Rock Trezor: BILLY IDOL - Birthday, 30. november

BILLY IDOL – STORY

William Michael Albert Broad, (Billy Idol) was born 30 November 1955, Stanmore, Middlesex, England. While studying English Literature at Sussex University, Broad became involved with the ‘Bromley contingent’ followers of the Sex Pistols.

Inspired by the energy of punk, he formed his own group, Chelsea, in 1976. The original outfit was short-lived and Billy Idol, as he was now known, next founded Generation X.

The group lasted from 1976-81 after which Idol launched his solo career in New York and recorded DON'T STOP, which featured a revival of Tommy James & The Shondells’ UK number 1 "Mony Mony."

Through 1982-83, Idol's career blossomed and his acerbic vocal style and lively stage act brought a string of hits including "Hot In The City," "White Wedding," "Rebel Yell" and "Eyes Without A Face."

With his albums sales increasing each year, Idol actually became an idol and turned an old hit to advantage by taking "Mony Mony" to number 1 in the US in 1987.

Despite his legendary excessive lifestyle, Idol has appeared in several charity shows. In 1988, he took part in Neil Young's Bridge School Benefit concert and the following year guested in the charity performance of the Who's Tommy in London.

After being slated for a part in the Oliver Stone film of the Doors, Idol almost emulated its central character by suffering an early death.

A serious motorcycle crash seriously damaged his leg, but he recovered remarkably speedily. However, he soon found himself back in trouble, this time with the Los Angeles courts when, in 1992, he was put on probation for two years and fined $2,700 for an assault on a ‘fan’.

This all added fuel to the rebel image and, in many respects, he has become more successful than most of the punk founders with whom he rubbed shoulders back in 1977. Idol's brand of heavy/punk was perfectly honed and showcased on CYBERPUNK.