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 subsequently launched a successful solo career, gaining international fame and becoming a prominent figure during the MTV-era "Second British Invasion" in the United States. His blend of punk attitude and pop sensibilities, coupled with his distinctive look, helped define the sound and style of the 1980s music scene.
1 hour ago : Billy Idol's wild adventures, punk stardom, and rock excess, revealed in new Hulu documentary.
Billy Idol reflects on his wild 80s New York adventures, punk stardom secrets, and rock excess in a new Hulu documentary. He recounts meeting David Bowie covered in vomit and surviving near-death experiences.
November 1955: William Michael Albert Broad Born
In November 1955, William Michael Albert Broad, known as Billy Idol, was born in Stanmore, England.
1958: Moved to the U.S.
In 1958, at the age of two, Billy Idol moved with his parents to the U.S. and settled in Patchogue, New York.
1971: Family moved to Bromley
In 1971, when Billy Idol was 15, his family moved to Bromley, where he attended Ravensbourne School for Boys.
October 1975: Began Attending University of Sussex
In October 1975, Billy Idol began attending the University of Sussex to pursue a Philosophy with Literature degree.
1976: Left University of Sussex
In 1976, Billy Idol left the University of Sussex after one year and later joined the Bromley Contingent.
1976: Started music career with Chelsea
In 1976, Billy Idol started his music career as a guitarist in the punk rock band Chelsea.
1976: Joined Chelsea and co-founded Generation X
In late 1976, Billy Idol joined the band Chelsea as a guitarist before quitting to co-found Generation X with Tony James, transitioning to the role of singer/frontman.
1977: Sang "Your Generation" on TV series Marc
In 1977, Billy Idol sang "Your Generation" on the TV series Marc.
1980: Generation X performed in D.O.A.
In 1980, Generation X, the band with Billy Idol as lead singer, performed in the film D.O.A.: A Rite of Passage.
1981: Started Solo Career
In 1981, Billy Idol moved to New York City and became a solo artist, releasing the EP Don't Stop, including the Generation X song "Dancing with Myself" and a cover of "Mony Mony".
1981: Moved to New York City
In 1981, Billy Idol moved to New York City to begin his solo career, collaborating with guitarist Steve Stevens.
July 1982: Release of debut solo album
In July 1982, Billy Idol's debut solo album Billy Idol was released, reaching number 45 on the Billboard 200.
1982: MTV Staple
In 1982, Billy Idol became an MTV staple with "White Wedding" and "Dancing with Myself".
1982: Debut Solo Album Release
In 1982, Billy Idol released his debut solo album titled Billy Idol. The album achieved commercial success, becoming a staple on MTV with music videos for singles like "Dancing with Myself" and "White Wedding".
November 1983: Billy Idol discusses his name origin
In an interview on 21 November 1983, Billy Idol discussed the origin of his stage name, stating it was "a bit of a goof, but part of the old English school of rock."
1983: "Dancing with Myself" released in the US
In 1983, "Dancing with Myself" was released in the US in conjunction with a music video directed by Tobe Hooper, which played on MTV for six months.
1983: Release of Rebel Yell album
In 1983, Billy Idol released his second studio album Rebel Yell, which became a major commercial success, featuring hit singles "Rebel Yell" and "Eyes Without a Face". The album sold 2 million copies in America.
1984: Experimentation with synth-pop
In 1984, Billy Idol experimented with synth-pop in "Eyes Without a Face".
1986: Whiplash Smile Released
In 1986, Billy Idol released Whiplash Smile, which charted in the top ten in 9 countries and included hits such as "To Be a Lover", "Don't Need a Gun" and "Sweet Sixteen".
1987: Release of Vital Idol Remix Album and Topping the Charts
In 1987, Billy Idol released the remix album Vital Idol, which featured a live rendition of his cover of Tommy James' "Mony Mony", which topped the United States chart.
1988: Release of Idol Songs: 11 of the Best compilation album
In 1988, Billy Idol released a compilation album titled Idol Songs: 11 of the Best, which charted at number 2 in both the UK and Iceland and reached number 1 in Finland.
1988: Greatest hits album release
In 1988, Billy Idol released the greatest hits album Idol Songs: 11 of the Best, which went platinum in the UK.
1988: Birth of son Willem
In 1988, Billy Idol's son, Willem, with Perri Lister, was born. Willem later became a member of the rock band FIM.
1989: Separation from Perri Lister
In 1989, Billy Idol separated from his long-term partner, Perri Lister.
February 1990: Motorcycle accident
On 6 February 1990, Billy Idol was involved in a serious motorcycle accident in Hollywood that nearly cost him a leg.
1990: Motorcycle Accident
In 1990, Billy Idol broke his leg in a motorcycle accident.
1990: Experimentation with jazz
In 1990, Billy Idol experimented with jazz in "Endless Sleep".
1990: Charmed Life Release and "Cradle of Love" Success
In 1990, Billy Idol released Charmed Life. The video for the single "Cradle of Love", which was featured in The Adventures of Ford Fairlane, won an award at the MTV Video Music Awards.
