It's a kinder, gentler Billy Idol who takes the stage in this installment of VH-1's Storytellers series. The 1980s punk icon still has his trademark sneer, and he can snarl his way through a golden oldie like nobody's business, but Idol is in an appropriately reflective mood for this program, pausing between songs to tell stories from times that "weren't meant to be remembered." The original broadcast featured only seven tunes, but the expanded edition on DVD sports a total of 15, including an outstanding rendition of "Eyes Without a Face." Many of the old howlers are performed acoustically, and sound surprisingly good, such as "White Wedding" and "Rebel Yell." On the other hand, Idol's longtime guitarist Steve Stevens cranks up his electric guitar for a rocking "Dancing with Myself" and "Mony Mony," much to the visible delight of the audience. Recommended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh)
VH-1 Storytellers: Billy Idol
(2001) 104 min. DVD: $24.99. Image Entertainment (avail. from most distributors). Color cover. Volume 17, Issue 4
VH-1 Storytellers: Billy Idol
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