BIlly Idol – Palace Theater – St. Paul MN – May 12th 2023

5/12/2023 Billy Idol @ the Palace Theater in St Paul Minnesota

Reviuew and photos by todd Johnson

I’ve seen a lot of concerts over the years and, for some reason, there are some singers or bands that I LOVE that I have never seen in concert before. Billy Idol is one of those artists that I have never, ever seen in concert and I have no idea why. However, on May 12, 2023, I finally saw Billy Idol in concert and it was amazing!

Billy Idol started in a band called ‘Generation X’. It is is definitely more punk than the music he later played on MTV back in the day, but not quite Sex Pistols style of punk.Eventually he left Generation X and went solo, sort of, because he also had his long time guitarist Steven Stevens play with him. Billy Idol still has his trademarked spiked blonde hair, he still has his legendary sneer, and is still one of the coolest dudes around. While waiting for him to take the stage, I was trying to think which song he would open with and I figured he would open with something very high energy and very catchy so I thought it would probably be “Dancing With Myself” and I was right! He came out of the proverbial gate with a TON of energy and it was fantastic! He played all his hits from songs like “Dancing with my Self”, “Cradle of Love” and “Eyes Without a Face” but I was a little disappointed they didn’t play his cover of “L.A. Woman.”Steven Stevens did a finger blistering smoke filled solo that was absolutely amazing! If they go on tour again I HIGHLY recommend seeing them.

The opening band is an up and coming band called Kelsey Karter and the Heroines. They are a new band and the gorgeous lead singer, Kelsey Karter, is based out of New Zealand. She has an incredible voice and also a great stage presence. She does an amazing cover of Heart’s hit song “Alone.” Before the show I was outside waiting and there was a cool beautiful gal dressed in head to toe leather walking by who smiled at me, and I just assumed it was a fan of Billy Idol who showed up early for the VIP meet & greet with Billy Idol & Steven Stevens, but I found out, when she went through the stage door, it was none other than Kelsey Karter herself looking like a beautiful bad ass. I have no doubt that she and her band will be headlining her own tour in the very near future.