Billy Idol

William Michael Albert Broad (born 30 November 1955), known professionally as Billy Idol, is an English singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Idol achieved fame in the 1970s on the London punk rock scene as the lead singer of Generation X. He later embarked on a solo career which led to international recognition and made him a lead artist during the MTV-driven "Second British Invasion" in America.

Idol began his music career in 1976 as a guitarist in the punk rock band Chelsea, but left the group after a few weeks and formed Generation X with his former Chelsea bandmate Tony James. With Idol as lead singer, the band achieved success in the UK and released three studio albums on Chrysalis Records before disbanding. In 1981, Idol moved to New York City to pursue his solo career in collaboration with guitarist Steve Stevens. His debut studio album ''Billy Idol'' (1982) was a commercial success, and Idol became a staple of the then-new television channel MTV with the music videos for his singles " Dancing with Myself" and "White Wedding".

Idol's second studio album ''Rebel Yell'' (1983) was a major commercial success, featuring hit singles "Rebel Yell" and " Eyes Without a Face". The album was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling 2 million copies in America, and he then released '' Whiplash Smile'' (1986). He released the greatest hits album '' Idol Songs: 11 of the Best'' (1988), which went platinum in the UK, and then released '' Charmed Life'' (1990) and the concept album ''Cyberpunk'' (1993).

Idol spent the second half of the 1990s focusing on his personal life out of the public eye. In 1990, he broke his leg in a motorcycle accident, and later said in his biography ''Dancing With Myself'' (2014) that "by the time the motorcycle accident happened, ehad been living by the credo 'live every day as if it's your last, and one day you're sure to be right'". He made a musical comeback with the release of '' Devil's Playground'' (2005) and later released '' Kings & Queens of the Underground'' (2014).

Early life

William Michael Albert Broad was born in Stanmore on 30 November 1955, to Irish housewife Joan (née O'Sullivan) and English salesman William Alfred Broad. His mother was from Cork, while his father was from Birmingham and therefore qualifies for Irish citizenship through his mother, but it is unknown if he has ever applied for it. His parents attended Church of England services regularly. In 1958, at the age of two, he moved with his parents to the U.S. and settled in Patchogue, New York; they also lived in Rockville Centre, New York. His younger sister, Jane, was born during this time. The family returned to England four years later and settled in Dorking. In 1971, when Idol was 15, the family moved to Bromley, where he attended Ravensbourne School for Boys. His family later moved to Goring-by-Sea, where he attended Worthing High School for Boys. In October 1975, he began attending the University of Sussex to pursue a Philosophy with Literature degree, but left after year one in 1976. He later joined the Bromley Contingent, a loosely organised gang of Sex Pistols fans who travelled to see the band wherever they played.

Career

1976–1981: Generation X

The stage name "Billy Idol" was coined after a chemistry teacher described Idol as "idle" on his school report card. Idol has stated that he had hated chemistry and underachieved in it. In an interview on 21 November 1983, he said of the name, "It was a bit of a goof, but part of the old English school of rock. It was a 'double thing', not just a poke at the superstar-like people... It was fun, you know?" In another interview for ''BBC Breakfast'' in October 2014, he said that he wanted to use the name "Billy Idle", but thought the name would be unavailable due to its similarity to the name of Monty Python star Eric Idle and chose Billy Idol instead.

In late 1976, Idol joined the newly formed West London 1960s retro-rock band Chelsea as a guitarist. The act's singer/frontman Gene October styled Idol's image, advising him to use contact lenses instead of eyeglasses for his short sight, and dye his hair blonde with a crew cut for a retro-1950s rocker look. After a few weeks performing with Chelsea, Idol and Tony James, the band's bass guitarist, quit and co-founded Generation X, with Idol switching from guitarist to the role of singer/frontman. Generation X was one of the first punk bands to appear on the BBC Television music programme ''Top of the Pops''. Although a punk rock band, they were inspired by mid-1960s British pop, in sharp contrast to their more militant peers, with Idol stating, "We were saying the opposite to the Clash and the Pistols. They were singing 'No Elvis, Beatles or the Rolling Stones', but we were honest about what we liked. The truth was we were all building our music on the Beatles and the Stones."

In 1977, Idol sang "Your Generation" on the TV series '' Marc''. Generation X signed a recording contract with Chrysalis Records, released three studio albums, performed in the 1980 film '' D.O.A.: A Rite of Passage'', and then disbanded.

