The Other ‘Idol’ Tour

There was a time when the mere mention of “Idol” referred only to the former Generation X singer who struck top-of-the-charts gold with ‘80s hits like “White Wedding,” “Eyes Without A Face” and “Rebel Yell.” But after Simon Fuller unleashed “American Idol” on U.S. TV audiences, any sentence referring to “Idol” often causes brains to default to the television show.

But make no mistake, the one, the only Billy Idol puts on his tour boots beginning in Moscow at SCCH Russia June 5, followed by a performance at St. Petersburg’s Ice Hall June 17.

Then Billy & Co. head to Helsinki for a show at that city’s Ice Hall June 9 before hitting almost every European music festival in the known universe, including Sweden Rock Festival in Malmo June 11; Download Festival in Donington Park, U.K., June 13; T Music Festival in Zagreb, Croatia, June 22; Volt Festival in Sopron, Hungary, July 1 and Bospop Festival in Weert, Netherlands July 11.

Other stops include Athens at Karaiski Stadium June 18; Belgrade Arena June 21 and Bonn at the Museumplatz July 8.

But that’s just the tip of the proverbial Idol iceberg for the performer will also tour North America after playing Europe, although those dates have yet to be announced.

Idol’s new band includes some old and new faces. Rejoining Idol will be guitarist Steve Stevens, bassist Stephen McGrath and keyboardist Derek Sherinian. Also accompanying Idol on this year’s tour plans will be Camp Freddy co-founder and Circus Diablo frontman Billy Morrison on guitar and drummer Jeremy Colson, who in addition to also appearing in Circus Diablo, has worked with Steve Vai since 2002.

For more information on Billy Idol, please click here for the artist’s official Web site.