There’s an annual music festival in California’s Napa Valley that is terrific, and my wife Alex and I went for the first time this year…
40,000 music fans pack the Napa Valley Expo grounds for three days of great music, food, drink and sun…
As you can see, it was a great variety of musical artists performing, and I will be sharing more in future posts – but let’s begin our trip with some classic 80’s music from the one and only Billy Idol!
Oh, Did I Say There Would Be Wine?
Since it is Napa Valley, America’s greatest wine region, there was plenty of food and vino to enjoy along with the music – and as you can see, a LOT of people were ready to party with Billy, including “Will & Grace” Star Eric McCormack.
The crowd was ready to have fun with Idol, who was energized by the crowd as well.
Here is his opening song, “Shock To The System” from his album “Cyberpunk”…
Idol closed his set with two audiences pleasers: “Rebel Yell” and “White Wedding”, which ended the show on a great high note!
I have posted about Billy Idol before…not only did he write his autobiography, which is a great look at his start in punk rock and his philosophy on life:
But he also has a great cameo in Adam Sandler’s best film, “The Wedding Singer.” In fact, it’s because he IS BILLY IDOL that the joke plays so well!
I posted a story about why Billy Idol matters – take a look:
Yes, Bottle Rock has become one of the biggest summer festivals in just a few short years…last year the headliners each day: Maroon 5, Foo Fighters, Tom Petty!
I rode in the elevator with Billy Idol when he stayed in The Embassy Suites Hotel in Denver in 1988. Danny and I lived on the 37th floor. He was glitzed out with tons of studs and leather but his bodyguards wore suits.
Jealous! Read the line-up for three days and was like WHAT! Love it when people take in events and just do it.
Yes, Bottle Rock has become one of the biggest summer festivals in just a few short years…last year the headliners each day: Maroon 5, Foo Fighters, Tom Petty!
He has endured so well, and ‘White Wedding’ is such a great song!
Best wishes, Pete.
What a great event, John. I love Billy Idol.
He’s so iconic, and everyone had a great time listening to him…he has his “Billy Idol” persona down well!
Billy Idol still rocks it!! He would be so great to see perform. Love White Wedding.
I rode in the elevator with Billy Idol when he stayed in The Embassy Suites Hotel in Denver in 1988. Danny and I lived on the 37th floor. He was glitzed out with tons of studs and leather but his bodyguards wore suits.
HA! I love that! Thanks for the note!