Billy Idol Ignites OVO Arena Wembley in Electrifying June 24 Show

Last night at London’s OVO Arena Wembley, Billy Idol proved why he’s still a rock ‘n’ roll legend, delivering a pulse-pounding performance that had fans on their feet from “Still Dancing” through to the encore. From the opening riff of “Cradle of Love” to the sing-along finale of “White Wedding,” Idol’s June 24, 2025 concert was a masterclass in high-octane live rock.

A Setlist Built for Maximum Impact

Idol wasted no time diving into fan favorites. The blistering “Still Dancing” kicked things off, setting a frantic pace that never let up. By the time he powered into “Flesh for Fantasy” and “77,” the arena was a sea of raised lighters and leather jackets. Crowd-pleasers like “Mony Mony” (Tommy James & the Shondells cover) kept the energy sky-high, while the Rolling Stones cover “Gimme Shelter” showcased Idol’s gritty vocal edge.

Show-Stealing Guitar Heroics
No Billy Idol show is complete without the incendiary guitar work of Steve Stevens, and last night’s Steve Stevens guitar solo was nothing short of spectacular. Clocking in at nearly ten minutes, Stevens braided flamenco-tinged runs with searing rock licks, earning rapturous applause and chants of “Steve! Steve!” from the crowd.

Unforgettable Highlights

• “Too Much Fun”: Debuting from his latest album, this track had Wembley jumping, proving Idol’s new material packs the same punch as his classics.

• “Eyes Without a Face”: A beautifully eerie mid-set breather, led by haunting synths before exploding into a singalong chorus.

• “Dream Into It” & “Blue Highway”: Two deep-cut gems that showcased Idol’s songwriting depth and kept die-hard fans smiling.

Encore Energy
After closing the main set with the anthemic “Rebel Yell,” Idol returned for a two-song encore that left the arena buzzing. “Ready Steady Go,” featuring guest bassist Tony James, was a punk-powered throwback, followed by the timeless “Dancing With Myself,” which transformed Wembley into a 1980s dance-floor flashback. The final “White Wedding” encore sent the crowd home with hands in the air, belting “Hey hey, it’s a nice day to start again.”

Billy Idol

Why London Loved It
Timely, tight, and relentlessly fun, Billy Idol’s Wembley show demonstrated his undimmed star power. Between the polished production—strobe lights, video backdrops of classic Idol clips—and the raw musicianship onstage, the concert struck the perfect balance of nostalgia and fresh excitement.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a lifelong fan, Idol’s June 24 gig was proof that real rock doesn’t retire—it reinvents.

Billy Idol’s Top 10 Greatest Songs: The Rebel Yell That Shaped Rock

Billy Idol—the sneering, platinum-haired punk rocker who crossed over into MTV superstardom—gave us some of the most iconic anthems of the ’80s. Fusing punk rawness with synth-laden hooks and unforgettable lyrics, Idol carved a space that was all his own.

Here’s our ultimate ranking of the Top 10 Billy Idol songs, with reasons why they stand tall lyrically, compositionally, and on the charts.

1. Rebel Yell (1983)

• Why it’s great: The ultimate Billy Idol anthem. With its pounding drums, urgent guitars, and explosive chorus, “Rebel Yell” is an adrenaline shot of pure rock energy.

• Lyrical strength: Inspired by a night of whiskey-fueled rebellion, it captures the spirit of lust and defiance.

• Chart success: Although it didn’t top the U.S. charts initially, it became a cult classic and later went Gold

2. White Wedding (1982)

• Why it’s great: Iconic guitar riff + gothic wedding visuals = eternal MTV fame.

• Lyrical strength: A biting, sarcastic take on marriage and betrayal. Not a love song—more like a warning.

• Chart success: Peaked at #36 on the Billboard Hot 100; went Gold in the U.S

️ 3. Eyes Without a Face (1983)

• Why it’s great: A haunting, emotional ballad showing Idol’s softer side.

• Lyrical strength: French lyric refrain and poetic allusions to loss and deceit.

• Chart success: Peaked at #4 in the U.S.—his highest Billboard placement.

4. Dancing with Myself (1980 / re-released 1983)

• Why it’s great: Originally a Generation X song, later perfected as a solo track.

• Lyrical strength: A cheeky, isolating reflection of post-punk culture and self-love (literal or metaphorical).

• Chart success: A hit in clubs and alternative radio; helped Idol break into the U.S.

5. Flesh for Fantasy (1983)

• Why it’s great: Seductive groove meets glam-punk minimalism.

• Lyrical strength: Dark, erotic, mysterious. Idol’s voice oozes menace.

• Chart success: Reached #29 on Billboard Hot 100.

️ 6. Sweet Sixteen (1986)

• Why it’s great: A heartbreaking acoustic ballad inspired by the true story of the Coral Castle.

• Lyrical strength: Rare vulnerability and storytelling from Idol.

• Chart success: Reached #20 on the Billboard Hot 100.

⚡ 7. To Be a Lover (1986)

• Why it’s great: A soulful cover turned glam powerhouse.

• Lyrical strength: Reinvention of William Bell’s original with Idol’s raspy swagger.

• Chart success: Reached #6 on Billboard.

8. Cradle of Love (1990)

• Why it’s great: A comeback smash with a raunchy video and slick production.

• Lyrical strength: Sleazy, catchy, and straight-up fun.

• Chart success: Reached #2 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart.

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9. Catch My Fall (1983)

• Why it’s great: Underappreciated groove-heavy tune with jazzy undertones.

• Lyrical strength: Offers rare introspection about vulnerability and trust.

• Chart success: Minor hit but loved by core fans.

‍ 10. Shock to the System (1993)

• Why it’s great: A cyberpunk anthem from the overlooked Cyberpunk album.

• Lyrical strength: Technological rebellion wrapped in crunchy guitars.

• Chart success: Modest chart presence but a cult favourite.

Chart Summary & Legacy

Final Thoughts: Why Billy Idol Still Rocks

From snarling punk to heart-wrenching ballads, Billy Idol proved that image and substance don’t have to be mutually exclusive. His songs endure because they combine raw emotion, memorable riffs, and lyrics that cut through.

Whether you’re discovering him for the first time or reliving the leather-clad glory, these 10 tracks capture the essence of Idol’s career—a mix of rebellion, romance, and rock ’n’ roll theatre.