History of Billy Idol in Timeline
Billy Idol, born William Michael Albert Broad, is an English rock singer who rose to prominence in the 1970s as the frontman of the punk rock band Generation X. He transitioned to a successful solo career, gaining international fame and becoming a key figure in the MTV-driven "Second British Invasion" in the United States. Known for his distinctive vocals and rebellious image, Idol became a major force in the music scene.
November 1955: William Michael Albert Broad's Birth
On 30 November 1955, William Michael Albert Broad, later known as Billy Idol, was born in Stanmore, England, to Joan (née O'Sullivan) and William Alfred Broad.
1958: Moves to the United States
In 1958, at the age of two, William Michael Albert Broad moved with his parents to the U.S., settling in Patchogue, New York.
1971: Family moves to Bromley
In 1971, when he was 15, Billy Idol's family moved to Bromley where he attended Ravensbourne School for Boys.
October 1975: Attends the University of Sussex
In October 1975, Billy Idol began attending the University of Sussex to pursue a Philosophy with Literature degree.
1976: Leaves University of Sussex
In 1976, Billy Idol left the University of Sussex after one year of studying Philosophy with Literature.
1976: Joins Chelsea and forms Generation X
In 1976, Billy Idol started his music career as a guitarist for the punk rock band Chelsea. He left after a few weeks to form the band Generation X with Tony James.
1977: Sings "Your Generation" on TV series Marc
In 1977, Billy Idol sang "Your Generation" on the TV series Marc.
1980: Generation X Disbands
In 1980, Generation X disbanded after signing a recording contract with Chrysalis Records, releasing three studio albums, and appearing in the film D.O.A.: A Rite of Passage.
1981: Moves to New York City
In 1981, Billy Idol moved to New York City to begin his solo career, partnering with guitarist Steve Stevens.
1981: Begins Solo Career in New York
In 1981, Billy Idol moved to New York City to start his solo career, collaborating with Steve Stevens and releasing the EP Don't Stop on Chrysalis Records.
July 1982: Releases debut solo album
In July 1982, Billy Idol released his debut solo album, Billy Idol. The album achieved initial success, reaching number 45 on the Billboard 200.
1982: Becomes an MTV Staple
In 1982, Billy Idol became an MTV staple due to the "Second British Invasion" of the US, with popular music videos for songs like "White Wedding" and "Dancing with Myself".
1982: Debut Solo Album Release
In 1982, Billy Idol released his debut solo album, Billy Idol, achieving commercial success and becoming an MTV staple with music videos like "Dancing with Myself" and "White Wedding".
November 1983: Billy Idol discusses his stage name
In an interview on 21 November 1983, Billy Idol discussed the origin of his stage name, explaining it was a bit of a "goof" and part of the old English school of rock.
1983: Releases Rebel Yell Album
In 1983, Billy Idol released his second studio album, Rebel Yell, which achieved major commercial success with hit singles like "Rebel Yell" and "Eyes Without a Face".
1983: "Dancing with Myself" Released in the US
In 1983, Billy Idol's label released "Dancing with Myself" in the US, accompanied by a music video directed by Tobe Hooper, which was frequently played on MTV.
1983: Rebel Yell Album Success
In 1983, Billy Idol's second LP, Rebel Yell, achieved significant success, charting high in multiple countries and featuring hits like "Rebel Yell" and "Eyes Without a Face." "Rebel Yell" also garnered Idol his first Grammy nomination for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance at the 27th Annual Grammy Awards
1986: Releases Whiplash Smile
In 1986, Billy Idol released Whiplash Smile, which charted in the top ten in 9 countries and included hits like "To Be a Lover", "Don't Need a Gun" and "Sweet Sixteen". The album also garnered him another nomination for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance at the 29th Annual Grammy Awards
1987: Releases Vital Idol and "Mony Mony" tops US chart
In 1987, Billy Idol released the remix album Vital Idol, which featured a live rendition of "Mony Mony". The single topped the United States chart.
1988: Releases Idol Songs: 11 of the Best compilation album
In 1988, Billy Idol released a compilation album titled Idol Songs: 11 of the Best, which achieved significant chart success.
1988: Releases Idol Songs: 11 of the Best
In 1988, Billy Idol released the greatest hits album Idol Songs: 11 of the Best, which went platinum in the UK.
