Get ready to raise your fists and shout Rebel Yell once more—Billy Idol is coming home. The punk rock icon will bring his white-hot energy and legendary catalogue to London’s OVO Arena Wembley on Tuesday 24 June 2025, for a one-night-only UK headline show that’s shaping up to be one of the must-see live events of the year. The show will come hot on the heels of his set at the Forever Now Festival in Milton Keynes’ National Bowl just two days prior, and it will be Idol’s only UK appearance in an arena setting this year. If you missed him on his sold-out 2022 tour, this is your chance to witness the electric legacy live and loud.
Billy Idol
Joining Idol on the bill are British post-punk stalwarts New Model Army, whose fiercely independent ethos and raw, politically charged sound continue to inspire generations. The night promises a no-holds-barred celebration of genre-defining music, rebel spirit, and pure rock ‘n’ roll fire. Few artists command the kind of multi-generational devotion that Billy Idol does. Whether you came of age pogoing to Generation X, headbanged through the 80s MTV revolution, or only just discovered him through his more recent output, Idol’s place in rock history is not just secured—it’s alive and roaring.
From the snarling swagger of Dancing With Myself to the haunting croon of Eyes Without A Face, and the full-throttle euphoria of Rebel Yell, Idol’s songs are anthems etched into the DNA of popular music. Known for blending punk defiance with pop precision and a hint of sleazy Hollywood glam, he helped define the soundtrack of an era.
On stage, he’s joined by his tight-as-nails touring band, featuring his long-time musical partner and guitar god Steve Stevens, whose lightning-fast solos and flair are as iconic as Idol’s trademark snarl. The band is rounded out by Stephen McGrath (bass), Billy Morrison (guitar), Paul Trudeau (keys), and Erik Eldenius (drums), each a master at delivering the pounding heartbeat behind the legacy. “Every time we play Wembley, we have an absolute blast,” says Idol. “And this summer will be no exception!”
Not content to coast on his back catalogue, Idol’s recent work has proven he’s lost none of the fire that first made him famous. His 2021 EP The Roadside saw the singer reflect on his near-fatal 1990 motorcycle accident with raw honesty and poetic introspection. The follow-up, The Cage (2023), was a snarling, propulsive collection of new tracks that critics hailed as a powerful return to form. In February this year, Idol was nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, underlining the influence he continues to wield across generations of fans and fellow musicians alike.
Supporting Idol at Wembley will be New Model Army, one of Britain’s most enduring and defiant live acts. With over four decades under their belts, the Bradford-formed band returned in 2024 with their 16th studio album, Unbroken—a searing, bass-driven, and deeply emotional record that charted across the globe and was widely praised for its power and urgency.
Their ability to blend post-punk, folk, rock and political commentary into a singular, uncompromising voice has earned them one of the most loyal followings in UK music. Tracks from Unbroken, alongside cult favourites like Vagabonds, 51st State, and Green And Grey, are sure to ignite the Wembley crowd and set the stage ablaze for Idol’s headline performance. New Model Army remain as passionate and potent as ever—still unfiltered, still unyielding, still unbroken.
With only two UK appearances this year, and just one in the capital, this is a rare opportunity to catch Billy Idol in full flight. Whether you’ve seen him before or are experiencing the raw power of his live show for the first time, this will be more than a concert—it’ll be a rock ‘n’ roll resurrection.
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