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Billy Idol’s journey began in Stanmore, Middlesex, England, and later he spent formative years in Bromley, Kent. Idol, whose birth name is William Michael Albert Broad, first cut his musical teeth in the punk-rock explosion of the late 1970s as a member of the band Generation X. After several successful singles like “King Rocker” and “Dancing with Myself,” the band ultimately disbanded in 1981, setting the stage for Idol’s ambitious solo career.
Idol relocated to New York City, seeking a broader stage for his charismatic image and energetic performance style. His early solo efforts were marked by a significant collaboration with guitarist Steve Stevens, whose distinctive riffs and virtuosity complemented Idol’s snarling, rebellious vocal delivery. Idol’s self-titled debut album, Billy Idol (1982), set the tone for his career with breakout hits like “White Wedding” and “Hot in the City,” both of which established him as an MTV mainstay, thanks to their memorable music videos.
The commercial apex of Idol’s career arrived with his second studio album, Rebel Yell (1983). Powered by the electrifying title track, along with other iconic songs like “Eyes Without a Face,” “Flesh for Fantasy,” and “Catch My Fall,” Rebel Yell elevated Idol to international stardom. The album achieved double platinum status in the United States and cemented Idol’s image as an iconic rock rebel—complete with trademark platinum hair, punk-inspired attire, and unmistakable sneer.
Billy Idol’s continued momentum carried into the late 1980s with his 1986 release, Whiplash Smile, generating popular singles such as “To Be a Lover” and “Sweet Sixteen.” Idol’s compilation Vital Idol (1987) further solidified his chart dominance, particularly through its dance remix of “Mony Mony,” which soared to number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The subsequent album, Charmed Life (1990), produced yet another enduring hit with “Cradle of Love,” which peaked at number two and received extensive airplay, driven largely by its edgy and provocative music video.
Throughout his prolific career, Idol has released eight studio albums, multiple compilations, and several EPs. He has achieved three Grammy nominations, notably earning recognition in the Best Male Rock Vocal Performance category for “Rebel Yell,” “To Be a Lover,” and “Cradle of Love.” Though he has yet to win a Grammy, Idol’s iconic status and influence on rock music are undisputed. His music has repeatedly charted in the top ten worldwide, making him one of rock’s most recognizable and enduring figures.
Billy Idol is beloved in the music industry primarily for his dynamic stage presence, unapologetic attitude, and his ability to fuse punk sensibilities with pop accessibility. His blend of rebellion, sexuality, and catchy melodies allowed him to transcend genre limitations, capturing a diverse audience from punk purists to mainstream rock fans. Idol’s dedication to visual artistry—particularly his early embrace of music video culture—has secured him a lasting legacy as an influential figure during the rise of MTV and beyond.
Outside of music, Idol has pursued various creative endeavors, including acting roles and appearances in film and television. Notably, his cameo appearance in the film The Wedding Singer (1998) introduced him to new generations of fans. Idol has also authored an autobiography, Dancing with Myself, detailing his turbulent life, career struggles, and numerous triumphs, further showcasing his talents beyond music. With decades in the spotlight and an undiminished passion for performing, Billy Idol continues to exemplify the spirit of rock and roll rebellion, resonating across generations.
Complete List Of Billy Idol Songs From A to Z
- All Summer Single – Whiplash Smile – 1986
- Auld Lang Syne – Happy Holidays – 2006
- Baby Put Your Clothes Back On – The Roadside EP – 2021
- Beyond Belief – Whiplash Smile – 1986
- Bitter Pill – Cyberpunk – 1993
- Bitter Pill – Kings & Queens of the Underground – 2014
- Bitter Taste – The Roadside EP – 2021
- Blue Christmas – Happy Holidays – 2006
- Blue Highway – Rebel Yell – 1983
- Body Snatcher – Devil’s Playground – 2005
- Brooklyn Bridge – Kings & Queens of the Underground – 2014
- Buried Alive – Devil’s Playground – 2005
- Burning Down the House – Don’t Stop – 1981
- Cage – Devil’s Playground – 2005
- Can’t Break Me Down – Kings & Queens of the Underground – 2014
- Charm – Charmed Life – 1990
- Cherie – Generation X – 1979
- Christmas Love – Happy Holidays – 2006
- Come On, Come On – Billy Idol – 1982
- Coming Home – Kings & Queens of the Underground – 2014
- Concrete Kingdom – Charmed Life – 1990
- Crank Call – Rebel Yell – 1983
- Cradle of Love – Charmed Life – 1990
- Cry – Kings & Queens of the Underground – 2014
- Cyberpunk – Cyberpunk – 1993
- Dancing With Myself – Billy Idol – 1982
- Daytime Drama – Rebel Yell – 1983
