Billy Idol
In Super Overdrive Live
(Eagle Vision)
“In Super Overdrive Live” is a "new" DVD of a Billy Idol concert supporting his fantastic 2005 album Devil's Playground. It was filmed in Chicago in July of that year (supposedly at the Congress Theater - though, interior shots indicate the Aragon Ballroom). Despite being more than four years old, the live show is fresh, energetic and leaves you wanting more ... more ... more - more, more, more.
The set list is Idol's greatest hits live. There's something for everyone, from Generation X tracks ("Ready Steady Go" and "Kiss Me Deadly") to solo stuff from throughout his career. Most are offered up in the radio-friendly manner fans are familiar with. However, a few get beefed-up treatments. "Blue Highway," for one (never a personal favorite), sounds better than ever and caused me to take a second listen. There are two songs from Devil's Playground included ... and that's a shame. Idol could have easily extended the 70-minute concert and done more off of that album.
And, Steve Stevens is back! The guitar-slinger extraordinaire and Idol's ole writing/recording buddy re-teamed with Idol in 1999. He was very much involved in the writing and recording of Devil's Playground and (obviously) did the tour as well. Stevens is a master, there is no doubt. A lot of the fun of this DVD is watching Stevens strut around the stage looking like a cleaned up Johnny Thunders while ripping off one astounding solo after another. He's one of those guitarists that make it look oh so easy.
A lot of people write Billy Idol off as a second rate punk rocker – not for me to comment. All I know is his body of work demonstrates that he’s got a knack for writing tasty hooks and finding great talent to bring his songs to life in the studio and on stage (as is evident on “In Super Overdrive Live”). Regardless of your opinion, I would wager that there’s an Idol track on your “guilty pleasures” song list. Give this DVD a try – you might find yourself dancing with yourself.