Billy Idol

Date of Birth: November 30, 1955

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Biography

Billy Idol, born William Michael Albert Broad, is an English-American rock musician, singer, and songwriter who emerged as a prominent figure in the punk rock and new wave music scenes during the 1970s and 1980s. Born on November 30, 1955, in Stanmore, Middlesex, England, Idol first gained fame as a member of the punk rock band Generation X. After the band disbanded, he embarked on a highly successful solo career. Idol’s music is characterized by its rebellious spirit, catchy hooks, and a blend of punk rock and pop elements. Some of his most iconic songs include “White Wedding,” “Rebel Yell,” and “Dancing with Myself.” His distinctive look, featuring spiked platinum blonde hair, leather outfits, and a sneering facial expression, made him a quintessential figure of 1980s pop culture. Throughout his career, Idol has released multiple albums and has been nominated for several awards, including Grammy Awards and MTV Video Music Awards. Despite facing personal challenges, including struggles with addiction, he has maintained a prolific career and continues to tour and release new music.

5 Interesting Facts about Billy Idol

1. Billy Idol got his stage name from a schoolteacher’s comment on his report card that he was “idle.”

2. He was part of the Bromley Contingent, a group of fans of the Sex Pistols who were instrumental in the UK punk scene.

3. Idol’s song “White Wedding” was famously featured in the film “The Wedding Singer,” starring Adam Sandler.

4. He survived a near-fatal motorcycle accident in 1990, which left him with significant injuries but did not halt his music career.

5. Idol published an autobiography titled “Dancing with Myself” in 2014, detailing his life and career.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Billy Idol

1. “It doesn’t matter about money; having it, not having it. Or having clothes, or not having them. You’re still left alone with yourself in the end.”

2. “Rock isn’t art, it’s the way ordinary people talk.”

3. “In the punk rock world, there’s always this pressure to be cool, to be cutting edge.”

4. “The biggest misconception about me is that I’m a rebel. I’d like to think I’m rebellious, but I’m not.”

5. “Everybody got it wrong. I said I was into porn again, not born again.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Billy Idol’s net worth was estimated to be around $50 million.

Children

Billy Idol has two children: a son named Willem Wolf Broad, born in 1988, with his former partner Perri Lister, and a daughter named Bonnie Blue Broad, born in 1989, with Linda Mathis.