X 

Idol was first seen on a platform upstage and when the lights lit up, he walked down a flight of stairs to come downstage to the audience. His band was a hodge-podge of different looking musicians. The only thing I could focus on, pertaining to his band, is that the lead guitarist was crazy and the rhythm guitarist was mundane. The lead guitarist was all over the place, playing his guitar on his shoulders/behind his head, smoking and being obnoxious. Meanwhile, the rhythm guitarist performed with a neutral expression on his face that looked like he was bored and that was pretty frustrating. The bassist and drummer were so happy to be performing, I looked to them to keep me from getting irritated. 

X 

It felt like the whole time Idol just stood in the middle of the stage doing a "duck lips" pouting, squinty-eyed look and was clapping during each song. I feel he could have commanded the stage better. He's Billy Idol!

X 

I only stuck around Idol's performance for four songs. Perhaps it got better as the band and Idol progressed, but I just couldn't stand watching it anymore.

X

Editor's note: You can find Janelle on Facebook at "Music Craving Productions."

past reviews