Artist · EveryDisc catalogue

Billy Idol

Billy Idol (born William Michael Albert Broad; November 30, 1955, Stanmore, Middlesex) is a British rock musician. His choice of pseudonym was influenced by a note in his school diary left by his chemistry teacher: "William is idle"; the word "idle" is consonant with "idol". William Broad began pursuing music after he was captivated at university by the punk wave emerging at the time. Initially, he became the guitarist for the band Chelsea, but after three performances in 1977, he and bassist Tony James formed Generation X. After the band's breakup in 1981, Billy went to America and began a solo career. The most well-known songs are: "Rebel Yell", "White Wedding", "Flesh for Fantasy", and "Eyes Without a Face".