Billy Idol: The Epitome of Cool [MMRBQ Interview]
Billy Idol interacting with the crowd at MMRBQ 2023
This year’s MMRBQ had so many highlights, but one of the standout moments was watching Billy Idol on the FM Pavilion stage. He was a vision of rock n’ roll cool in his leather jacket and chains, playfully taunting the crowd with his trademark sneer as they danced to every hit – and Billy’s racked up plenty of those in a career spanning almost five decades.
He sat down with Pierre Robert backstage before the show. They talked about his dual citizenship in the UK and the US and touched on how British rock has influenced the music we love so much, plus they discuss his near-death experience with a motorcycle accident, and his chemistry with longtime guitarist Steve Stevens. Billy also touched on his autobiography, and revealed which chapter made him break down in tears when he was recording the audiobook version.
We also got a surprise in this chat when he dropped one new song title from his upcoming project: “Pissing Off People I Love” – now that’s a title we want to intro live on the radio!
In honor of Billy Idol’s birthday today (11/30) check out the entire interview below.
Big thanks to Neumann University for capturing the backstage magic on video. Check out photos from the day by Digital Noise Mag below, and keep an eye on MMRBQ HQ for a 2024 show announcement…
MMRBQ 2023: Performances & Party Photos
Freedom Mortgage Pavilion on the Camden Waterfront
Saturday, September 16, 2023
Another MMRBQ is in the books. A packed house at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion on the Camden Waterfront enjoyed an incredible day of Rock & Roll and a memorable celebration of the best rock station in Philadelphia.
The star-studded lineup rocked the main stage beginning at 1 pm on a beautiful day in Camadelphia. The list of performers included:
- Vixen77
- Tigercub
- Finger Eleven
- Dirty Honey
- Ayron Jones
- Larkin Poe
- Billy Idol
- Shinedown
MMRBQ Performances
MMR’s Local Shots artist of the month Vixen77 got things started on the main stage inside the amphitheatre. They followed it up with an excellent interview with Brent Porche at the MMR broadcast tent on the Ben Franklin Bridge side of Freedom Mortgage Pavilion.
Tigercub, Finger Eleven, Dirty Honey, Ayron Jones, and Larkin Poe gave the crowd their money’s worth with a marathon of excellent performances throughout the afternoon.
Billy Idol looked lively as ever when he led off with “Dancing With Myself” as the penultimate act, and MMRBQ headliner Shinedown didn’t disappoint with the peak of the night.
The Preston & Steve Side Stage
The return of the Preston & Steve side stage gave the loyal listeners of 93.3 WMMR a chance to get involved in MMRBQ 2023. Some excellent karaoke fired up the crowd at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion.
Victoria sang a head-banging rendition “Zombie” by the Cranberries that would’ve made Dolores O’Riordan proud. L.J. sang “The Rooster” by Alice in Chains with authority that you certainly won’t see from many other 16-year-olds. “In The End,” “Separate Ways,” “Livin’ On A Prayer,” and “What’s Up” were some other crowd favorites.
MMRBQ 2023
Make sure you remember to check WMMR.com and all the 93.3 WMMR social media channels for the release of exclusive backstage interviews with members of each band, more MMRBQ 2023 photos, and other great content from the station.
From roughly 10:30am to somewhere around 3 (we call it Pierre Standard Time) weekdays Philadelphia rocks with (and loves) Pierre Robert on WMMR. Pierre Robert began his illustrious career at the pioneering progressive rock station KSAN, in his hometown San Francisco, but it’s through his uninterrupted 42-year tenure at Philadelphia‘s legendary WMMR that he’s made his mark. One of the city’s most recognizable celebrities will write about being at the center of its live music scene and greeting his legions of fans as if personal friends in the smallest clubs and largest stadiums.