1981–1985: Solo career and breakthrough

Idol moved to New York City in 1981 and became a solo artist, working with former Kiss manager Bill Aucoin. Idol's punk-like image worked well with the glam rock style of his new partner on guitar, Steve Stevens. Together they worked with bassist Phil Feit and drummer Gregg Gerson. Idol's solo career began with the Chrysalis Records EP titled '' Don't Stop'' in 1981, which included the Generation X song " Dancing with Myself", originally recorded for their last album ''Kiss Me Deadly'', and a cover of Tommy James and the Shondells' song " Mony Mony". Idol's debut solo album ''Billy Idol'' was released in July 1982.

Part of the MTV-driven "Second British Invasion" of the US in 1982, Idol became an MTV staple with "White Wedding" and "Dancing with Myself". The music video for "White Wedding" was filmed by the British director David Mallet and played frequently on MTV. The motorcycle smashing through the church window stunt was carried out by John Wilson, a London motorcycle courier. In 1983, Idol's label released "Dancing with Myself" in the US in conjunction with a music video directed by Tobe Hooper, which played on MTV for six months.

''Rebel Yell'' (1983), Idol's second LP, was a major success and established Idol in the United States with hits such as "Rebel Yell", " Eyes Without a Face", and " Flesh for Fantasy". "Eyes Without a Face" peaked at number four on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100, and "Rebel Yell" reached number six in the UK Singles Chart.

1986–1992: ''Whiplash Smile'' and ''Charmed Life''

Idol released '' Whiplash Smile'' in 1986, which sold well. The album included the hits " To Be a Lover", " Don't Need a Gun" and " Sweet Sixteen". Idol filmed a video for the song "Sweet Sixteen" in Florida's Coral Castle.

A remix album was released in 1987, titled '' Vital Idol''. The album featured a live rendition of his cover of Tommy James' " Mony Mony". In 1987, the single topped the United States chart and reached number 7 in the UK.

On 6 February 1990 in Hollywood, Idol was involved in a serious motorcycle accident that nearly cost him a leg. He was hit by a car when he ran a stop sign while riding home from the studio one night, requiring a steel rod to be placed in his leg. While he was hospitalised, he vowed to stop wearing clothing featuring the Confederate flag, after a black employee tending to him explained his feelings on it.

Prior to the accident, film director Oliver Stone had chosen Idol for the role of Jim Morrison's drinking pal Cat in his film ''The Doors'' (1991), but it prevented him from participating in a major way and Idol's role was reduced to a small part. He was James Cameron's first choice for the role of the villainous T-1000 in '' Terminator 2: Judgment Day'' (1991); the role was recast as a result of the accident.

'' Charmed Life'' was released in 1990, and a video for the single " Cradle of Love" had to be shot. The song was featured in the Andrew Dice Clay film ''The Adventures of Ford Fairlane''. Because Idol was unable to walk due to injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident, he was shot from the waist up. The video featured video footage of him singing in large frames throughout an apartment while Betsy Lynn George was trying to seduce a businessman. The video was placed in rotation on MTV. "Cradle of Love" earned Idol a third Grammy nomination for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.

1993–2004: ''Cyberpunk'', decline, and resurgence

In 1993, Idol released ''Cyberpunk''. Regarded as experimental, it was recorded in a home studio using a Macintosh computer. Idol used Studiovision and Pro Tools to record the album. The album took ten months to make. The album did not perform well in the United States and the lead single " Shock to the System" did not chart in the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. In comparison, the lead single from Idol's previous album, " Cradle of Love", peaked at No. 2. In Europe, the album fared slightly better, achieving moderate chart success and peaking within the UK top 20. Idol toured in Europe and played a Generation X reunion show in 1993.

He recorded and released the single "Speed" in 1994; the song was featured as the first track in the film soundtrack album. Idol appeared in a 1996 live version of the Who's ''Quadrophenia''. Idol made a cameo appearance as himself in the 1998 film ''The Wedding Singer'' with Adam Sandler, in which Idol played a pivotal role in the plot. The film featured "White Wedding" on its soundtrack. In 2000, he was invited to be a guest vocalist on Tony Iommi's debut solo album. His contribution was on the song "Into the Night", which he co-wrote. That year, he voice acted the role of Odin, a mysterious alien character, in the adult animated science fiction film '' Heavy Metal 2000'', also providing a song for the soundtrack.

