IT’S A NICE DAY TO TOUR AGAIN
Live in Chula Vista
October 3rd, 2025 Review by Joey Clark
The warm September air in Chula Vista set the perfect backdrop for a night that promised rock nostalgia and enduring rebellion. As the crowd poured into the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, there was a prominent buzz shared amongst concert goers – anticipation of an exciting show and the thrill of seeing two rock legends – Joan Jett and Billy Idol – share a stage.
What was about to unfold would be more than a concert; it was a sincere celebration of raw energy, survival, and the timeless power of music that dares to sneer, strut, and scream at the top of its ever defiant lungs.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts opened the night with a ferocious in-your-face set that proved why she remains one of rock’s most unshakable forces.
Her iconic stickered up Gibson Melody Maker cut through the mix like a blade, and her distinctive voice, weathered but still razor-sharp, delivered each lyric with the same conviction and defiance she’s had for decades.
The crowd swayed and shouted along to “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” “Bad Reputation,” and “Crimson and Clover,” a reminder that punk attitude never goes out of style – it just digs in deeper.
North Island Credit Union Amp
September 23rd, 2025
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. The lights dimmed, amps hummed, and Billy Idol walked on stage with his classic, unmistakable smirk.
He was the embodiment of what we know him to be: leather-bound, bleach-blond hair, and decades of punk swagger rolled into one magnetic figure.
From the first downbeat of “Still Dancing,” a newer track off his 2025 release “Dream Into It,” it was clear Idol wasn’t interested in coasting on his prestigious legacy. He came to earn the crowd over like his early New York days through performance, sweat, and connection with the fans.
Steve Stevens, ever the wizard on guitar, matched Idol’s fire note for note. His solos weren’t just flashy; they were searing, precise, and almost cinematic in their build. The interplay between Stevens and Idol remains one of rock’s most enduring partnerships, and seeing it live is truly a sight to behold. The band behind them was tight, propulsive, fully locked in and gave every song a backbone of force and finesse.
The setlist moved effortlessly between old and new. Idol dove into crowd favorites like “Dancing with Myself,” “Eyes Without a Face,” and “Rebel Yell,” each met with thunderous applause and full-throated singalongs. But it was in moments like “Too Much Fun” and “Cage” – songs written decades after his MTV heyday – that Idol proved he still has something to say, and a sound worth turning up to 11.
One of the most striking moments of the night came midway through, when Idol took time to regale the audience with a story about himself and bassist, Stephen McGrath.
The pair had been on a motorcycle trip and ran into a biker club called Too Much Fun who had inducted them in as members. Idol said, “I thought Too Much Fun, now that’s too good of a title to not use for a song. I can make it all about all my crazy foibles or my ridiculous things I did back in the day, or still doing one way or another.” The crowd erupted into applause at the cheeky sentiment from the singer. He added mischievously before launching into the tune, “It’s not completely over, don’t worry.”
A bittersweet sentiment came halfway through the show when Idol passed the mic off to guitarist, Billy Morrison to pay tribute to his late friend, the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne. Morrison shared that it has been difficult as the legend had not been gone long but spoke of his kindness, generosity and how insanely funny he was.
He shared that Osbourne had loved Idol. Morrison then announced, “With that in mind, what better way to celebrate the man himself than with a loud, obnoxious slice of punk rock.” Idol reclaimed the mic and shouted, “What a great fucking idea; what about Generation X ‘Ready, Steady, Go’!” The band then launched into the punk rock staple.
Visually, the show leaned into rock tradition: bold lights synonymous with ‘80s colors, huge sound, and a bit of theatrical flair. After concluding “Rebel Yell,” Idol ripped off his shirt and tossed it out to the crowd – a frenzy ensued to be the new owner. Bare chested (to the delight of fans), Idol strutted off the stage with the band in tow. The moment was pure Idol: seductive, memorable, and completely committed.
The band returned for an encore to which the audience erupted. Idol still bare chested, but with the addition of leather trench coat started the last batch of songs with fan favorite, “Dancing with Myself.” Afterwards the band continued with “Hot in the City” and “People I Love.”
As the night came to a close, the final song, “White Wedding,” rang out like a victory lap. The entire amphitheater was on its feet, singing, shouting, fists in the air.
And when it was over, there was a shared look among the crowd – the look of people who knew they had just witnessed something special.
Billy Idol’s show was more than a nostalgia trip. It was a declaration: we may be decades away from the origins of punk, but it is alive and well. It evolves, it adapts, and when done right, it hits just as hard as it ever did.
And on this September night, Idol reminded everyone in that amphitheater exactly why he is as relevant as ever and remains in the cultural zeitgeist.
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Highway One Photography
>
TO FOLLOW
SID 251006 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR
