How to Dial In "Wildside" by Billy Idol - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Wildside"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Dream Into It (2025). Dream Into It is the ninth studio album by the English rock singer Billy Idol, released on 25 April 2025 by Dark Horse Records and BMG. In MusicRadar's interview about the album, Steve Stevens says he still relies on Friedman amps, specifically his signature SS Deluxe model, but he does not name the guitar or say which amp this song used, so this is a suggested rig: a Kramer Pacer Vintage through a Friedman SS-100 Steve Stevens, the nearest signature head we list. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Wildside" Tone
What guitar did Billy Idol use on "Wildside"?
The guitar on "Wildside" (released 2025) isn't documented; the Kramer Pacer Vintage above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Wildside" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 8. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "Wildside" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Wildside" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Wildside" by Billy Idol are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.