REVIEW: Billy Idol and Joan Jett Bring Rebellious Punk to SPAC
08/17 @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Photos by Maggie Aulman
Both Billy Idol and Joan Jett delivered thrilling performances at SPAC, weaving in personal anecdotes and powerful tributes that reminded fans why these two icons continue to keep the spirit of punk rock alive.
Jett first took to the stage with her white Gibson Melody Maker covered in stickers, wearing black leather pants, jacket, and platform boots in true punk style. Jett immediately invited the crowd to sing along to “Do You Wanna Touch Me”.
Her setlist mixed career-defining hits with deeper cuts and carefully chosen covers. One of the evening’s standouts was her cover of “Androgynous” by Crash Test Dummies where she paused to explain, “I really relate to the words and I think it’s important, in the times we live in, to own it.” The message was met with cheers, proof that her voice both musically and socially remains vital. Later, Jett acknowledged the recent passing of Sly Stone with a fiery cover of “Everyday People”, reminding the audience that rock ’n’ roll has always been a vehicle for social change. It was a poignant moment that connected her own legacy of socially engaged music to that of another pioneer.
Joan Jett photo by Debi Gustafson
Both Jett and Idol played their edgy covers of Tommy James and the Shondells’, “Crimson and Clover” and “Mony Mony” respectively, acknowledging their early influences. Each turned these renditions into something larger than homage, reclaiming the songs as central pieces of their own legacies.
Idol’s set carried equal energy with many hits and songs from his new album, including an eight-minute long, virtuoso guitar solo by Idol’s longtime guitarist, Steve Stevens. Idol discussed his punk-rock beginnings before playing “Ready Steady Go”, a Generation X cover. Idol’s other guitarist, Billy Morrison, a longtime friend and collaborator of the late Ozyy Osbourne, also gave a tribute to the Prince of Darkness, who opened doors that allowed Idol, Jett, and other punk-rock artists to blaze rebellious paths in the music industry.
“I choose to believe that he’s watching over all of us tonight… Ozzy at any given occasion would tell me how much he loves Billy F***ing Idol. So what better way to celebrate Ozzy than to play a slice of loud, obnoxious punk-rock!”
One of the night’s most touching moments came when Idol paused between songs to reflect on his decades-long friendship with Jett. “I met Joan in 1978 after a Dead Kennedys concert at the Whisky a Go Go,” he recalled. “We’ve been friends ever since.” It was a pleasure to see these two punk icons and lifelong friends live.
