About
William Michael Albert Broad, known professionally as Billy Idol, is a British singer, songwriter, musician and actor. He also holds United States citizenship. He first achieved fame in the 1970s emerging from the London punk rock scene as the lead singer of the group Generation X. Subsequently, he embarked on a solo career which led to international recognition and made Idol a lead artist during the MTV-driven "Second British Invasion" in the US. The name "Billy Idol" was inspired by a schoolteacher's description of him as "idle". Read more on Last.fm
Genres
- album rock
- classic rock
- dance rock
- hard rock
- new romantic
- new wave
- new wave pop
- rock
- soft rock
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of music does Billy Idol play?
- Billy Idol is known for his dynamic blend of rock music, seamlessly fusing elements of punk, hard rock, and pop. Emerging from the late-1970s punk scene in London, he first gained attention as the frontman of Generation X before launching a successful solo career. His signature sound is characterized by gritty guitar riffs, catchy pop hooks, and anthemic choruses, often underscored by a rebellious attitude and energetic performances. Idol's music often incorporates synthesizers, giving his tracks a distinctive 80s pop-rock edge. Classic hits like "Rebel Yell,"
- What was the #1 hit for Billy Idol?
- Billy Idol's most iconic hit is "Mony Mony,"
- What was the only number one hit in the 1980s for Billy Idol?
- The only number one hit for Billy Idol in the 1980s was his electrifying cover of "Mony Mony."
- Did Billy Idol write his own music?
- Yes, Billy Idol is deeply involved in writing his own music. Throughout his career, Idol has co-written many of his biggest hits, often collaborating with longtime guitarist and songwriter Steve Stevens. Iconic tracks like "Rebel Yell,"
- What made Billy Idol famous?
- Billy Idol rose to fame through his distinctive blend of punk rock attitude and mainstream pop appeal. Initially gaining recognition as the frontman for the punk band Generation X in the late 1970s, Idol's solo career exploded in the early 1980s with the release of energetic, hook-laden tracks like "White Wedding,"