Who truly needs the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? It’s evident that Billy Idol doesn’t, as he electrified the audience at Austin’s Moody Center on Sunday night with an incredible array of timeless hits, showcasing an age-defying energy and the same audacious spirit that established him as a punk rock icon over 40 years ago.

Check out UCR’s exclusive photos from the unforgettable show below.

Following a high-energy performance by Joan Jett, Idol maintained the exhilarating atmosphere as he burst onto the stage to the lively tune of “Still Dancing,” a track from his latest album, Dream Into It. The dynamic opener seamlessly transitioned into classics like “Cradle of Love” and “Flesh for Fantasy,” blending rich keyboard melodies and Steve Stevens’ powerful guitar riffs with a stunning stage and light display, creating an immersive sensory experience for all.

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At the age of 69, Idol displayed an impressive vigor and charisma, moving energetically across the stage and leaping onto risers to engage the audience. His initial outfit—a black t-shirt paired with a red leather jacket—was soon shed in favor of a black button-up shirt and a red leather vest, revealing his robust physique, which the crowd certainly appreciated as a welcome enhancement.

Idol introduced the next song by sharing, “This next song reflects on today as well as my youth,” before diving into “77,” his recent collaboration with Avril Lavigne, the pop-punk sensation of the millennial generation. With a laugh, he added, “I’m still young. I still got what you need.”

If listeners found Idol’s new album to be somewhat polished or pop-oriented, they were pleased to discover that the new tracks resonate with greater rawness and intensity in a live setting, complementing his classic hits beautifully. “People I Love,” featuring vibrant new wave hooks and nostalgic lyrics, served as an especially touching encore piece, beautifully sandwiched between the glamorous “Hot in the City” and the iconic “White Wedding.”

Throughout the evening, Idol was in a nostalgic storytelling mood, sharing captivating anecdotes about his experiences, including drinking escapades with the Rolling Stones and the inspiration for “Rebel Yell,” which he humorously attributed to a bottle of bourbon. He also reminisced about the ’60s pop-rock influences that inspired Generation X’s “Ready Steady Go.” Even when he occasionally strayed off-key or struggled for a high note, the audience eagerly filled in the gaps, particularly during “White Wedding,” where they enthusiastically echoed the “Start again!” refrain.

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Idol compensated for any vocal imperfections with his magnetic stage presence, supported by Stevens’ consistently impressive guitar work. The guitarist, who was serenaded by the audience in anticipation of his upcoming 66th birthday, delivered a breathtaking solo during Idol’s fresh cover of “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore,” while his signature guitar sounds in “Rebel Yell” sent the crowd into a frenzy.

With the substantial crowds on this tour, it’s clear that Idol is experiencing a cultural resurgence, and during his performance in Austin, he blended trademark hard rock showmanship with heartfelt reflections on a life fully lived. He admitted to becoming emotional while sound-checking “Dream Into It,” then quickly unleashed his iconic howl, showcasing a combination of strength and vulnerability that defined him as an emblem of the MTV generation. This blend of vitality and tenderness is precisely what makes his current tour resonate so powerfully with fans.