Billy Idol (b. 1955)

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Biography

William Michael Albert Broad, known professionally as Billy Idol, is an English rock singer. He achieved fame in the 1970s on the London punk rock scene as the lead singer of Generation X. He later embarked on a solo career which led to international recognition and made him a lead artist during the MTV-driven "Second British Invasion" in America.

Timeline

The story of Billy Idol, told in moments.

1955 Birth

Born William Michael Albert Broad in Stanmore, Middlesex. His family moved to Long Island when he was three, then back to England. A teacher wrote "idle" on his report card. He took the name.

A teacher wrote 'idle' on your report card. Best insult you ever received? Moving between Long Island and England. Did you feel rootless?

1976 Event

Co-founds Generation X with Tony James. They're one of the first British punk bands, playing the Roxy alongside the Sex Pistols and The Clash. They release three albums before splitting in 1981.

Playing the Roxy with the Sex Pistols. Did punk feel like a revolution? Was Generation X the real thing or a warm-up?

1982 Event

Moves to New York and launches his solo career. His self-titled EP goes gold. "White Wedding" becomes an MTV staple. The sneer, the fist, the bleached hair. He builds an image that burns itself into the decade.

The sneer, the fist, the bleached hair. How much was calculated? Did MTV make you, or did you make MTV?

1983 Event

"Rebel Yell" is released. The album sells over two million copies. He films the video in one take with a handheld camera. MTV plays it so often it becomes synonymous with the channel's early identity.

'Rebel Yell' in one take. Was spontaneity part of the brand? Two million copies. Did commercial success feel like selling out?

1990 Event

Crashes his motorcycle on Laurel Canyon Boulevard in Los Angeles. Doctors nearly amputate his leg. He was cast as the T-1000 in Terminator 2 before the accident. Robert Patrick got the role instead.

Nearly losing your leg on Laurel Canyon. Did you mourn the T-1000 role? Did the crash change your relationship with risk?