b. William Michael Albert Broad, 30 November 1955, Stanmore, Middlesex, England. While studying English Literature at Sussex University, Broad became involved with the "Bromley contingent" followers of the Sex Pistols. Inspired by the energy of punk, he formed his own group, Chelsea, in 1976. The original outfit was short-lived and Billy Idol, as he was now known, next founded Generation X. The group lasted from 1976-81, after which Idol launched his solo career in New York and recorded Don't Stop, which featured a revival of Tommy James And The Shondells' UK number 1 "Mony Mony". Through 1982-84, Idol's career blossomed and his acerbic vocal style and lively stage act brought a string of hits including "Hot In The City" (US number 23), "Eyes Without A Face" (US number 4/UK number 18), "White Wedding" (UK number 6), "Rebel Yell" (UK number 6 when reissued), and "To Be A Lover" (US number 6). With his album sales increasing each year, Idol actually became an idol and turned an old hit to advantage by taking "Mony Mony" to number 1 in the USA (and UK number 7) in 1987. Despite his legendary excessive lifestyle, Idol has appeared in several charity shows.

In 1988, he took part in Neil Young's Bridge School Benefit concert and the following year guested in the charity performance of the Who's Tommy in London. After being auditioned for a part in Oliver Stone's The Doors, Idol almost emulated its central character by suffering an early death. A motorcycle crash in February 1990 seriously damaged his leg, but he recovered remarkably quickly and the same May hit the number 2 slot in America with "Cradle Of Love" (taken from the Andrew Dice Clay movie The Adventures Of Ford Fairlaine ). However, he soon found himself back in trouble, this time with the Los Angeles courts when, in 1992, he was put on probation for two years and fined $2,700 for an assault on a "fan". This all added fuel to the rebel image and, in many respects, he has become more successful than most of the punk founders with whom he rubbed shoulders back in 1977. Idol's brand of heavy punk was perfectly honed and showcased on Cyberpunk.


*Courtesy sonicnet.com

Can't say I was a big Idol fan, but I particularly liked the leprousy song. ;)

Idol rocks!! His greatest hits contains a new recording of "Don't You Forget About Me" and a live recording of "Rebel Yell" pick it up if you haven't already.

I've heard that version of "Don't You Forget About Me" and I think it's great! "Dancing With Myself" has to be my favorite Billy Idol song of all. That one makes me want to get up and dance around the room! :D

I remember his videos the most. They were really cool. They were very different and innovative. Even his later non-hit singles had really good videos. My favourite Billy Idol song is Sweet Sixteen. :)

My favorite Billy Idol song is still Rebel Yell :cool: