Billy Idol Comes to The Wiltern For Two Nights of Punk

With over 30 years in the game, Billy Idol has shown no signs of slowing down. With a new album under his belt, he’s heading out on tour and hitting Los Angeles for not one but two nights at The Wiltern on Feb. 18 and 19.

He’s one of the most notable names in punk music. Having started in a band named Chelsea in the late ‘70s and then really getting his feet wet with Generation X. After some time with them, he moved to New York in 1981 to try his hand at a solo career. It was at that time that he really found and made his lasting mark in the music scene working with Kiss’ ex-manager Bill Aucoin. Idol was the bad boy of his time intertwining the punk mentality with the glam lifestyle of the ‘80s. All of that mixed with a snarl created an image many could not deny, and still can’t all these years later.

Idol’s solo career started with an EP, “Don’t Stop” and then his biggest released was to follow; 1982’s “Billy Idol” and 1983’s “Rebel Yell.” Hit singles rolled off his earlier releases and then he took a very long break in 1993 after “Cyberpunk” dropped. Then he made his highly anticipated comeback in 2005 with “Devil’s Playground.” He even taught the younger audience a thing or two about punk when he played Warped Tour that same year. Now he’s out promoting 2014’s “Kings & Queens of the Underground.”

The MTV audience ate Idol up when his videos were a mainstay on the then new channel. He was in good company with the likes of Michael Jackson and Madonna as artists who really shaped the network in its early days. His videos “Dancing With Myself,” “White Wedding” and “Rebel Yell” were fan favorites from the start.

Fans can expect the classics when Idol hits The Wiltern for two nights in February. Along with the staples of his career, they’ll also be treated to new jams like “Can’t Break Me Down” from “Kings & Queens.” Playing alongside Idol both nights will be Oklahoma’s Broncho. Their style is unlike the headliner, but they do have a New Wave feel that fits within that ’80s vibe every night will be serving up.

Billy Idol plays The Wiltern on Feb. 18 and 19. Tickets can be purchased here.