February 1990: Motorcycle Accident in Hollywood
On 6 February 1990, Billy Idol was involved in a serious motorcycle accident in Hollywood, nearly costing him a leg. He was hit by a car after running a stop sign.
1990: Motorcycle Accident
In 1990, Billy Idol broke his leg in a motorcycle accident, which he later reflected on in his biography, Dancing With Myself (2014).
1990: Releases Charmed Life and "Cradle of Love" Success
In 1990, Billy Idol released Charmed Life, with "Cradle of Love" reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and featured in The Adventures of Ford Fairlane. The video won an award at the MTV Video Music Awards. "Cradle of Love" also earned Idol a third Grammy nomination for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance
1990: Releases Charmed Life
In 1990, Billy Idol released the album Charmed Life.
1991: Limited Role in The Doors and Recasting in Terminator 2
Due to a motorcycle accident, in 1991, Billy Idol's role in Oliver Stone's film The Doors was reduced, and he was recast in Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
1993: Acoustic Christmas concert
In 1993, Billy Idol performed at Los Angeles station KROQ's Acoustic Christmas concert, and a live acoustic version of "Rebel Yell" was taken from this performance.
1993: Releases Cyberpunk
In 1993, Billy Idol released the concept album Cyberpunk.
1994: Releases "Speed" Single
In 1994, Billy Idol recorded and released the single "Speed", which was featured in the film soundtrack album.
1996: Appears in Quadrophenia and Mad Dog Time
In 1996, Billy Idol appeared in a live version of the Who's Quadrophenia and played Lee Turner in the film Mad Dog Time.
1998: Cameo in The Wedding Singer
In 1998, Billy Idol made a cameo appearance as himself in the film The Wedding Singer, which featured "White Wedding" on its soundtrack.
2000: Guest Vocalist on Tony Iommi's Album and Voice Acting in Heavy Metal 2000
In 2000, Billy Idol was a guest vocalist on Tony Iommi's debut solo album, co-writing the song "Into the Night", and voiced Odin in the film Heavy Metal 2000.
April 2001: VH1 Airs "Behind the Music" and Storytellers Show
On 16 April 2001, VH1 aired Billy Idol – Behind the Music, followed by a VH1 Storytellers show with Idol and Stevens three days later.
2005: Releases Devil's Playground Album
In 2005, Billy Idol made a musical comeback with the release of the album Devil's Playground.
October 2014: Billy Idol explains origin of stage name
In October 2014, during an interview for BBC Breakfast, Billy Idol mentioned that he initially wanted to use the name "Billy Idle" but chose Billy Idol instead due to its similarity to Eric Idle's name.
2014: Publishes Biography Dancing With Myself
In 2014, Billy Idol released his autobiography titled Dancing With Myself.
2023: Receives Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 2023, Billy Idol received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
April 2025: Idol begins 'It's a Nice Day to Tour again' North American tour
In April 2025, Billy Idol started his "It's a Nice Day to Tour again" North American tour alongside Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. The European leg of the tour saw him play venues such as Königsplatz with New Model Army as support.
June 2025: Documentary about Idol premieres at Tribeca Festival
In June 2025, the full-length documentary "Billy Idol Should Be Dead" about Billy Idol premiered at the Tribeca Festival in New York. The film chronicles his rise to fame, struggles with drug addiction, and family life.
November 2025: Idol celebrates his 70th birthday in Mexico City
In November 2025, Billy Idol celebrated his 70th birthday in Mexico City, ending his Latin-American tour. Dany Villarreal (from The Warning) joined him on stage for "Dancing With Myself," and a mariachi band sang "Las Mañanitas" and "Happy Birthday".
2025: Releases Kings & Queens of the Underground and Dream Into It albums
In 2025, Billy Idol released the albums Kings & Queens of the Underground and Dream Into It.
2025: Idol discusses working out and drug addiction
In a 2025 interview, Billy Idol stated that "Working out became a big part of my life. And it helped me get over drug addiction".
March 1, 2026: Idol Receives second nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
On March 1, 2026, it was announced that Billy Idol had received his second nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
2026: Idol has four granddaughters
As of 2026, Billy Idol has four granddaughters.
2026: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 2026, Billy Idol and Steve Stevens were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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