Billy Idol is a punk rock musician best known for his work with Generation X. Born William Michael Albert Broad, he began his musical career under the moniker Billy Idol. He was a bright teenager, though he lacked academic aptitude. His teacher once referred to him as “idle,” and as a joke, he began referring to himself as “Idol”! His parents encouraged him to attend college, and he enrolled at Sussex University to study English. He found studies, however, to be extremely boring and left after a year to join the Bromley Contingent of Sex Pistols fans. He began his musical career by playing guitar for the band Chelsea. He co-founded Generation X with bandmate Tony James and transitioned from guitarist to lead singer. The group went on to release three successful albums and was one of the first punk bands to be featured on BBC Television’s ‘Top of the Pops’ music show. When he embarked on a solo career following Generation X’s disbandment, he developed a “bad boy” image that was well received by rock music fans.
Childhood & Adolescence
He was Bill and Joan Broad’s eldest child. Jane, his younger sister, is his only sibling. He began his education at Ravensbourne School for Boys and later transferred to Worthing High School for Boys. In 1975, he enrolled at Sussex University to pursue a degree in English. However, he left after a year due to his lack of academic ambitions.
Career of Billy
In 1976, he joined the punk rock band Siouxsie and the Banshees. He left after a brief stint to join Chelsea as a guitarist in 1977. He met Tony James here. Idol was a co-founder of the band Generation X, where he served as lead singer. Tony James on bass, John Towe on drums, and Bob Andrews on guitar. In 1977, the band released its debut single, ‘Your Generation.’
In 1978, the band released the self-titled album ‘Generation X.’ The singles ‘Ready Steady Go’, ‘Listen’, and ‘From the Heart’ were included. In 1979, they released their second album, ‘Valley of the Dolls,’ which included the hit single ‘King Rocker.’ The band disbanded in 1980.
In 1981, Idol relocated to New York City to pursue a solo career. By this point, he had developed a “bad boy image” for himself that was well-liked by rock fans. Steve Stevens, a guitarist, became his new partner. In 1981, he released an Extended Play (EP) titled ‘Don’t Stop.’ It featured a cover of ‘Mony Mony’ by Tommy James and the Shondells. The EP’s success prompted him to release ‘Billy Idol’ as a full-length album in 1982.
In 1983, he released his follow-up album, ‘Rebel Yell.’ He collaborated on this highly successful album with Steve Stevens and Keith Forsey. The album spawned four singles that charted in the United States. Charts of the Billboard Hot 100.
His follow-up album, ‘Whiplash Smile,’ was released in 1986. It included the singles ‘To Be a Lover,’ ‘Sweet Sixteen,’ and ‘Don’t Need a Gun.’ Additionally, he filmed a video for ‘Sweet Sixteen.’
He released only two albums in the 1990s: ‘Charmed Life’ (1990) and ‘Cyberpunk’ (1991). (1993). The latter was a risky move that was captured in a home studio. However, it was a failure and received negative reviews. Throughout the 1990s, he struggled with personal and health issues, which limited his ability to focus on his career. He finally released his album, ‘Devil’s Playground,’ in 2005, after a lengthy hiatus. In 2005 and 2006, he embarked on a world tour of rock festival appearances in support of this album.
His most recent album is ‘Happy Holidays,’ a Christmas collection released in 2006. It included a number of well-known traditional Christmas songs as well as several original compositions.
Significant Works of Billy
His most successful album to date is ‘Rebel Yell.’ The album reached No. 6 in the United States. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and featured the chart-topping singles ‘Rebel Yell,’ ‘Eyes Without a Face,’ and ‘Flesh for Fantasy. The album achieved multi-platinum status in Canada and the United States.’Whiplash Smile’ also achieved multi-platinum status in Canada and platinum status in the United States. The single ‘To Be a Lover’ was a huge success, reaching No. 6 in the United States.
Awards and Accomplishments
In 1990, for the video ‘Cradle of Love,’ he won the MTV Video Music Awards for Best Video from a Film.
In 1991, he was also awarded the BRIT Award for Best British Video for the same video.
Personal History and Legacies
He was previously married to Perri Lister, with whom he shares a son. He was previously linked to Linda Mathis, with whom he shares a daughter.
Estimated Net Worth
English rock musician, singer-songwriter, and actor Billy Idol has a $60 million dollar fortune. Idol gained notoriety in the 1980s, first as a member of the punk rock band Generation X and later as a solo performer. Billy is regarded as a member of the “Second British Invasion,” as defined by MTV, and is best known for his songs “Eyes Without a Face,” “Rebel Yell,” “White Wedding,” “Dancing with Myself,” “Cradle of Love,” and his cover of Tommy James & the Shondells’ “Mony Mony.” He became one of the first MTV stars thanks to the music videos for these songs, which also established him as a part of the 1980s glam rock subculture. Eight solo studio albums by Idol have been published, including the Christmas CD “Happy Holidays” (2006) and the 2x Platinum “Rebel Yell” (1983). In addition, Billy has had several film appearances, including “The Doors” (2001) and “The Wedding Singer” (1998). His 2014 memoir, “Dancing with Myself,” was a “New York Times” bestseller.
Trivia
This singer is best known for his signature platinum blonde spiky hair and sneer.