Interview by Paul Salfen
In a recent conversation with Paul Salfen of AMFM Magazine, Steve Stevens, the iconic guitarist best known for his work with Billy Idol, as well as the winning a Grammy for his work on the “Top Gun Anthem” in 1987, shared insights into his enduring passion for music, his creative process, and the electric energy of their latest tour. With a career spanning over four decades, Stevens remains a driving force in rock music, bringing his signature sound to stages worldwide and earning a 2025 nomination for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside Idol.
Reflecting on the success of their latest album, which hit number seven on the charts, Stevens expressed his excitement: “It was so good to see you last night on stage. The show was fantastic,” host Paul Salfen remarked, noting the vibrant energy surrounding the tour. Stevens agreed, emphasizing the chemistry he shares with Idol after 43 years of collaboration. “The best special effect we have is the chemistry between Billy and myself,” he said, highlighting the magic that continues to captivate audiences.
Stevens’ journey began in New York, where he attended the prestigious High School of Performing Arts but made a bold decision to drop out during the vibrant CBGB’s era to pursue his musical dreams. “That took a leap of faith,” he recalled, describing how he honed his craft playing in cover bands, performing three sets a night. This gritty experience shaped him into the versatile guitarist who would later collaborate with artists like Michael Jackson, Ric Ocasek, and Robert Palmer, and win a Grammy for his work on the “Top Gun Anthem” in 1987.
For aspiring musicians, Stevens’ advice is simple yet profound: “You have to love it.” He credits his early obsession with guitar to the records he devoured as a kid, from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones, which inspired him to pick up an acoustic guitar and learn songs like “Michelle” and “Eleanor Rigby.” His uncle, who loaded jukeboxes, introduced him to classics like “Satisfaction” and “Good Vibrations,” sparking a lifelong passion for music.
The new Billy Idol album, described by Stevens as an “oral soundtrack to a movie,” reflects the band’s commitment to staying fresh while honoring their punk rock roots. Collaborating with young writers and producer Tommy English, Stevens was given creative freedom to experiment, often adding layers to tracks from his home studio in Lasල Vegas. The result is an autobiographical record that balances classic Idol energy with a modern edge, with standout tracks like “Dream Into It” tugging at the heartstrings.
On tour, fans can expect a visually stunning production that retains the raw spirit of punk rock. “It’s still punk rock somehow,” Stevens noted, describing the dynamic lighting and graphics that enhance their performances without overshadowing the music. Despite the demands of touring, Stevens remains grounded, returning home to Las Vegas to celebrate his birthday with his wife, Josie Stevens, star of E!’s Married to Rock.
Looking ahead, Stevens hinted at revisiting his flamenco-inspired work, blending his rock sensibility with the style he showcased in his 1999 track “Pistolero” for Juno Reactor and his albums with the supergroup Bozzio Levin Stevens. For now, his focus remains on the Billy Idol tour, delivering electrifying performances that continue to inspire.
As Stevens and Idol await the outcome of their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination, their legacy as pioneers of punk and rock endures. For fans, the chance to witness their live show is a must-see celebration of a partnership that has defined generations. Catch them on tour and experience the magic of Steve Stevens and Billy Idol in 2025.
