words by Scott Roos
photos by Scott Roos/Scotty the Rooster Photography
On Monday, August 5th, the iconic Billy Idol, known in the 80’s primarily for his pop/rock/new wave music, performed at Saskatoon's SaskTel Centre as part of his “Rebel Yell 2024” Tour. The event was a nostalgic trip down memory lane, attracting a significant number of Gen Xers who came to relive their youth and witness the performance of their childhood/teenage idol (pardon the pun). Approaching 70 years young in November 2025, Idol expressed deep appreciation for his over 40-year career. The show encompassed all the classic elements associated with the new wave legend: his trademark sneer, gritty vocals, and punk rock attitude. What stood out the most was Idol's remarkable energy and confidence on stage, which was age defying, and the audience enthusiastically embraced his captivating presence. Idol gave it his all.
The performance began with a trio of songs that included two powerful Rebel Yell tracks, “(Do Not) Stand in the Shadows” and the anthemic “Flesh For Fantasy”, bookending the iconic Charmed Life hit “Cradle of Love”. Frontman Idol and lead guitarist Steve Stevens, who has been Idol's trusty sideman and songwriting partner for decades, created a lively atmosphere that got the audience of all ages dancing and singing throughout the show. Stevens showcased his exceptional guitar skills through the various shreds he seamlessly performed. He was showcased, at times alone on stage, with the spotlight shining down, switching between acoustically styled, tasteful bluesy riffs reminiscent of Jimmy Page and electrifying, Van Halen-inspired solos. His stage presence was captivating, making him a standout performer. In simple terms, Stevens is a highly talented guitarist who deserves more recognition for his skills - he's highly underrated. That was abundantly clear.
It's worth mentioning that the rest of Idol's backing band was exceptional. They were highly competent and responsive to Idol and Stevens during the performance. While Idol was entertaining to watch, and Stevens' talent on guitar was evident, it was the timeless songs that truly stood out and defined the event. Idol and band delivered flawless renditions of "Rebel Yell," "Eyes Without a Face," and the well-known cover of "Mony Mony" (with the audience enthusiastically screaming out the risqué parts - if you know you know). The encore featured "Dancing With Myself," "Hot in the City," and "White Wedding." As the night came to a close, the audience was filled with smiles and lively discussions, making it a show that many will likely remember for a long time.
Canadian classic rockers Platinum Blonde did a commendable job as the opening act for Idol, effectively warming up the audience. The power trio, consisting of Mark Holmes (vocals/bass), Sergio Galli (guitars), and drummer Justin Kadis (who joined the band in 2020), delivered spot on performances of many of their popular songs. The crowd truly got into the music during when the guys played three of their most quintessential tracks "Condition Critical", "Crying Over You", and "Doesn’t Really Matter". Regrettably, the band wrapped up their set at this point, expressing appreciation for the continuous support from Canadian fans over the years.
We are excited about the prospect of coming back to SaskTel Centre soon. In the meantime, please show your support by liking and following us on Facebook and Instagram for additional reviews and music updates from Saskatchewan.
*Platinum Blonde
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