1990: Release of Charmed Life album
In 1990, Billy Idol released the album Charmed Life.
1991: Loss of Film Roles Due to Accident
In 1991, due to a motorcycle accident, Billy Idol's role in The Doors was reduced, and he lost the role of the T-1000 in Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
1993: Live Acoustic Performance at KROQ's Acoustic Christmas concert
In 1993, Billy Idol performed a live acoustic version of "Rebel Yell", taken from a performance at Los Angeles station KROQ's Acoustic Christmas concert, which was included on the Greatest Hits album released later.
1993: Concept Album Cyberpunk Release
In 1993, Billy Idol released the concept album Cyberpunk.
1993: Cyberpunk Album Release
In 1993, Billy Idol released the experimental album Cyberpunk, recorded in a home studio using a Macintosh computer. He also toured in Europe and played a Generation X reunion show.
1994: Overdose incident outside a Los Angeles nightclub
In 1994, Billy Idol collapsed outside a Los Angeles nightclub due to a GHB overdose, leading him to stop using hard drugs.
1994: Release of the single "Speed"
In 1994, Billy Idol recorded and released the single "Speed", which was featured in the film soundtrack album.
1996: Appearance in Who's 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: Collaboration with Tony Iommi and Voice Acting Role
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 Behind the Music and Storytellers
In April 2001, VH1 aired Billy Idol – Behind the Music and Idol and Stevens took part in a VH1 Storytellers show three days later.
2002: NRL Grand Final Half-Time Entertainment
In 2002, Billy Idol's half-time performance at the NRL Grand Final in Sydney was cut short due to a power failure.
2003: Stopped taking hard drugs
In 2003, Billy Idol said he stopped taking hard drugs but added that he smoked cannabis regularly and was an occasional drinker.
2003: Performance at Harley Davidson's 100th anniversary concert
In 2003, Billy Idol, a motorcycle enthusiast, performed at Harley Davidson's 100th anniversary concert celebration.
March 2005: Release of Devil's Playground
In March 2005, Billy Idol released "Devil's Playground", his first new studio album in nearly 12 years. The album reached No. 46 on the Billboard 200 and No. 15 in Germany. It included a cover of "Plastic Jesus".
2005: Devil's Playground Album Release
In 2005, Billy Idol made a musical comeback with the release of Devil's Playground album.
June 2006: Performance at the Congress Theater for Soundstage
In June 2006, Billy Idol performed at the Congress Theater in Chicago for the United States television series "Soundstage". This performance was recorded and released on DVD/Blu-ray in 2009.
2006: Release of Happy Holidays
In 2006, Billy Idol released a Christmas album titled "Happy Holidays", which included renditions of traditional Christmas songs along with two original songs.
June 2008: Release of The Very Best of Billy Idol: Idolize Yourself
In June 2008, Billy Idol released the greatest hits album "The Very Best of Billy Idol: Idolize Yourself" and embarked on a worldwide tour, co-headlining with Def Leppard.
November 2009: Release of In Super Overdrive Live on DVD/Blu-ray
In November 2009, Billy Idol released the DVD/Blu-ray "In Super Overdrive Live", which was a recording of his performance at the Congress Theater in Chicago in 2006 for the television series "Soundstage".
February 2010: Announcement of Download Festival performance
In February 2010, Billy Idol was announced as one of the acts to play at the Download Festival in Donington Park, England.
March 2010: Addition of Billy Morrison and Jeremy Colson to touring line-up
In March 2010, Billy Idol added Camp Freddy guitarist Billy Morrison and drummer Jeremy Colson to his touring line-up.
2010: Started recording Kings & Queens of the Underground
In 2010, Billy Idol started recording his eighth studio album, "Kings & Queens of the Underground", working with producer Trevor Horn, Geoff Downes and Greg Kurstin. The album would be released four years later, in 2014.
2013: Appearance on How the Brits Rocked America and Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja
In 2013, Billy Idol appeared on the third episode of the BBC Four series "How the Brits Rocked America". He also lent his voice as Spikey Hair Bot to Disney XD's "Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja" episode "McSatchle".
October 2014: Release of Kings & Queens of the Underground and publication of Dancing with Myself
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.
October 2014: Idol explains inspiration for his name
In October 2014, in an interview for BBC Breakfast, Billy Idol explained the inspiration for his name, stating he wanted to use "Billy Idle" but chose "Billy Idol" instead.
November 2014: Start of Kings & Queens of the Underground world tour
In November 2014, Billy Idol embarked on a worldwide tour in support of his new album, "Kings & Queens of the Underground".
2014: Release of Dancing With Myself biography
In 2014, Billy Idol released his biography titled Dancing With Myself.
2014: Release of memoir Dancing with Myself
In 2014, Billy Idol released his memoir "Dancing with Myself".
2014: Discussion of past drug addiction in memoir
In his 2014 memoir, Billy Idol discussed his past struggles with alcoholism and drug addiction, including heroin and cocaine.