- Devil’s Playground – Devil’s Playground – 2005
- Do Not Stand in the Shadows – Rebel Yell – 1983
- Don’t Need a Gun – Whiplash Smile – 1986
- Don’t Stop – Don’t Stop – 1981
- Drug Addiction – Generation X – 1979
- Endless Sleep – Charmed Life – 1990
- Evil Eye – Devil’s Playground – 2005
- Eyes Wide Shut – Kings & Queens of the Underground – 2014
- Eyes Without a Face – Rebel Yell – 1983
- Fatal Charm – Whiplash Smile – 1986
- Flesh for Fantasy – Rebel Yell – 1983
- Fright Night – Vital Idol – 1985
- Frosty the Snowman – Happy Holidays – 2006
- Generation X – Generation X – 1979
- Ghost in My Guitar – Kings & Queens of the Underground – 2014
- Ghostriders in the Sky – Don’t Stop – 1981
- God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen – Happy Holidays – 2006
- Happy Holiday – Happy Holidays – 2006
- Here Comes Santa Claus – Happy Holidays – 2006
- Heroin – Cyberpunk – 1993
- Hollywood Promises – Kings & Queens of the Underground – 2014 (Bonus track)
- Hot in the City – Billy Idol – 1982
- I Need More – Generation X – 1979
- I’m Not a Junkie – Devil’s Playground – 2005
- It’s So Cruel – Billy Idol – 1982
- (It’s) So Cruel – Rebel Yell – 1983
- Jingle Bell Rock – Happy Holidays – 2006
- Kings & Queens of the Underground – Kings & Queens of the Underground – 2014
- Kiss Me Deadly – Generation X – 1979
- LA Woman – Charmed Life – 1990
- Lady Do or Die – Devil’s Playground – 2005
- La La Rules the World – Cyberpunk – 1993
- Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! – Happy Holidays – 2006
- License to Thrill – Charmed Life – 1990
- Love and Glory – Kings & Queens of the Underground – 2014
- Love Calling – Billy Idol – 1982
- Love Labours On – Kings & Queens of the Underground – 2014
- Love Unchained – Charmed Life – 1990
- The Loveless – Charmed Life – 1990
- Man for All Seasons – Whiplash Smile – 1986
- Mark of Caine – Charmed Life – 1990
- Merry Christmas Baby – Happy Holidays – 2006
- Mony Mony – Don’t Stop – 1981
- Motorbikin’ – Cyberpunk – 1993
- Neuromancer – Cyberpunk – 1993
- New Future Weapon – Devil’s Playground – 2005
- Nobody’s Business – Billy Idol – 1982
- Nothing to Fear – Kings & Queens of the Underground – 2014
- O Christmas Tree – Happy Holidays – 2006
- One Breath Away – Kings & Queens of the Underground – 2014
- One Night, One Chance – Whiplash Smile – 1986
- Peace Frog – VH1 Storytellers – 2002
- Plastic Jesus – Devil’s Playground – 2005
- Power to the Music – Devil’s Playground – 2005
- Prodigal Blues – Charmed Life – 1990
- Postcards from the Past – Kings & Queens of the Underground – 2014
- Pumping on Steel – Charmed Life – 1990
- Ready Steady Go – Generation X – 1979
- Rebel Yell – Rebel Yell – 1983
- The Right Way – Charmed Life – 1990
- Rita Hayworth – The Roadside EP – 2021
- Run Rudolph Run – Happy Holidays – 2006
- Running with the Boss Sound – Generation X – 1979
- Santa Claus Is Back in Town – Happy Holidays – 2006
- Save Me Now – Kings & Queens of the Underground – 2014
- Scream – Devil’s Playground – 2005
- Shock to the System – Cyberpunk – 1993
- Shooting Stars – Billy Idol – 1982
- Shotgun Solution – Generation X – 1979
- Silver Bells – Happy Holidays – 2006
- Silent Night – Happy Holidays – 2006
- Skateboard – Cyberpunk – 1993
- Slash & Burn – Cyberpunk – 1993
- Soul Standing By – Whiplash Smile – 1986
- Speed – Cyberpunk – 1993
- Suburbs – Generation X – 1979
- Summer Running – Charmed Life – 1990
- Supercharged – Charmed Life – 1990
- Sweet Sixteen – Billy Idol – 1982
- Sweet Sixteen – Whiplash Smile – 1986
- The Dead Next Door – Rebel Yell – 1983
- The Loveless – Cyberpunk – 1993
- The Right Way – Devil’s Playground – 2005
- Then the Night Comes – Cyberpunk – 1993
- Thy Will Be Done – Generation X – 1979
- To Be a Lover – Whiplash Smile – 1986
- Tomorrow People – Cyberpunk – 1993
- Trouble with the Sweet Stuff – Charmed Life – 1990
- U Don’t Have to Kiss Me Like That – The Roadside EP – 2021
- Venus – Cyberpunk – 1993
- Wasteland – Cyberpunk – 1993
- Whiskey and Pills – Kings & Queens of the Underground – 2014
- White Christmas – Happy Holidays – 2006
- White Wedding – Billy Idol – 1982
- Who’s Laughing Now – Billy Idol – 1982
- Wild Child – Devil’s Playground – 2005
- Winter Wonderland – Happy Holidays – 2006
- Worlds Forgotten Boy – Whiplash Smile – 1986
- Your Generation – Generation X – 1979
Albums
Generation X (1979): 10 songs
Don’t Stop EP (1981): 4 songs
Billy Idol (1982): 10 songs
Rebel Yell (1983): 9 songs
Whiplash Smile (1986): 10 songs
Charmed Life (1990): 11 songs
Cyberpunk (1993): 12 songs
Devil’s Playground (2005): 13 songs
Happy Holidays (2006): 17 songs
Kings & Queens of the Underground (2014): 12 songs (including bonus track)
The Roadside EP (2021): 4 songs
Check out our fantastic and entertaining Billy Idol articles, detailing in-depth the band’s albums, songs, band members, and more…all on ClassicRockHistory.com
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