History of Billy Idol in Timeline

Billy Idol, born William Michael Albert Broad, is a British-American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. He rose to prominence in the late 1970s as the frontman of the punk rock band Generation X. Subsequently, he launched a successful solo career, achieving international stardom and becoming a prominent figure during the MTV-driven "Second British Invasion" in the United States. Known for his distinctive sneer, spiked hair, and rebellious persona, Idol became a defining artist of the 1980s music scene.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1984: Establishment of MTV Video Music Awards

In 1984, the MTV Video Music Awards, an annual awards ceremony, was established by MTV.

1988: Birth of Son, Willem

In 1988, Billy Idol's son, Willem, was born from his relationship with Perri Lister.

1989: Separation from Perri Lister

In 1989, Billy Idol separated from his long-term partner, Perri Lister.

1994: Drug Overdose

In 1994, Billy Idol collapsed outside a Los Angeles nightclub due to an overdose of GHB, leading him to decide to stop using drugs to be there for his children.

2003: End of Hard Drug Use

In 2003, Billy Idol stopped using hard drugs after a history of struggling with alcoholism and drug addiction.

February 2010: Download Festival Announcement

In February 2010, Billy Idol was announced as one of the acts to perform at the Download Festival in Donington Park, England, expressing his intention to bring his punk rock attitude and classic songs to the event.

March 2010: Touring Line-up Additions

In March 2010, Billy Idol expanded his touring band by adding Camp Freddy guitarist Billy Morrison and drummer Jeremy Colson to the line-up.

2010: Album Recording Begins

In 2010, Billy Idol began recording his album Kings & Queens of the Underground, collaborating with Trevor Horn, Geoff Downes, and Greg Kurstin.

2013: Television Appearances

In 2013, Billy Idol appeared on the BBC Four series How the Brits Rocked America and voiced Spikey Hair Bot in the Disney XD's Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja episode "McSatchle".

October 2014: Album and Autobiography Release

In October 2014, Billy Idol released his eighth studio album Kings & Queens of the Underground and his autobiography, Dancing with Myself, which became a New York Times bestseller.

2014: Memoir Details on Drug Use

In his 2014 memoir, Billy Idol discussed his past struggles with alcoholism and drug addiction, including incidents of passing out in nightclubs and waking up in hospitals.

2016: iHeartRadio Festival Performance

In 2016, Billy Idol and Miley Cyrus performed "Rebel Yell" together at the iHeartRadio Festival in Las Vegas.

October 2018: Generation Sex Performance

On 30 October 2018, Billy Idol reunited with former Generation X member Tony James, along with Steve Jones and Paul Cook of the Sex Pistols, to form Generation Sex and perform a free gig at the Roxy in Hollywood, Los Angeles.

2018: American Citizenship

In 2018, Billy Idol, in addition to his British citizenship, became an American citizen.

February 2020: "Billy Never Idles" Public Service Campaign

In late February 2020, Billy Idol starred in the "Billy Never Idles" public service campaign with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection Police, promoting anti-idling of car engines to reduce air pollution.

November 2020: Guest Vocalist on Miley Cyrus' Album

In November 2020, Billy Idol was a guest vocalist on the song "Night Crawling" from Miley Cyrus' album Plastic Hearts.

August 2021: "Bitter Taste" Music Video and EP Announcement

On 12 August 2021, Billy Idol's music video "Bitter Taste" was uploaded to YouTube. He also announced his new EP The Roadside, which was released on 17 September.

March 2022: MRSA Diagnosis and Tour Cancellation

In March 2022, Billy Idol was diagnosed with MRSA, leading to the cancellation of his co-headlining tour with Journey.

September 2022: Roadside Tour Embarkation

In September 2022, Billy Idol embarked on the postponed Roadside Tour with Killing Joke and Toyah as his UK opening acts in October.

September 2022: Release of 'The Cage' EP

On 23 September 2022, Billy Idol's EP, The Cage, was released, along with a video for the title track, which premiered on YouTube on August 17.

January 2023: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star and North American Tour Announcement

On 6 January 2023, Billy Idol received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On 24 January, he announced a North American tour from late March through mid-May, concluding at the Cruel World Festival on 20 May in Pasadena.

2023: Generation Sex Tour and Glastonbury Performance

In 2023, Billy Idol, as a member of Generation Sex, was on tour and performed at Glastonbury.

2024: Three Granddaughters

As of 2024, Billy Idol has three granddaughters.

2025: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nomination and New Album Announcement

In 2025, Billy Idol received his first nomination for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, alongside Steve Stevens. He also announced his first studio album in nearly 11 years, Dream Into It, and debuted the single "Still Dancing" on 26 February.