April 2015: End of Kings & Queens of the Underground world tour
In April 2015, Billy Idol ended his 40-date world tour in support of his album, "Kings & Queens of the Underground". The tour included performances in Europe, North America, and Australia.
2016: Performed Rebel Yell with Miley Cyrus at iHeartRadio Festival
In 2016, Billy Idol and Miley Cyrus performed "Rebel Yell" at the iHeartRadio Festival in Las Vegas.
2016: North American tour
In 2016, Billy Idol continued touring North America.
2017: Continued North American tour
In 2017, Billy Idol continued touring North America.
October 2018: Generation Sex free gig at the Roxy
On 30 October 2018, Billy Idol and Tony James (Generation X) joined Steve Jones and Paul Cook (Sex Pistols) to perform a free gig at the Roxy in Hollywood, Los Angeles, under the name Generation Sex, playing a combined set of the two former bands' material.
2018: Gained American citizenship
In 2018, Billy Idol gained American citizenship in addition to his British citizenship.
2019: Co-headlining tour with Bryan Adams
In 2019, Billy Idol went on a co-headlining tour alongside Bryan Adams.
February 2020: Starred in public service campaign
In late February 2020, Billy Idol starred in a public service campaign with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection Police titled "Billy Never Idles", aimed at reducing air pollution in New York City.
November 2020: Guest vocalist on Miley Cyrus' Plastic Hearts
In November 2020, Billy Idol was a guest vocalist on the song "Night Crawling" from Miley Cyrus' album "Plastic Hearts".
August 2021: Release of Bitter Taste music video and announcement of The Roadside EP
On 12 August 2021, Billy Idol's music video "Bitter Taste" was uploaded to YouTube. Idol also announced his new EP "The Roadside", which was released in September.
March 2022: Diagnosed with MRSA and cancellation of tour with Journey
In March 2022, Billy Idol was diagnosed with MRSA, which forced him to cancel a co-headlining tour with Journey.
September 2022: Release of The Cage EP and beginning of the Roadside Tour
In September 2022, Billy Idol released "The Cage" EP, and embarked on the postponed Roadside Tour with Killing Joke and Toyah as his UK opening acts in October.
January 2023: Honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and announcement of North American tour
On 6 January 2023, Billy Idol was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On 24 January, he announced a North American tour from late March through mid-May.
2023: Revelation of another son, Brant Broad
In 2023, Billy Idol revealed he had another son, Brant Broad, after Bonnie took a DNA test. He introduced Broad publicly at his Hollywood Walk of Fame induction ceremony that year.
2024: Billy Idol's family
As of 2024, Billy Idol, who lives in Los Angeles, has three granddaughters. He has a son and a daughter from different relationships.
April 2025: Start of "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.
June 2025: Premiere of Billy Idol Should Be Dead documentary
In June 2025, a full-length documentary about Billy Idol titled "Billy Idol Should Be Dead" premiered at the Tribeca Festival in New York. The film chronicles Idol's rise to fame, his struggles with addiction, and his family life.
November 2025: Celebrated 70th birthday in Mexico City
In November 2025, Billy Idol celebrated his 70th birthday in Mexico City, concluding his Latin-American tour. Dany Villarreal (from The Warning) joined him on stage for "Dancing With Myself," and a mariachi band performed "Las Mañanitas" and "Happy Birthday".
2025: Kings & Queens of the Underground Release and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nomination
In 2025, Billy Idol released the album Kings & Queens of the Underground and was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
2025: Billy Idol on working out during recovery
In a 2025 interview Billy Idol stated "Working out became a big part of my life. And it helped me get over drug addiction".
March 1, 2026: Second nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
On March 1, 2026 it was announced Billy Idol had received his second nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
2026: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nomination
In 2026, Billy Idol was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Mentioned in this timeline
Los Angeles is the most populous city in California and...
Las Vegas Nevada's most populous city and the seat of...
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame located in Cleveland...
Ninjas or shinobi were covert agents in pre-modern Japan They...
A car also known as an automobile is a wheeled...
Music is a cultural universal involving the arrangement of sound...
Trending
20 minutes ago Cody Johnson, Carrie Underwood close Houston Rodeo with Record Attendance in 2026.
21 minutes ago Andrew McCarthy Explores Male Friendship in New Book and Vroman's Appearance.
21 minutes ago BBC Axes Bob Monkhouse 'Repair Shop' Episode Due to Sexist Jokes
21 minutes ago Johor Bahru: Massage Spots, Property Sales, and Fireworks Stall Fire Incident
22 minutes ago Beshear attacks Vance, fueling 2028 speculation and intensifying political rivalry in Ohio.
22 minutes ago Jason Derulo Interview on Jennifer Hudson Show, RuPaul's Date, and Kathy Griffin's Take
Popular
Cesar Chavez was a prominent American labor leader and civil...
Sir David Attenborough is a highly influential British broadcaster biologist...
Kelsey Grammer is a celebrated American actor best known for...
Joseph Clay Kent is an American politician and former military...
Benjamin Bibi Netanyahu is an Israeli politician and diplomat currently...
Rand Paul is an American politician and the junior United...