Billy Idol

Former punk turned pop rocker Billy Idol is generally cast aside as nothing more than a relic from the early '80s: the blond dude with a few gritty rock tunes that are fun for a laugh now and then. Watching him perform during this gig, recorded at Chicago's Congress Theatre though, we're all sadly mistaken. From his engaging enthusiasm to pitch-perfect voice and body that seems to get more cut as he ages, Idol is actually a disgustingly underrated performer and entertainer. Sticking mostly to those bread and butter tunes the crowd half his age knows ("Dancing With Myself," "White Wedding," "Rebel Yell"), he dazzles with a simple no-frills gig that easily consumes the audience and viewer. You almost want to hate him for being better than expected, what with his chiselled good looks and refined performance. Sadly, the lack of any extras once again sells the legacy of Billy Idol drastically short.