Billy Idol, the iconic figure who rose from the punk rock scene of the 1970s to become a defining voice of 1980s rock, has released his ninth studio album, Dream Into It, marking his first full-length project of new music in over ten years. At nearly 70 years old, Idol continues to defy expectations with his trademark rebellious spirit and energetic performances, preparing for a two-leg North American tour starting this Wednesday, followed by a European leg scheduled for June and July.

Known for his distinctive bleach-blond spikes, leather attire, and snarling stage presence, Idol recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of his breakthrough album Rebel Yell by performing atop the Empire State Building, dressed in the same signature black leather and silver jewellery that helped cement his status as an 80s icon. Sharing a recent photo on social media with pop-punk star Avril Lavigne, who features on his new single “77,” Idol described their collaboration as representing “two generations of rebellion.” The single has swiftly climbed to No.1 on the US iTunes rock chart and reached the top five in multiple countries. Meanwhile, Idol’s YouTube channel surpassed one million subscribers, earning him a Gold Button plaque.

Born William Broad in November 1955 in Stanmore, north London, Idol’s early life was shaped by a conventional upbringing, including church attendance and Cub Scouts. However, his passion for music and a desire to rebel led him away from this path. Reflecting on his youth, Idol told the Mirror, “The first thing I did in front of an audience was read from the Bible in church. But I rebelled against all of that… What I liked about the music scene was that it gave you a sense of freedom.”

Despite enrolling in a philosophy and literature degree at Sussex University, Idol left after one year to pursue music full-time. He joined the band Chelsea as a guitarist, adopting the stage name Billy Idol—a nickname inspired by a chemistry teacher’s school report describing him as ‘idle’—before co-founding the punk band Generation X. Generation X saw commercial success with several singles and two albums in the UK charts before disbanding in 1981.

Idol moved to the United States the same year, where his solo career took off. Hits like “White Wedding” and “Dancing with Myself” from his debut solo album made him a prominent figure in the early era of MTV. His follow-up album Rebel Yell sold two million copies and produced notable singles such as “Eyes Without a Face,” which reached No.4 in the US charts, positioning him as a leading act of the Second British Invasion alongside bands like Duran Duran and Culture Club.

However, Idol’s rise to fame was accompanied by a tumultuous personal life marked by substance abuse. In his autobiography Dancing With Myself, he detailed a dangerous period involving drugs including heroin, cocaine, and ecstasy. In 1984, the same year Rebel Yell topped charts worldwide, he suffered a near-fatal heroin overdose, recalling his desire to “sleep” and “dream” rather than face reality. This overdose occurred despite his outward appearance of living a “great time” immersed in the rock lifestyle.

In 1988, his relationship with dancer Perri Lister resulted in the birth of his son, Willem Wolfe, though Lister left him shortly after due to his infidelity. A daughter, Bonnie Blue, followed in 1989 with another partner, Linda Mathis.

In 1990, Idol faced another life-altering event when he was involved in a serious motorcycle accident on his Harley Davidson after running a stop sign. The accident nearly led to the loss of his leg and prompted him to reassess his lifestyle for the sake of his children. Reflecting on this period, Idol said, “I should not be a drug addict anymore and stuff like… it took a long time, but gradually I did achieve some kind of discipline where I’m not really the same kind of guy as I was in the 80s.”

Maintaining a lifestyle he describes as “California sober,” Idol allows himself occasional wine but has largely moved away from his past excesses. Now a US citizen residing in the Hollywood Hills with his long-term partner, model and actress China Chow, he was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2023. Additionally, he is a nominee for this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.

Asked recently why fans should vote for him for induction, Idol responded to the Mirror with characteristic defiance and humour: “Because I’m just f***ing incredible! It’s pretty amazing that I went from something like punk rock in England to mainstream success in the States. And then I carried on making the music, living the rock’n’roll life. I didn’t stay in my lane. I took chances. I’ve gone beyond what people expect.”

With a legacy spanning more than four decades, Billy Idol remains a figure synonymous with rock rebellion, continuing to create music, perform, and captivate audiences worldwide as he embarks on this latest chapter of his career.

Source: Noah Wire Services