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Some times, things just don't work out. The week between the two weekends of Austin City Limits brought a plethora of unbelievable talent and shows to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. One of those being the sold out Billy Idol show at the House of Blues. Having been to the House of Blues the previous two nights for Albert Hammond Jr. and Royal Blood, I thought I had a good knowledge of set times, solely based on the times of the doors and show that the venue displayed on social media the day of the show. Some time between 7PM and 8PM, someone dropped the ball.
I was shooting an event up until 8:15PM, knowing that the House of Blues had stated that the doors were at 7PM and the show was at 8PM, with an opener before Billy Idol. My drive was only 15 minutes away, which quickly turned into 30 because of a wreck, but that still got me to the venue at 8:45PM. Upon filling out my photo release for the HOB and Billy Idol, I was quickly told that the photographers had already left the pit. I then asked what time did Billy go on and I was told that he went on at 8:30PM. I was floored. Amazingly pissed and annoyed. How did no one at Live Nation or the House of Blues not notify their patrons, or press for that matter, that sets were being pushed up by 30 to 45 minutes??
So having missed four songs when I finally stepped into the House of Blues main room, I wasn't in the right state of mind to critique the show. I finally took a step back, got a beer, and gave my full attention to the iconic performer in his habitat. Billy, nearly 60 years old, has not slowed down a bit and was totally owning the crowd. From the slower "Eyes Without a Face" to the always fun "Rebel Yell", the ever-gracious Englishmen made sure the crowd knew he was lucky to have been in the limelight for so long. I think most artists know they have an expiration date, except for Keith Richards, and I think Billy is taken back by the fact that his number isn't up yet and to have a sold out show in 2015 is pretty special. Coming back from their set break, the band jumped into "White Wedding", simply a classic song and was sung and performed to perfection. The show ended with "Mony Mony" and the crowd was more than satisfied. Outside of the bummers of missing nearly a fourth of his set and missing the opportunity to photograph a living legend, I thought the show was pretty damn good. I can only hope his expiration lasts a little longer and he comes back to Dallas.
enjoy.
Billy Idol @ House of Blues, Dallas, TX
Reviewed by Scott Rowe, Editor
on
October 15, 2015
Rating: