BILLY IDOL and JOAN JETT Bring Nostalgia to ​Pine Knob, Michigan

BY: TRACY HECK

Cool temps and a bit of rain didn’t stop 80’s rock fans from packing into Pine Knob Music
Theatre in Clarkston, Michigan on Thursday, August 28 to enjoy power packed sets from Billy
Idol and Joan Jett.

Playing to around 11,000 enthusiastic fans, the rock veterans brought out all the hits while still
showcasing new tracks that prove they are not anywhere close to hanging it up. Jett and her Blackhearts band opened the show with a non-stop array of rock anthems from “Cherry Bomb” to “I Hate Myself For Loving You” to “Bad Reputation.” She got everyone on their feet for “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” and even brought a rock edge to Sly and the Family Stone’s “Everyday People.”

Just before 9 pm, Idol exploded onto the stage for a 95-minute set that included 15 songs
comprised of hits and material from his latest release Dream Into It.
He kicked it off with the aptly named new track “Still Dancing,” as the almost 70 year old
worked the stage from one end to the other in fantastic fashion.
In good form, he replicated his famous growls and showcased his impressive bare chest as if it
was still 40 years ago. The crowd responded favorably to the new material that included “77,” “Too Much Fun” and “People I Love.” With a fantastic band fronted by long-time guitarist Steve Stevens, Idol ruled the stage with one hit after another from “Cradle of Love” and “Flesh for Fantasy” to “Eyes Without a Face” and “Rebel Yell.” Set highlights included a soulful rendition of Rose Royce's “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” and a touching tribute to Ozzy Osbourne from his close friend and Idol’s other guitarist, Billy Morrison.

After exiting with a flourish, Idol and his band returned to the stage for an encore of “Dancing
With Myself,” “Hot in the City,” “People I Love” and “White Wedding.”