Foo Fighters got their punk on with help from one of the genre’s OGs Billy Idol during the band’s headlining Sunday set at Jazz Aspen Snowmass. Together they paid tribute to other punk forefathers Sex Pistols with a cover of Pretty Vacant.
Considering Idol, 67, is the one with the British accent, he took lead vocals on the earworm from 1977’s defining document Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols. Idol’s affinity for the Sex Pistols is well documented. When he was still on the road to stardom, he joined what became known as the “Bromley Contingent,” a loosely affiliated group of fans that followed the first-wave punk act from show to show during its brief but incredibly influential original run from 1975–1978. More recently, he formed the band Generation Sex with Sex Pistols Steve Jones and Paul Cook along with Idol’s former Generation X bandmate, Tony James. Sunday’s cover actually served as a birthday tribute to Jones, who turned 68 that day.
Idol marks just the latest guest star to join Foo Fighters’ live sets this year. So far, the alt-rockers have welcomed Michael Bublé, Paramore‘s Hayley Williams, Alanis Morissette, and the late Taylor Hawkins‘ son, Shane. With further upcoming festival appearances at Louder Than Life, Riot Fest, Austin City Limits Festival, and others, there are plenty more chances for surprise onstage collaborations.
Watch Billy Idol join Foo Fighters for a cover of Sex Pistols’ “Pretty Vacant” at Jazz Aspen Snowmass on Sunday below. Foo Fighters will keep up a heavy tour schedule including headlining shows and festival appearances across the globe. Visit the band’s website for tickets and a full list of tour dates. Idol will tour the East Coast for a series of concerts before heading to Las Vegas for a brief residency. For more information head here.
Foo Fighters, Billy Idol – “Pretty Vacant” (Sex Pistols) – 9/3/23
[Video: shorniacek]
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