Unlike many of his colleagues, the guitarist has no problem repeating setlists for nights on end on long tours.
Every successful touring artist is bound to play their biggest hits over and over again. For some, this is a huge inconvenience, but Steve Stevens he doesn’t see a problem with that — and he even has a response on the tip of his tongue for colleagues who belittle their own hits.
In an interview with the channel Jeremy White (via Ultimate Guitar), the guitarist of Billy Idol He highlighted that he does not understand other artists who complain about performing their career successes live. To Stevensno show is the same, even if there are no major changes to the setlist.
The artist stated:
Sometimes you see them talking in an interview about their biggest hit, and how they are tired of playing that song. But that song bought you your house, brought you your beautiful wife. That’s a great thing about Billy Idol. No show is the same as another. And we have enough improvisations put into our songs. It’s always different. Each show is unique.”
The partnership between Steve Stevens and Billy Idol dates back to 1981, when the singer left the Generation X to start his solo career. The guitarist remained until 1987, returning in 1993, 1995 and 1999 — on this last occasion permanently. Among the biggest hits composed by the duo are songs like “Rebel Yell” and “Eyes Without a Face”.
Even after all these years, Steve he guarantees that he feels excited about working with Idol and that the feeling is reciprocal. He states:
The crazy thing is that Idol and I still really, really enjoy the partnership and look forward to making new music. I don’t know why, man, but sometimes it’s just chemistry or whatever. It’s a lot of mutual respect.”
Steve Stevens without Billy Idol
Despite being remembered for his work with Billy Idol, Steve Stevens also built a career without the vocalist. In 1987, the guitarist won a Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Performance for the film’s theme song Top Gun: Indomitable Aces (1986). Three solo albums were released by him: Atomic Playboys (1989), Flamenco to Go-Go (1999) and memory crash (2008).
Stevens has also recorded albums with Ric Ocasek (The Cars), Vince Neil (Motley Crue), Kyosuke Himuro and participated in two supergroups. THE Bozzio Levin Stevens was formed with Terry Bozzio (battery) and Tony Levin (low). Already the Deadland Ritual brings it alongside Franky Perez (vocal), Geezer Butler (low) and Matt Sorum (battery).
The guitarist also collaborated with Peter Criss (Kiss), michael jackson (in “Dirty Diana”), Sebastian Bach, Derek Sherinian, Albert Hammond Jr. and Billy Morrison (in “Crack Cocaine”which also has Ozzy Osbourne). Steve Stevens plays occasionally with the Kings of Chaosa supergroup that only performs live and has a long list of names in its lineup, almost always different with each appearance.
Collaborated: André Luiz Fernandes.
Source: Rollingstone

Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.