Billy Idol’s longtime guitarist, Steve Stevens, has expressed his disapproval of artists who complain about performing their biggest hits. While it’s common for musicians to experience ‘hit fatigue’—the repetitive grind of playing the same songs night after night—Stevens argues that artists should appreciate the success those songs have brought them.
“I never understood artists that… sometimes you’ll see [them talking] in an interview [about] their biggest hit, and how they are so tired of playing that song,” Stevens said in a conversation with Jeremy White. “That song bought you your house, got you your hot wife.”
Best known for his work as Billy Idol’s guitarist and co-songwriter, Stevens claims he’s never felt this way because each performance with Idol feels unique. “That’s the great thing about Billy Idol. No show is ever the same. We have enough improvisation built into our tunes. It’s always different. He’s always different on stage, and every gig is unique to that show.”
Stevens also reflected on the long-lasting partnership with Idol, saying, “The crazy thing is, Idol and I still really, really enjoy the partnership, and we look forward to making new music. It’s just chemistry or mutual respect—it works.”
Stevens’ sentiments echo those of Josh Homme, frontman of Queens of the Stone Age, who also criticized bands that avoid playing their biggest hits. Homme noted in an interview, “I understand that I’m always going to play No One Knows because I still like playing that song, and that’s part of an agreement with the audience.”
Homme further stated, “When bands don’t want to play their big song or their big songs, I always think it’s a little selfish. Acting like a song that a lot of people love is a burden is just a strange reaction to the gift your fans have given you.”
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