King Rocker, Queen Jett, Same Damn Throne

Billy Idol—All photos courtesy of John Greenwood

It’s not often I find myself in such a grandiose setting as the Greek Theatre to cover a punk rock show. Yet who better to grace this historic venue than two elder statespersons of punk who have outlasted nearly everyone, Joan Jett and Billy Idol? If there were presidential titles for staying true to your roots, these two would hold them.

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The Hearst Greek Theatre, built in 1903 on what was once “Ben Weed’s Amphitheater,” carries over a century of history. Financed by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst and championed by UC President Benjamin Ide Wheeler, it opened on September 24, 1903—making this night’s show just shy of its 122nd birthday. Even President Theodore Roosevelt gave a speech here in 1903 while it was still under construction. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1982 and promoted exclusively by Another Planet Entertainment since 2004, it’s a stunning venue for any show—let alone a punk one.

Tonight, all 8,500 seats were full, the crowd buzzing for a dream double bill on a perfect California evening.

Joan Jett: Rebel Girl Forever

Joan Jett—Photo courtesy of John Greenwood

To the sound of Bikini Kill’s “Rebel Girl,” the original Riot Grrrl herself, Joan Marie Larkin—better known as Joan Jett—made her way across the stage framed by the theater’s graceful Greek columns. Slight in stature but immense in presence, Jett remains the embodiment of resilience and punk conviction.

Joan Jett—Photo courtesy of John Greenwood

She tore into a powerhouse setlist: “Victim of Circumstance,” “Cherry Bomb,” “Do You Wanna Touch,” “You Drive Me Wild” (her first-ever song), “Change the World,” “Fake Friends,” “Androgynous,” “Love Is Pain,” “Everyday People,” “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll,” “Crimson & Clover,” and “I Hate Myself for Loving You.” She closed with her self-mythologizing anthem “Bad Reputation,” earning every drop of the audience’s adoration. Joan looked and sounded immaculate, proving once again why she’s one of rock’s eternal icons.

Billy Idol: The Last Wild Man

Billy Idol—photos courtesy of John Greenwood

As dusk settled and the lights dimmed, the crowd erupted for Billy “Fucking” Idol! The man, the myth, and maybe one of the last true out-of-control rock stars left. Between Idol and Iggy Pop, the title of “King Rocker” is a toss-up. Iggy was chaos incarnate, sure, but did he ever end a three-week drug-fueled Thai holiday tranquilized, strapped to a gurney, and deported after causing $250,000 in damages? Probably not. Billy might just hold the crown.

Steve Stevens and Billy Idol—Photo courtesy of John Greenwood

Looking every bit the rock god, Idol strode onstage flanked by longtime guitarist Steve Stevens and 15-year collaborator Billy Morrison. They launched into “I’m Still Dancing,” a wry echo of his early MTV hit “Dancing with Myself.” The set powered through “Cradle of Love,” “Flesh for Fantasy,” “Eyes Without a Face,” and “Mony Mony.” Stevens took a solo detour into “Over the Hills and Far Away,” “Stairway to Heaven,” and “Eruption,” earning a roar from the crowd.

Billy Idol—Photo courtesy of John Greenwood

A surprise highlight came when Kitten Kuroi joined Idol for a jaw-dropping duet of Rose Royce’s “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore.” Her crystalline voice soared through the amphitheater, an unexpected gift of soul in a night of snarling rock. Morrison followed with a touching tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne.

Billy Idol—Photo courtesy of John Greenwood

Then Idol reached back into his Generation X arsenal for “Ready Steady Go” before shifting to the new “Too Much Fun,” a track that winks at his infamous 1989 deportation saga. “Blue Highway / Top Gun Anthem” kept the revs high before Idol capped the main set with the immortal “Rebel Yell,” leaving fans chanting for more.

The encore brought pure nostalgia: “Dancing with Myself,” “Hot in the City,” and a self-aware, late-set surprise—“People I Love,” a confessionary rocker reflecting on his reckless past:

“I know I should be sorry, but I don’t remember what I did last night…”

Billy Idol—Photo courtesy of John Greenwood

And then came the inevitable: “White Wedding.” Steve Stevens’ opening riff cracked like lightning, sending the crowd into a final frenzy. A glorious close to a night that bridged punk’s gritty origins with its enduring spirit.

Billy Idol—Photo courtesy of John Greenwood

As the crowd poured out into the warm California night, there was a shared sense of renewal. Two of punk’s greatest ambassadors had just reminded us why we fell in love with this music in the first place—and why we still believe.

Billy Idol—Photo courtesy of John Greenwood

Thank you, Billy. Thank you, Joan.

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