Billy Idol, an iconic British rockstar who moved to New York City during the 1980s and quickly rose to become one of America’s most beloved entertainers with hits like White Wedding, Rebel Yell and Eyes Without A Face.
His music combines punk attitude with rock sonics for an irresistibly catchy combination. He has released multiple albums including his recent offering: The Roadside EP.
He was born in London
Billy Idol is one of the most iconic names in rock music, known for both his music and outrageous persona. His early success with Generation X helped propel him forward as an artist; Idol took this as an opportunity to mock his school instructor by coining “Idol.” Idol took this nickname literally, using it to build up his bad boy image.
After Generation X’s success, Idol moved to New York City and launched his solo career. Soon thereafter he became an anchor on MTV, providing camera-ready music that resonated with teenage audiences. Subsequent albums by Idol or collaborations with guitarist Steve Stevens cemented his place within pop music; both albums (Devil’s Playground in 2005 and Kings & Queens of the Underground in 2014) would cement this status further. Idol also featured prominently in films and TV shows such as Adam Sandler comedy The Wedding Singer (1998.).
He moved to New York City in the 1980s
Music playing from concert speakers, two Bills emerged. Billy Idol could be identified from his signature sneer which had turned into more of a smile; and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio from their roles as organizers of an effort to stop trucks and buses from idling for long.
William Michael Albert Broad (born Goring, Oxfordshire) had an ordinary upbringing. His father worked as a power tool salesman; while William regularly attended church services and school classes. However, music quickly became his obsession.
As one of MTV’s initial stars in the 1980s punk rock revolution, he rose quickly. His iconic style of bleached hair and snarling attitude gave him an instantly identifiable bad boy persona that resonated with rock fans. His 1993 album Cyberpunk was ahead of its time; its themes and direct-to-computer marketing strategy anticipated internet influence in music culture while its sound resonated with aggression, subtlety, rhythm, and romance.
He is a singer-songwriter
Billy Idol is an accomplished singer-songwriter known for writing songs for many different artists and appearing in several films and television shows. First coming to prominence as part of Generation X punk rock band, he has since established a successful solo career.
Idol’s talent at reading cultural trends made him the ideal frontman for MTV, which provided music video content. His macho personality and take-no-prisoners attitude ensured he would appear camera ready – making his music credible to viewers of MTV.
Billy Idol moved to New York City in the early ’80s and immersed himself in its vibrant cityscape, reveling in both its gritty charms and glamorous glamour. Beginning his decade in a modest apartment but ending it with multiple platinum albums and sold out tours is remarkable. Idol remains active today releasing an EP with Steve Stevens as well as performing at legendary Los Angeles venues like Roxy. While earlier performances reflected more hedonistic tendencies, his current shows exhibit musical maturity with charismatic reflection compared to earlier appearances that displayed more mature musical depth and charismatic reflection than before.
He has released a number of albums
Billy Idol’s career as a singer/songwriter has been one of great upheaval and volatility. After first becoming well-known through London punk band Generation X in 1976, which disbanded in 1981; Idol went on to establish a successful solo career, becoming one of the early adopters of music video technology.
With his mix of bad-boy good looks and post-punk attitude, Dancing with Myself became a favorite among viewers of MTV. Producing hits such as Dancing With Myself, White Wedding and Rebel Yell propelled him into global stardom.
However, his success began to decline during the 1990s as his younger rivals like Britney Spears began overshadowing him. Idol returned to recording with 2005’s Devil’s Playground album which saw his reunion with guitarist Steve Stevens; two years later came Greatest Hits followed by 2014’s Kings & Queens of the Underground album.