Billy Idol

Rock Singer

William Michael Albert Broad, known professionally as Billy Idol, is a British singer, songwriter, and musician.

Full Name

William Michael Albert Broad

Birthday

Nov 30, 1955

deathday

AGE

BORN

England

BIrth SIGN

Sagittarius

RElationship

In a relationship

Height

5′ 9″

Net Worth

$60M

About

William Michael Albert Broad, more commonly known as Billy Idol, was born on November 30th, 1955 in Stanmore, Middlesex, England. He is a British singer-songwriter, musician and actor who became a punk rock and new wave icon in the 1980s. His father was from a working-class background and his mother was of Irish descent. Idol attended Sussex University to study English but dropped out after one year to pursue a career in music.

Idol began playing guitar at age fourteen and joined his first band when he was sixteen. In 1976, he formed the punk rock band Generation X which released three albums before disbanding in 1981. After leaving the group, Idol moved to New York City where he began to work on his solo career. His self-titled debut album was released in 1982 and included the hit singles "White Wedding" and "Dancing with Myself". The following year he released Rebel Yell which featured popular songs such as "Eyes Without A Face" and "Flesh For Fantasy".

Throughout the 1980s, Billy Idol gained major success with multiple hit albums and singles on both sides of the Atlantic including "Cradle Of Love", "Mony Mony" and "Sweet Sixteen". He has also appeared in several films including The Doors (1991) starring Val Kilmer and The Wedding Singer (1998) alongside Adam Sandler. In 2008, Idol released an autobiography entitled Dancing With Myself which chronicled his life story so far. Today he continues to tour around the world performing his classic hits for devoted fans everywhere.

Life Timeline

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1955</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Billy Idol is Born</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On November 30, 1955, William Michael Albert Broad is born in Stanmore, Middlesex, England.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1975</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Forms Punk Band Generation X</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Billy forms the punk band Generation X along with Tony James and John Towe.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1981</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Debut Solo Album Released</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Billy releases his debut solo album titled "Billy Idol" which contains the hit singles "White Wedding" and "Dancing With Myself".</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1982</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">"Mony Mony" Hits #1 on Charts</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">The single "Mony Mony" hits the top of the charts in the United States and eventually sells over one million copies.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1987</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">"Whiplash Smile" is Released</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">The album "Whiplash Smile" is released and includes the hit single "Sweet Sixteen".</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1993</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Iconic Music Video Released</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">The iconic music video for the song "Shock to the System" is released.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2005</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Billy Idol is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist.</p></div>

Why We Love Them

<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">A.</span> He's Innovative</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Billy Idol is an incredibly innovative and influential musician who has shaped the sound of rock music. His unique blend of punk, new wave and pop styles has made him a legend in the musical world.</p></div>

<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">B.</span> He's Charismatic</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Billy Idol is a charismatic and energetic performer who puts on an amazing show every time he takes the stage. His energy and enthusiasm for music is contagious and his fans love it.</p></div>

<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">C.</span> Hits that Stand The Test Of Time</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Billy Idol has plenty of hits that stand the test of time. From "Rebel Yell" to "White Wedding," Billy Idol's music is still as popular today as when it was first released.</p></div>

Interesting Facts

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">1.</span> First Solo Artist to Top the US Charts</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Billy Idol became the first solo artist from the United Kingdom to top the US charts when his 1984 single “Eyes Without a Face” peaked at number four.</p></div>

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">2.</span> Started Career With Punk Band Generation X</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Before going solo, Billy Idol was the lead singer of punk rock band Generation X, which released their self-titled debut album in 1978.</p></div>

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">3.</span> Turned Down a Role in Grease 2</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Billy Idol was offered a role in the 1982 sequel to the classic musical Grease, but he turned it down as he felt that it would tarnish his punk image.</p></div>

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">4.</span> Wrote Songs for Other Artists</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Billy Idol has written songs for other artists, including Bon Jovi and David Bowie, as well as for the movie soundtrack for 1984's The Flamingo Kid.</p></div>