Joan Jett & Billy Idol Deliver Electrifying Double Bill at Merriweather Post Pavilion
It was an absolutely stunning summer evening at Merriweather Post Pavilion this past Friday as Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and Billy Idol thrilled a packed house (and lawn) for a 1-2 punch of good ol’ rock ‘n’ roll. Though not billed as co-headliners, each band was warmly welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd that clearly was there to sing along and party throughout the night.
Ms. Jett and the Blackhearts started their roughly one-hour, 14-song set at 7:30 with “Victim of Circumstance” off their 1981 “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” album, trading guitar riffs with lead guitarist Dougie Needles. Next up was a cover of “Cherry Bomb” from Joan’s previous band, The Runaways, with terrific background graphics. An audience singalong welcomed Gary Glitter’s cover of “Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah),” and another Runaways tune – “You Drive Me Wild” – saw Needles up front and centre.
Jett talked a little bit about growing up in Maryland, spending 5 or 6 years here, segueing into how Lincoln’s Gettysburg address spoke “of, by and for the people” before launching into “Change The World.” A couple more tunes set up a six song finish that had most everyone on their feet singing along, starting with The Replacements’ “Androgynous,” Sly & The Family Stone’s “Everyday People,” The Arrows’ “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Tommy James & the Shondells’ “Crimson & Clover,” “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” and her own theme song “Bad Reputation” to close. The sound was stellar, as were the voices, despite 40+ years on the road.
After a 30-minute break to reset the stage, another icon of the ’80s joined the merriment. The stage was dominated by a neon outline of Idol’s head rising high above Erik Eldenius’ extensive drum set, which also includes a kick drum with Idol’s face on it. “Still Dancing” off of “Dream Into It” was the first song of the 16-song set, Idol looking resplendent in his mid-length leather biker jacket with de rigueur metal accoutrements, blonde hair spiked up, a chain around his neck holding either a horseshoe or headphones, depending on one’s imagination. Next up was “Cradle of Love,” a perfect tune for a USA in the throes of Jeffrey Epstein fever. Stephen McGrath’s steady bass beat led us into “Flesh for Fantasy.”
What’s a new tour without a new song? Billy obliged with “77” off of his new album “Dream Into It.” The classic “Eyes Without a Face” was up next and was warmly received by an appreciative crowd, as was a smoking hot guitar solo by lead guitarist Steve Stevens, whose ripping piece had elements of flamenco, Led Zeppelin and other touches to show off his hot licks. The classic “Mony Mony” by Tommy James and the Shondells followed, which explained why Joan Jett left it out of her set! A couple more tunes and then guitarist Billy Morrison, a close friend of the late Ozzy Osbourne, stood stage centre to speak about the great Ozzy, asking the audience to chant his name so he could hear us before launching into “Ready Steady Go.” The main set concluded with “Blue Highway” and a raucous “Rebel Yell.”
Encores after a very brief offstage run were the Generation X cover of “Dancing with Myself,” “Hot in the City,” “People I Love,” and of course “White Wedding” to cap off a great evening. All told, a great night for rock at Merriweather.
Photos (c) David Fang
