Billy Idol

Billy Idol is a British rock icon known for his rebellious image, snarling vocals, and anthemic hits that helped define the sound and style of 1980s rock. Born in England, he first rose to fame as the frontman of the punk band Generation X before launching a solo career that would make him a global star. With his trademark bleached hair and leather-clad look, Idol quickly became a fixture on MTV during the channel's early years.

Idol's self-titled debut solo album introduced hits like "White Wedding" and "Dancing with Myself," establishing his fusion of punk energy with pop-rock sensibility. His follow-up album, Rebel Yell, became a multi-platinum success, spawning hits like "Rebel Yell," "Eyes Without a Face," and "Flesh for Fantasy." The album solidified Idol’s status as a leading figure in the second British Invasion of the U.S. music charts.

Throughout the '80s and early '90s, Idol released a string of successful albums and singles, though his career was also marked by personal struggles, including a near-fatal motorcycle accident and battles with substance abuse. Despite these challenges, his music continued to resonate with fans, and his image remained iconic. Songs like "Mony Mony" and "Cradle of Love" kept him in the spotlight well into the new decade.

In the 2000s and beyond, Idol experienced a career resurgence with new music and extensive touring. Albums like "Devil’s Playground" and "Kings & Queens of the Underground" showcased his evolving sound while remaining true to his roots. He also released a memoir, "Dancing with Myself," which offered an introspective look at his life in rock and roll. In 2025, a documentary about Idol's life, "Billy Idol Should Be Dead," will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, and he debuted his first album in over a decade, "Dream Into It."