VH1 aired ''Billy Idol – Behind the Music'' on 16 April 2001. Idol and Stevens took part in a ''VH1 Storytellers'' show three days later. The reunited duo set out to play a series of acoustic/storytellers shows before recording the VH1 special. Another ''Greatest Hits'' CD was issued in 2001, with Keith Forsey and Simple Minds' "Don't You (Forget About Me)" appearing on the compilation. The LP includes a live acoustic version of "Rebel Yell", taken from a performance at Los Angeles station KROQ's 1993 Acoustic Christmas concert. The ''Greatest Hits'' album sold 1 million copies in the United States alone.

In the 2002 NRL Grand Final in Sydney, Idol entered the playing field for the half-time entertainment on a hovercraft to the intro of "White Wedding", of which he managed to sing only two words before a power failure ended the performance.

2005–2009: ''Devil's Playground''

'' Devil's Playground'', which came out in March 2005, was Idol's first new studio album in nearly 12 years. The album reached No. 46 on the ''Billboard'' 200. The album included a cover of " Plastic Jesus". Idol played a handful of dates on the 2005 Warped Tour and appeared at the Download Festival at Donington Park, the Voodoo Music Experience in New Orleans, and Rock am Ring.

In 2008, "Rebel Yell" appeared as a playable track on the video game ''Guitar Hero World Tour'' and "White Wedding" on ''Rock Band 2''. The ''Rock Band 2'' platform later gained "Mony Mony" and "Rebel Yell" as downloadable tracks. On 24 June 2008, Idol released the greatest hits album '' The Very Best of Billy Idol: Idolize Yourself''. He embarked on a worldwide tour, co-headlining with Def Leppard.

In June 2006, Idol performed at the Congress Theater, Chicago, for the United States television series '' Soundstage''. This performance was recorded and then released on DVD/Blu-ray as ''In Super Overdrive Live'', on 17 November 2009.

2010–present: ''Kings & Queens of the Underground'' and ''Dream Into It''

On 16 February 2010, Idol was announced as one of the acts to play at the Download Festival in Donington Park, England. He stated, "With all of these great heavyweight and cool bands playing Download this year, I'm going to have to come armed with my punk rock attitude, Steve Stevens, and all of my classic songs plus a couple of way out covers. Should be fun!" In March 2010, Idol added Camp Freddy guitarist Billy Morrison and drummer Jeremy Colson to his touring line-up.

In 2013, Idol appeared on the third episode of the BBC Four series ''How the Brits Rocked America''. Idol also lent his voice as Spikey Hair Bot to Disney XD's '' Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja'' episode "McSatchle"

In October 2014, Idol released his eighth studio album '' Kings & Queens of the Underground''. While recording the album between 2010 and 2014, he worked with producer Trevor Horn, Horn's former Buggles and Yes bandmate Geoff Downes and Greg Kurstin. Idol's autobiography, ''Dancing with Myself'', was published on 7 October 2014 and became a ''New York Times'' bestseller.

On 30 October 2018, former Generation X members Idol and Tony James joined with Steve Jones and Paul Cook, former members of another first wave English punk rock band, the Sex Pistols, to perform a free gig at the Roxy in Hollywood, Los Angeles, under the name Generation Sex, playing a combined set of the two former bands' material.

In late February 2020, Idol starred in a public service campaign with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection Police titled "Billy Never Idles", intended to fight the unnecessary idling of automobile engines in New York City, to reduce air pollution. Idol teamed with New York Mayor Bill de Blasio to open the campaign, which features Idol saying, "If you're not driving, shut your damn engine off!" and other strong advice. He was a guest vocalist on the song "Night Crawling" from Miley Cyrus' album '' Plastic Hearts'', released in November 2020. In 2016, Idol and Cyrus performed "Rebel Yell" at the iHeartRadio Festival in Las Vegas.

On 12 August 2021, Idol's music video "Bitter Taste", directed by Stephen Sebring, was uploaded to YouTube. Idol announced his new EP '' The Roadside'', which was released on 17 September. Another EP, ''The Cage'', was released on 23 September 2022. A video for the title track, also directed by Sebring, premiered on YouTube 17 August.

In March 2022, Idol was diagnosed with MRSA, which forced him to cancel a co-headlining tour with Journey. In September that year, he embarked on the postponed Roadside Tour with Killing Joke and Toyah as his UK opening acts in October.

