Billy Idol performs a stack of songs that are instant sing-alongs. Or chant-alongs, if you count his cover of Tommy James and the Shondells “Mony Mony” and its raunchy, formulaic rap.
The famous midsong shoutout was not on the studio recording. But the phrasing developed organically after the song became popular in bars, clubs and Camaro Z28s.
The original “Mony Mony” has a story. James recorded the tune after being inspired by the “M.O.N.Y.” sign atop the Mutual of New York building, which he could see from his Manhattan apartment. Idol seized the song because it was playing in the background during a sexual encounter in his youth.
You have to love Idol’s creative process.
“Mony Mony” is a highlight of his series at BleauLive Theater, which closes Saturday night. But it was another New York-related tune that stole the show for me.
It was “Hot In The City,” the 1982 single and first song Idol wrote after moving to New York. He joked that he was wearing leather pants and a matching vest, enveloped by the city’s humidity, sweating out the lyrics.
Idol also stripped his shirt onstage in a quick-change out of his heavy leather jacket. No curtains. No leaving the scene for a musical interlude — that would happen later, with guitarist Steve Stevens’ dominating, several-minute solo.
The show was otherwise jammed with “White Wedding,” “Eyes Without a Face,” and “Rebel Yell,” Idol is packing BleauLive Theater when it’s not easy to sell tickets for any non-Sphere shows.
Idol gets it. That’s why he’s conquered four Las Vegas theaters — House of Blues, Pearl at The Palms, The Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan. His blond hair is still spiked. He still preens, curls his lip and punches into the air.
The world is crazy, and so is Billy Idol, but in a way that is reassuring. We can always count on the look, the hooks, the chants. A punk rocker for all time. The man is Mony.
‘Apple’ peels out
Yet more New York-ish content. “Mad Apple” is closing Saturday night at New York-New York. This was a noble attempt to drawn down a Cirque spectacle with Big Apple-themed specialty acts. Loved the live band, comics, vocalists, staging (there was a functional bar on that stage) and personality of this show.
MGM Resorts says it is bringing in another show, the third in that vast venue. This is a challenging fit. Residency productions opening in showrooms and theaters are going extinct in this city.
The softly closing Bob Marley’s Hope Road at Mandalay Bay (a member of the Hiatus Hall of Fame) and incoming “Now You See Me Live” magic production at MGM Grand Theater are rarities. So is the tribute show “Ikons of Rock,” which has actually moved from Hard Rock Cafe to The Strat Theater.
We don’t want to see the former Zumanity Theater repurposed, or worse, knocked down. But we will be there at the close of this one, as a cast and crew of 100 (minus two) bows it out.
Tail to the gate
Clique Hospitality’s Tailgate Beach Club at Mandalay Bay is making a splash (ho!) ahead of its first NFL season. The party deck has been named the official beach club and an official post-game party of the Raiders.
The multiyear partnership arrives ahead of the Raiders’ regular-season opener Sept. 13 against the Dolphins. Who also hang at the beach.
Clique brass is excited to tie in with the city’s NFL franchise.
“Tailgate Beach Club was built for this,” Andy Masi, founder of Clique Hospitality, said in a statement. “Between our screens, our pools and Las Vegas weather that lets you watch football outside all season long, there’s no better place to be part of the Silver and Black.”
The partnership also includes promotions and player appearances throughout the year, with additional details to be announced.
Clique folks say the venue is “just steps” from Allegiant Stadium. Yes. Probably 30 minutes worth of steps. But I have enjoyed the layout, while laying out, at Tailgate.
What Works In Vegas …
“Scream’d” at Majestic Repertory Theatre in the Arts District. Venue founder and producer Troy Heard says the return of the musical has been selling into November, usually in groups of four or six. The production returns Sept. 18, running 26 dates through Nov. 21.
The ticket-buying pattern is those who have seen it already, even multiple times, are bringing friends.
“And this,” Heard says, “is with no press.” Hey. We’ll fix that.
But Heard also says, “I’m telling you, this thing is a beast,” and we believe.
Tease this …
A rock legend tells me they have zero interest in listening to music over a phone, or through ear buds, ever. This person makes a credible case for analog, on this side of the moon. There’s a hint for ya. Check back during the week …
Great Moments in Social Media
Check out Celine Dion dancing for fans in Paris. For someone who was supposed to fall victim to an unknown ailment, she looks great. We’re watching it all, half a world away …
Cool Hang Alert
Delilah’s Dead, a Grateful Dead tribute, performs in the Copa Room at Tuscany Suites at 4 p.m. Sunday. The resort was a hotspot for Dead fans during the Dead & Company residency at Sphere. This is the same room where “The Rat Pack is Back” is staged, so there is a history of entertainment diversity at the Copa. No cover.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.