1. Billy Idol achieved fame in the 1970s on the London punk rock scene as the lead singer of Generation X Billy Idol later embarked on a solo career which led to international recognition and made him a lead artist during the MTV-driven "Second British Invasion" in America.
In 1981, Billy Idol moved to New York City to pursue his solo career in collaboration with guitarist Steve Stevens.
Billy Idol's debut studio album Billy Idol was a commercial success, and Idol became a staple of the then-new television channel MTV with the music videos for his singles "Dancing with Myself" and "White Wedding".
Billy Idol's second studio album Rebel Yell was a major commercial success, featuring hit singles "Rebel Yell" and "Eyes Without a Face".
Billy Idol released the greatest hits album Idol Songs: 11 of the Best, which went platinum in the UK, and then released Charmed Life and the concept album Cyberpunk.
Billy Idol spent the second half of the 1990s focusing on his personal life out of the public eye.
Billy Idol was born William Michael Albert Broad in Stanmore on 30 November 1955, the son of Irish housewife Joan and English salesman Bill Broad.
Billy Idol's mother was from Cork, while his father was from Birmingham; he qualifies for Irish citizenship through his mother, but it is unknown if he has ever applied for it.
Billy Idol's younger sister, Jane, was born during this time.
In 1971, when Billy Idol was 15, the family moved to Bromley, where he attended Ravensbourne School for Boys.
The stage name "Billy Idol" was coined after a chemistry teacher described Idol as "idle" on his school report card.
Billy Idol has stated that he had hated chemistry and underachieved in it.
In late 1976, Billy Idol joined the newly formed West London 1960s retro-rock band Chelsea as a guitarist.
In 1977, Billy Idol sang "Your Generation" on the TV series Marc.
Billy Idol moved to New York City in 1981 and became a solo artist, working with former Kiss manager Bill Aucoin.
Idol's debut solo album Billy Idol was released in July 1982.
In 1983, Billy Idol's label released "Dancing with Myself" in the US in conjunction with a music video directed by Tobe Hooper, which played on MTV for six months.
Billy Idol filmed a video for the song "Sweet Sixteen" in Florida's Coral Castle.
On 6 February 1990 in Hollywood, Billy Idol was involved in a serious motorcycle accident that nearly cost him a leg.
Billy Idol was hit by a car when he ran a stop sign while riding home from the studio one night, requiring a steel rod to be placed in his leg.
Billy Idol was James Cameron's first choice for the role of the villainous T-1000 in Terminator 2: Judgment Day ; the role was recast as a result of the accident.
Billy Idol used Studiovision and Pro Tools to record the album.
Billy Idol toured in Europe and played a Generation X reunion show in 1993.
Billy Idol recorded and released the single "Speed" in 1994; the song was featured as the first track in the film soundtrack album.
Billy Idol appeared in a 1996 live version of the Who's Quadrophenia.
Billy Idol made a cameo appearance as himself in the 1998 film The Wedding Singer with Adam Sandler, in which Billy Idol played a pivotal role in the plot.
Billy Idol's contribution was on the song "Into the Night", which he co-wrote.
Billy Idol played a handful of dates on the 2005 Warped Tour and appeared at the Download Festival at Donington Park, the Voodoo Music Experience in New Orleans, and Rock am Ring.
Billy Idol embarked on a worldwide tour, co-headlining with Def Leppard.
In June 2006, Billy Idol performed at the Congress Theater, Chicago, for the United States television series Soundstage.
On 16 February 2010, Billy Idol was announced as one of the acts to play at the Download Festival in Donington Park, England.
In 2013, Billy Idol appeared on the third episode of the BBC Four series How the Brits Rocked America.
Billy Idol lent his voice as Spikey Hair Bot to Disney XD's Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja episode "McSatchle".
In late February 2020, Idol starred in a public service campaign with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection Police titled "Billy Never Idles", intended to fight the unnecessary idling of automobile engines in New York City, to reduce air pollution.
Billy Idol was a guest vocalist on the song "Night Crawling" from Miley Cyrus' album Plastic Hearts, released in November 2020.
In March 2022, Billy Idol was diagnosed with MRSA, which forced him to cancel a co-headlining tour with Journey.
On 6 January 2023, Billy Idol was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In 2025, Billy Idol was nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the first time.
Billy Idol said Steve Stevens is nominated with him, and they will both be inducted into the Hall should Billy Idol be selected for induction.
Billy Idol established himself in the late-'70s London punk scene as the frontman for Generation X The band was criticized as too "poppy"; their self-titled debut album has been described as "bubblegum punk", while their second album, Valley of the Dolls, is influenced by glam rock.
Billy Idol has never married, but was previously in a long-term relationship with English singer and dancer Perri Lister.
Billy Idol has a daughter named Bonnie from a relationship with Linda Mathis.
Billy Idol has struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction, including heroin and cocaine.
Billy Idol stopped his drug use after this incident, as he decided his children would never forgive him for dying of a drug overdose.