Billy Idol’s “It’s a Nice Day to… Tour Again” Came to Remind Us Who He Is

Billy Idol didn’t come to reminisce. He came to prove he still owns the stage.

Bridgestone Arena – May 18, 2025
Words by MCMM Staff | Photos by Alma Reed – Music City Music Magazine

Billy Idol didn’t just ride the wave of 80s music—he helped build the damn wave. From his early days with Generation X to solo hits that became cultural staples, Idol’s voice, attitude, and style have never really left. This year marks four decades since Rebel Yell dropped, and he’s celebrating with a tour that proves he’s still got plenty of snarl left in him.

The “It’s a Nice Day to… Tour Again” tour with Joan Jett & The Blackhearts made its Nashville stop on May 18 at Bridgestone Arena. While I missed Jett’s set, the vibe in the crowd was already dialed in. From leather jackets to vintage tees, fans came to show out—and some took it up a notch. One mother-daughter duo in full ‘80s neon spent the pre-show practicing their choreography in the hallway. That energy never let up.

The show opened with a recorded medley of Rebel Yell, Eyes Without a Face, and White Wedding before the band took their places. At 9:00 p.m. sharp, the first live notes of Still Dancing rang out—and we were off.

Cradle of Love followed, still sharp and swaggering after all these years. From there, Idol stepped aside to let Steve Stevens take the spotlight for his first guitar solo—ten minutes of controlled chaos that threaded Over the Hills and Far Away, Stairway to Heaven, and Eruption into one seamless shred session.

Flesh for Fantasy brought the rhythm deep. It was one of the night’s strongest moments—dark, groovy, and impossible to stand still during. 77 and Too Much Fun kept the pacing tight and the crowd loud.

Idol took time before Eyes Without a Face to share a few words about the track’s origins—these short intros throughout the night gave the show a personal edge, without slowing anything down.

Then came Stevens’ second solo break, followed by Mony Mony, and Dream Into It—a standout from his newly released album via Dark Horse Records. It landed just as hard as the classics and fit seamlessly into the set.

The standout emotional moment was Love Don’t Live Here Anymore, a Rose Royce cover with Kitten Kuroi stepping out front. Her vocals soared—raw, powerful, and impossible to ignore. Idol gave her the space, and the arena gave her the roar she deserved.

The final stretch—Ready Steady Go, Blue Highway, and Top Gun Anthem—built the momentum back up, leading into Rebel Yell with the whole room locked in.

The encore gave us Dancing With Myself, Hot in the City, People I Love, and a proper send-off with White Wedding.

Idol passed out a few items up front to the crowd—quick, low-key, but a small gesture that reminded you he still cares about the people sharing with his fans.

This tour marks 40 years since Rebel Yell, but this isn’t a retro act. It’s still moving forward. Idol’s not just showing up—he’s showing us how it’s done.

Setlist Highlights:
🎵 Still Dancing
🎵 Cradle of Love
🎵 Steve Stevens Guitar Solo
🎵 Flesh for Fantasy
🎵 77
🎵 Too Much Fun
🎵 Eyes Without a Face
🎵 Steve Stevens Solo #2 (Over the Hills, Stairway to Heaven, Eruption)
🎵 Mony Mony
🎵 Dream Into It
🎵 Love Don’t Live Here Anymore (with Kitten Kuroi)
🎵 Ready Steady Go (Generation X)
🎵 Blue Highway
🎵 Top Gun Anthem
🎵 Rebel Yell