Billy Idol
After slaving for years in Generation X, Billy Idol figured it was easy to be a Rock star. At least that’s what he claimed.
Of course, coming from the Punk world there was a ‘limit” to how far he’d compromise. Essentially, he stopped at mainstream Rock (with gothic touches). The “experiment” worked with Idol getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2026.
Aided and abetted by Steve Stevens’ “shake ’em loose” guitar, Idol hit the big time. Armed with a growl, bleached white spiked hair and a whiplash smile (with the best sneer since Elvis Presley).
White Wedding” was released as the second single from his ’82 self-titled studio album Though not Idol’s highest-charting hit, it was often considered one of his most recognizable songs.
White Wedding
More a character than Rock star, Idol’s second solo album featured “Rebel Yell, with the title track and the ballad “Eyes Without A Face:” scored, peaking at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Ultimately, Idol had the look and attitude for the ’80s MTV when it counted.
Rebel Yell
Eyes Without A Face
He released “Whiplash Smile” in 1986, which held “To Be A Lover.”
Mony Mony
The following year Idol took a cover of Tommy James and the Shondells’ mid-60s hit “Mony Mony” to the top of the U.S. pop chart.
With his career on a roll, Idol was involved in a motorcycle accident that nearly cost him his leg. He was hit by a car in Hollywood when he ran a stop sign while riding home at night from the studio.
“Charmed Life,” completed before the accident but the video for “Cradle Of Love” was shot after. Idol was unable to walk and was shot from the waist up. As least he was able to undertake that project.
Idol was to have a significant role in “The Doors” (a film about the ’60s band) playing Cat, Jim Morrison’s drinking buddy. But due to his injuries the part was reduced to a little more than a cameo.
Cradle Of Love
He was also slated to play T-1000 in “Terminator 2: Judgement Day” but the role was recast as a result of the accident.
His ventures into cyber-Punk and a return to his 80’s sound yielded little.
Fifteen years after “Charmed Life” Idol unfurled “Devil’s Playground.” That effort led to a tour.
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