By Mike McKenney, Rock At Night New England
Venue: Mohegan Sun Arena-Uncasville, CT-August 3, 2019
Punk rock pioneer Billy Idol and one of musics most prolific singer/songwriters, Bryan Adams teamed up together for the first time for a special limited 8 city tour this summer. Billy Idol jumped started the show starting with “Dancing With Myself” immediately followed by his mega hit “Flesh for Fantasy”. Idol’s energy still runs on high octane, stalking around on stage, punctuating his songs with punches and his signature snarl. His powerful vocals sounded great throughout his set.
Dynamic and explosive, with longtime band mate and guitar genius, Steve Stevens, Billy Idol’s performance was nothing short of brilliant. “Eyes Without A Face”, and “Rebel Yell” reflect back on the second English Invasion and MTV that helped propel Idol into the punk, rock stratosphere. His punk attitude still evident onstage, breaking only occasionally to flash a smile at the audience. Finishing with “White Wedding”, Idol displays his macho sex appeal and sold out crowd at Mohegan Sun Arena ate it up.
Following such a performance from Billy Idol is no easy task but Grammy award winner, Bryan Adams opened with his popular “Somebody” , and a strong, “Kids Wanna Rock. With over 65 million records sold, Adams commands a huge worldwide fan base. He is a Companion of the Order of Canada, has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and Canada’s Walk of Fame. “Run to You”, “Summer of 69”, and “Cuts Like a Knife” are all fan favorites that had the audiance on their feet, and singing. While the more melancholy “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You “, and “Straight From the Heart” showcased Adams vocal depth.
Not a pair normally thought of together, Billy Idol and Bryan Adams co-headlining actually worked well, creating a great concert experience. There aren’t many dates left on the tour so be sure to grab a ticket if they head your way.
Billy Idol Setlist:
Dancing With Myself
Flesh for Fantasy
L.A. Woman
(The Doors cover)
Ghosts in My Guitar
Eyes Without a Face
Dementia
Top Gun Anthem
(Steve Stevens cover)
Soul Standing By
Your Generation
Ready Steady Go
Blue Highway
Rebel Yell
Encore:
White Wedding
Bryan Adams Setlist:
Somebody
Kids Wanna Rock
Can’t Stop This Thing We Started
Run to You
Shine a Light
Heaven
It’s Only Love
You Belong to Me
Summer of ’69
(Everything I Do) I Do It for You
Back to You
The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me Is You
Cuts Like a Knife
Encore:
One Night Love Affair
Straight From the Heart
All for Love
PHOTO GALLERY
Mike McKenney is an award winning professional photographer and current New England Correspondent for Rock At Night magazine.
With his years of experience and passion for Concert Photography, Mike has photographed many of the famous acts in the world today.
Rock Icons such as Sting, Peter Gabriel, Dave Matthews, and Fleetwood Mac along with Country artist Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney,and Jason Aldean have all appeared before Mike’s camera.
"My goal is always to present the experience truthfully so fans can feel the energy and emotions the Artists convey. It’s a tremendous honor and responsibility to be allowed to create art while blending my two passions, music and photography”
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