On 6 January 2023, Idol was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On 24 January, he announced a North American tour from late March through mid-May: the tour was to begin in Scottsdale on 30 March and conclude with a concert at the Cruel World Festival on 20 May in Pasadena. In April that year, Idol played the first concert in history at the Hoover Dam. Idol is a member of Generation Sex who are on tour and performed at Glastonbury in 2023.

In 2025, Idol was nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the first time. Idol said Steve Stevens is nominated with him, and they will both be inducted into the Hall should Idol be selected for induction. On 26 February, Idol announced his first studio album in nearly 11 years, '' Dream Into It'', and debuted with a new single, " Still Dancing".

Artistry

Billy Idol established himself in the late-1970s London punk scene as the frontman of Generation X. The band was criticized as too "poppy", with AllMusic critic Greg Adams labelling their self-titled debut album as "bubblegum punk", while their second album, '' Valley of the Dolls'' has a glam punk sound, influenced by progressive rock, and Bruce Springsteen's mid-1970s work. After renaming to Gen X and going in a more new wave direction on their third album, ''Kiss Me Deadly'', the band released the single " Dancing with Myself", an early example of Idol incorporating dance and pop into his music. Despite this, the song was a commercial disappointment, and the band disbanded soon after.

Idol's solo career has a blend of pop hooks, punk attitude, and dance beats. His musical style has been described as dance-punk, dance-rock, glam punk, glam rock, hard rock, new wave, pop, pop-punk, pop rock, post-punk, and power pop. ''Rolling Stone'' critic Johnathan Taylor labeled his debut EP and solo release, ''Don't Stop'', as dance-rock, but on his self-titled debut album, he transitioned to "mainstream power rock" with vocals reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen, Lou Reed and Dave Clark. His second album, ''Rebel Yell'', is a mix of hard rock, new wave and pop, that cemented Idol as a "punk-pop star", according to AllMusic critic Matt Collar. He retained this sound into the 90s, but experimented with other genres, such as synth-pop in " Eyes Without a Face" (1984), acoustic in " Sweet Sixteen" (1986), and jazz in “Endless Sleep” (1990).

Idol's biggest change in sound was on ''Cyberpunk'', a techno-rock album based on the cyberdelic subculture of the late 1980s and early 1990s, with synthesised vocals, electronic elements, looped beats and keyboard riffs. ''Devil's Playground'', his first album in 12 years, has a more hard rock-oriented style, while keeping up with pop-punk bands, such as Green Day and Sum 41. Since then, he's returned to a sound more reminiscent of his 80s work, combining new wave and hard rock on his two most recent albums, ''Kings & Queens of the Underground'' and ''Dream Into It''. The latter is his second concept album, and has elements of soft rock and grunge.

Personal life

Idol resides in Los Angeles. He has never married, but was previously in a long-term relationship with English singer and dancer Perri Lister. They have a son, Willem (born 1988),.Hochman, Steve (1999). ''Popular Musicians: The Doobie Brothers-Paul McCartney''. Salem Press. p.512 who has been a member of the rock band FIM.''Amica'' magazine. Milan, Italy: RCS Mediagroup S.p.A. #1 January 2012 They separated in 1989. Idol also has a daughter named Bonnie from a relationship with Linda Mathis. As of 2024, he has three granddaughters.

Idol has struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction, including heroin and cocaine. In his 2014 memoir, he said there was more than one time he woke up in a hospital after passing out in a nightclub. In 1994, he collapsed outside a Los Angeles nightclub due to an overdose of gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB). He stopped his drug use after this incident, as he decided his children would never forgive him for dying of a drug overdose. In 2014, he said he had not taken hard drugs since 2003 but added that he smoked cannabis regularly and was an occasional drinker. In addition to his British citizenship, Idol gained American citizenship in 2018.

Live band

Idol's live band consists of:
* Billy Idol – lead vocals (1981–present)
* Steve Stevens – lead and rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (1981–1987, 1993–1995, 1999–present)
* Stephen McGrath – bass, backing vocals (2001–present)
* Billy Morrison – rhythm and lead guitar, backing vocals (2010–present)
* Erik Eldenius – drums (2012–present)
* Paul Trudeau – keyboards, backing vocals (2014–present)

Former members
* Phil Feit – bass (1981–1983)
* Steve Missal – drums (1981–1982)
* Gregg Gerson – drums (1982–1983)
* Judi Dozier – keyboards (1982–1985)
* Steve Webster – bass (1983–1985)
* Thommy Price – drums (1983–1987)
* Kenny Aaronson – bass (1986–1987)
* Susie Davis – keyboards, backing vocals (1986–1987)
* Mark Younger-Smith – guitars, keyboards (1988–1993)
* Phil Soussan – bass (1988–1990)
* Larry Seymour – bass (1990–1996)
* Tal Bergman – drums (1990–1993)
* Bonnie Hayes – keyboards, backing vocals (1990–1991)
* Jennifer Blakeman – keyboards, backing vocals (1993)
* Julie Greaux – keyboards, backing vocals (1993)
* Danny Sadownik – drums (1993)
* Mark Schulman – drums (1993–2001)
* Sasha Krivtsov – bass (2000)
* Brian Tichy – drums (2001–2009)
* Jeremy Colson – drums (2010–2012)
* Derek Sherinian – keyboards (2002–2014)

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

* ''Billy Idol'' (1982)
* ''Rebel Yell'' (1983)
* '' Whiplash Smile'' (1986)
* '' Charmed Life'' (1990)
* ''Cyberpunk'' (1993)
* '' Devil's Playground'' (2005)
* '' Happy Holidays'' (2006)
* '' Kings & Queens of the Underground'' (2014)
* '' Dream Into It'' (2025)

Extended plays

* '' Don't Stop'' (1981)
* '' The Roadside'' (2021)
* ''The Cage'' (2022)

Awards and nominations

ASCAP Pop Music Awards

!Ref.
, -
, 1991
, " Cradle of Love"
, Most Performed Song
,
,

Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards

!Ref.
, -
, 2005
, Himself
, Comeback of the Year
,
,

Grammy Awards

!Ref.
, -
! scope="row" ,
, "Rebel Yell"
, rowspan=3, Best Male Rock Vocal Performance
,
,
, -
! scope="row" ,
, " To Be a Lover"
,
,
, -
! scope="row" ,
, " Cradle of Love"
,
,

MTV Video Music Awards

The MTV Video Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony established in 1984 by MTV.

, -
! scope="row" ,
, " Dancing with Myself" , , Best Direction , ,
, -
! scope="row" ,
, "Dancing with Myself" , , Best Art Direction , ,
, -
! scope="row" ,
, "Dancing with Myself" , , Best Special Effects , ,
, -
! scope="row" ,
, " Eyes Without a Face" , , Best Cinematography , ,
, -
! scope="row" ,
, "Eyes Without a Face" , , Best Editing , ,
, -
! scope="row" ,
, " Cradle of Love" , , Best Video from a Film , ,
, -
! scope="row" ,
, "Cradle of Love" , , Best Male Video , ,
, -
! scope="row" ,
, "Cradle of Love" , , Best Special Effects , ,
, -
! scope="row" ,
, " Shock to the System" , , Best Special Effects , ,
, -
! scope="row" ,
, "Shock to the System" , , Best Editing , ,

Brit Awards

The Brit Awards are the British Phonographic Industry's annual pop music awards.

, -
! scope="row" ,
, Billy Idol – "Cradle of Love" , , Best British Video , ,

Pollstar Concert Industry Awards

!Ref.
, -
, 1988
, ''Tour''
, Most Creative Tour Package
,
,

References

Reference bibliography

*

Further reading

*

External links

*
*
*
*

Billy Idol
at ''Rolling Stone''

{{DEFAULTSORT:Idol, Billy
1955 births
20th-century English male actors
20th-century English male singers
21st-century English male actors
21st-century English male singers
Actors from Dorking
Actors from the London Borough of Bromley
Actors from the London Borough of Harrow
Alumni of the University of Sussex
Brit Award winners
British hard rock musicians
English post-punk musicians
Bromley Contingent
Chelsea (band) members
Chrysalis Records artists
EMI Records artists
English expatriate male actors in the United States
English expatriate musicians in the United States
English male film actors
English male new wave singers
English male singer-songwriters
English new wave singers
English people of Irish descent
English punk rock singers
English rock singers
Generation X (band) members
Glam rock musicians
Living people
Male actors from Kent
Male actors from Surrey
Musicians from Kent
Musicians from the London Borough of Bromley
Musicians from the London Borough of Harrow
Naturalized citizens of the United States
Neurotic Outsiders members
People educated at Ravensbourne School, Bromley
People educated at Worthing High School
People from Bromley
People from Goring-by-Sea
People from Stanmore
Sanctuary Records artists
Second British Invasion artists
Singers from the London Borough of Bromley
Singers from the London Borough of Harrow