Billy Idol

Billy Idol

Billy Idol is the stage name of William Michael Albert Broad, an English rock singer-songwriter, musician and actor from Stanmore, United Kingdom, born in 1955. He also holds United States citizenship. His name comes from a schoolteacher’s description of him as “idle”.

Early career

Idol begins his music career in late 1976 as a guitarist in the punk band Chelsea, but leaves the group soon afterwards. He then forms Generation X with former bandmate Tony James and becomes its lead singer. The band emerges from the London punk scene, achieves success in the United Kingdom, and releases three studio albums on Chrysalis Records before splitting up.

Solo work and international recognition

In 1981, Idol moves to New York City to pursue a solo career with guitarist Steve Stevens. His debut album, Billy Idol (1982), is a commercial success. The singles “Dancing with Myself” and “White Wedding” help establish him as one of the early familiar faces on MTV during the period sometimes described as the “Second British Invasion” in the United States.

His second album, Rebel Yell (1983), is a major commercial success and includes the hit singles “Rebel Yell” and “Eyes Without a Face”. The album is certified double platinum in the United States. Idol follows it with Whiplash Smile in 1986.

Later releases

After collecting three UK top 10 singles with “Rebel Yell”, “White Wedding” and “Mony Mony”, Idol releases the compilation Idol Songs: 11 of the Best in 1988, which goes platinum in the United Kingdom. He then releases Charmed Life in 1990 and the concept album Cyberpunk in 1993. After spending the second half of the 1990s out of the public eye, he returns with Devil’s Playground in 2005 and Kings & Queens of the Underground in 2014.

Style and related acts

Idol is associated with punk, new wave and rock, with later work also linked to hard rock, pop rock, alternative dance and electronic music. His career is connected to Chelsea, Generation X, Neurotic Outsiders and Generation Sex.