Watch Billy Idol Perform ‘To Be A Lover’ On The ‘Today Show’
Stripped of its original synthesizers, Idol performed a bluesy rendition of his classic hit as part of the Citi Concert Series.
British rock legend Billy Idol was on the Today Show this morning to perform his 1986 hit, ‘To Be A Lover’, ahead of his tour that kicks off in August.
The veteran rocker was joined by his longtime bandmate, guitarist Steve Stevens, to promote their upcoming Idol Live 2019 tour, which kicks off on 1 August in New Hampshire.
Idol is set to play a number of dates along the East Coast with co-headliner Bryan Adams, before heading to Las Vegas in the fall for a short residency at the Palms Casino in October.
Stripped of its original synthesizers, Idol performed a bluesy rendition of his classic hit off his 1986 album, Whiplash Smile, as part of the Citi Concert Series.
Idol was also on hand to promote his iconic music videos that have now been restored in high definition as part of a larger initiative led by Youtube and Universal Music Group, which includes the videos for ‘To Be A Lover’, ‘White Wedding’, ‘Rebel Yell’ and ‘Dancing With Myself’, among others.
“Youtube has done a fantastic job of punching them up,” said Idol. Idol went on to explain now that all of these classic visuals of the early music video era have been cleaned up it, “gives young people a chance to see them [videos] on the same level as today’s videos”.
“What do you think Billy when you look back at yourself all those years ago in those videos?” asked host Willie Geist.
“They were fantastic times; we were having the time of our lives and I hope the inspirations and the work we put into them [videos] has lasted.”
Idol then taught host Geist how to recreate his signature sneer.
Visit the official artist website for ticket details and see the tour itinerary below.
Idol Live 2019 Tour
August 1 – Gilford, NH @ Bank Of New Hampshire Pavilion
August 3 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun
August 4 – Wantagh, NY @ Jones Beach Theater
August 6 – Syracuse, NY @ St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater At Lakeview
August 7 – Clarkson, MI @ Dte Energy Music Theater
August 9 – Darien Center, NY @ Darien Lake Amphitheater
August 10 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center
August 12 – Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live
August 30 – Puyallup, WA @ Washington State Fair
August 31 – Vancouver, BC @ PNE Amphitheatre
October 4 – Las Vegas, NV @ Palms Casino Resort – Pearl Theater
October 5 – Las Vegas, NV @Palms Casino Resort – Pearl Theater
October 9 – Las Vegas, NV @ Palms Casino Resort – Pearl Theater
October 11 – Las Vegas, NV @ Palms Casino Resort – Pearl Theater
October 12 – Las Vegas, NV @Palms Casino Resort – Pearl Theater
October 17 – Mexico City @Sports Palace
October 18 – October 19 @Guadalajara, Jal
October 20 – Monterrey Showcenter Complex
January 18 – Queenstown @ Gibbston Valley Winery
January 25 – Taupo @ Taupo Amphitheatre
January 26 – Whitianga @Whitianga Waterways Arena