Billy Idol successfully marries the energetic spirit of punk rock to the futuristic sound of new wave with guitarist Steve Stevens — creating a musical synthesis which has captured audiences for decades.
His music has an avid following across the world. On his newest EP, Bitter Taste, there is even a track about his severe motorcycle accident that features as part of its title track.
Born on November 30, 1955
William Michael Albert Broad, more popularly known by his stage name Billy Idol, burst onto the scene in 1976 when he co-founded Generation X, a London punk band. His sexy good looks and rebellious persona quickly made him an instantaneous rock icon whose popular songs include White Wedding, Rebel Yell and Eyes Without a Face.
Even during his most extravagant moments, Idol never lost his musical ambitions; in fact, his love of music kept him one step ahead of society at large.
He achieved unprecedented success with Cradle of Love reaching no.2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and later that year released Charmed Life album. Unfortunately during recording sessions Idol almost died in a motorcycle accident which led to him reflecting upon his past through stripped down single Bitter Taste.
Raised in Goring-on-Thames
Billy Idol is well known for his extensive philanthropic efforts. He works closely with several charitable organizations such as ACLU and Amnesty International as well as supporting many cultural events across various forms.
William Broad started out his career as an English degree student before switching careers and becoming the sneering punk rock frontman for Chelsea and Generation X, touring extensively to amass fans known as the Bromley Contingent who could always be found crowding Sex Pistols afterparties.
He quickly rose to international stardom with his unique combination of punk attitude, rock sonics and 1980s dance that brought success both sides of the Atlantic. His signature hits included White Wedding and Rebel Yell.
Dropped out of college
After dropping out of college, William Broad adopted the name Billy Idol and quickly joined the developing punk scene as guitarist with Chelsea. Over time he made friends with Malcolm McClaren’s sex shop crowd (Bromley Contingent) before beginning to follow anarchic Sex Pistols to their gigs.
As soon as his group split up in 1981, Idol moved to New York where he joined producer Keith Forsey and flashy glam-rock guitarist Steve Stevens to try to break through mainstream pop charts with hits like Tommy James & the Shondells’ remake of “Mony Mony,” Rebel Yell” and White Wedding.”
While Idol may have cultivated his image as an on-stage bad boy, reports indicate that off-stage he is soft-spoken, sensitive, intelligent and humorous with an amazing sense of humor – even going so far as publishing an informative memoir!
Moved to Los Angeles
Idol had long been drawn to Los Angeles. Growing up on Long Island (Rockville Center and Patchogue) had instilled American culture deeply within him.
In 1982 Billy Idol burst onto the music scene with his debut LP Billy Idol. Critical and commercial success marked its release and made Idol an instant star; fans saw him as embodying new rock and roll while his detractors often called him Johnny Rotten’s “Perry Como of punk.” By 1993 Idol had ditched his trademark spiky peroxide hairstyle in favor of dreadlocks while exploring techno beats on Cyberpunk album.
Involved in a motorcycle accident
“Bitter Taste,” released as a 2020 single, features Idol recalling his 1990 motorcycle accident that nearly cost him his leg. At the time of recording his fourth album Charmed Life, David Fincher directed its video for its lead single Cradle of Love; showing Idol from waist up while paralysed below his knee.
William Broad, commonly known as Billy Idol, left university to pursue music full time. He formed his first band with the Bromley Contingent and followed Sex Pistols to all their gigs; eventually becoming known as Billy Idol and becoming one of its iconic symbols of Generation X.
Returned to music
Legendary rocker John Paul Young has made an inspiring return to musical performance. He released an EP and its accompanying single, “Bitter Taste”, marking his first release since 2007 – inspired by a near fatal motorcycle accident he experienced seven years prior.
He is a legend of rock history, famous for his chart-topping songs and bad-boy image which he adopted after school teachers labeled him idle. A master performer with an electrifying show that never disappoints fans.
He is also an activist who champions AIDS awareness campaigns. With many loyal fans supporting his cause, he continues to produce music that pushes the limits of rock.