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Monday, November 9, 2026
7:30 PM 11:00 PM
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BENCHMARK INTERNATIONAL ARENA TAMPA, FL
November 1
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November 11
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It was an hour, maybe more, when we left the motel to get to the show early. Billy freakin' Idol and Joan Jett are just a bonus. The show my co-pilot and I anticipated and waited for months.  This was my first time seeing Billy Idol or Joan Jett.  I had planned on arriving at the concert early to get refreshments and get to our assigned seats (my co-pilot and I) to avoid a rush. Didn't happen due to traffic controllers and parking attendants not knowing what they were doing, but that is a whole different story for later. From our parking lot, we had a time-consuming 15-minute walk to the gates. Though it was quick getting through the gate thanks to having clear bags, we still had another 10-minute walk to get to our seats. The smell of caramel corn and other various delights filled the air.  As we walked past the merch booth, we took a slight look at what was to offer. The booth had everything from trinkets, coasters, to t-shirts and hoodies, and so much more, enough to tempt even the tightest of penny pinchers.  We slowly made our way past the drink concessions and the food court. As we reached the amphitheater entrance, vendors were waving their cotton candy and popcorn in the air for acknowledgement that they had items for sale.  The vendors had everything imaginable, from ice cream to churros. We made a quick stop for popcorn and a beverage and headed through the amphitheater corridor, which was so crowded that there was stopping and going all the way to our seats. Man, this place was packed, and looking off to the right in the lawn section was no space.  You could hear echoes of the audience singing along to Joan Jett, who we unfortunately missed some of her set. The amphitheater was dark and lit just enough to see up and down the center aisles. Joan Jett played Everyday People, Crimson and Clover and the crowd went wild as they sang along; people started standing row by row. Though Joan didn't do any wardrobe changes, she continues with her oh so ever familiar setlist, which included  I Hate Myself for Loving You, Bad Reputation, Victim of Circumstance, Cherry Bomb, Do You Wanna Touch Me, Lie to Me, and about six other songs that weren't as familiar.  The setlist was quite extensive compared to most opening acts that I have seen before. The lights, though somewhat dim, came on over the stage and amphitheater, while the anticipation kicked in. Billy Idol was coming up next.  The stage crew moved equipment on and off the stage. Though it seemed like an eternity, in actuality, it was only about 15 minutes.