FIRST OFF . . .

Four people injured during a Billy Idol concert in Portland, Ore., have sued the rock singer and the concert promoters, alleging Idol tried to cause a riot. The suit, filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court, says the four--Tonja Steelman, Diane Petersen, April Steelman and her 3-year-old son, Matthew--were hurt May 13 when Idol invited the crowd of 6,600 at Portland Memorial Coliseum to fill empty seats near the stage. The suit asks for a total of $165,000 for physical and mental damages from the defendants, and $600,000 in punitive damages from Idol. Attorney David N. Hobson said Tonja Steelman was 22 weeks’ pregnant and suffered bruises on her arms, legs and abdomen. Petersen alleges she suffered a strained knee and a puncture wound in her right foot, while April Steelman alleges she and her son suffered bruises on their arms and legs. Spokesmen for Idol said the rocker would have no comment.