Billy Idol
August 23, 2026
Raleigh, NC
Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Review by Joseph Hett

Billy Idol Proves He’s Really Alive in Raleigh

Billy Idol brought his “It’s A Nice Day To…Tour Again” tour to Raleigh’s Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek Sunday night. Devo, who was added late to the bill, also brought their new wave energy. This unique pairing had concertgoers wearing flowerpot-like energy domes and wedding dresses to the show.

Devo was out first with their unique stage show centered on “de-evolution.” Vintage videos containing tongue-in-cheek images played along to the music and during breaks. Of course, the energy domes were donned for the one and only “Whip It.” There were plenty of wardrobe changes – including the tear-apart yellow hazmat jumpsuits. Devo impressed with their hourlong set. They were the perfect choice to warm up the crowd on an already warm night.

A video played hyping all of Billy Idol’s hits to get the crowd pumped up. The band came out before Idol made his presence known. They immediately launched into “Still Dancing” from 2025’s “Dream Into It” album.

They continued with the fan favorites “Cradle of Love” and “Flesh for Fantasy.” Idol noted that the next song, the new “77” featuring Avril Lavigne, received some radio airplay.

After “Love Unchained” and “Eyes Without a Face,” it was time for a Steve Stevens guitar solo, which featured Led Zeppelin and Van Halen. During many of Stevens’ solos, Idol would run around the stage, summoning the audience to cheer.

The riff of T. Rex’s “20th Century Boy” got cranked up before the fun “Mony Mony,” then the epic “Trouble With the Sweet Stuff.”

It was time to showcase some Generation X material with “Ready Steady Go.” Guitarist Billy Morrison got a chance to shine with some solo licks.

During “Blue Highway,” Stevens played the iconic “Top Gun Anthem” from the 1986 movie “Top Gun.”

Idol told a story about attending a birthday party for a member of the Rolling Stones. Mick Jagger just so happened to be drinking Rebel Yell, which led to the classic “Rebel Yell.” Before making his way to the back, Idol took off his shirt and threw it into the crowd.

Back for the encore, they performed “Dancing With Myself” and “Hot in the City.” Everyone knew what time it was when a stained-glass window appeared on the video screen – “White Wedding.” It appeared Idol was having issues with his in-ear monitors. He stopped the band and stated he was hearing overtones. They then restarted with no problems to end the show.

Billy Idol put on a phenomenal show in Raleigh. He shows no sign of slowing down and is still in amazing physical shape. This was the last show for Devo on this tour, so they went out with a bang. This tour will continue west until late September. Idol has been having a busy year with this successful tour, the release of the “Billy Idol Should Be Dead” documentary and his induction into the 2026 class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.