Billy Idol: Musician, Singer, Song-writer and Actor

Billy Idol was born on November 30, 1955 as William Michael Albert Broad, the first born to Bill and Joan Broad. He was born in Stanmore, Middlesex, England.

When Billy was two, his family moved to Long Island to pursue the American dream. After four years, and after baby sister Jane was born, they returned to Dorking, England.

America left a big impression on Billy with the big cars and rock music.

The family then moved to Running Horses Public House in Mickleham Until 1963 while their home was being built in Goring, Sussex.

Billy enjoyed normal childhood, getting into mischief and hanging out with his buddies. The Broads attended church regularly.

Billy joined the Boy Scouts but was kicked out when he was caught kissing a girl.

Billy failed the entrance test to the Orpington College. His parents were disappointed and wanted him to retake the test. Instead, a year later, Billy entered Sussex University. In September of 1975, he began his classes in English and philosophy.

Punk rock also exploded at this time and captured Billy's attention more than his studies. Billy started hanging out with like-minded people and they hung out at various venues in London. They were instantly recognized by their Malcom McLaren SEX shop clothes and peg pant. This is when they became known as the Bromley Contingent and followed the Sex Pistols to every show.

Bill Broad then changed his name to Billy Idol wanting to become a part of the music revolution. Billy dropped out of school and formed his first band The Rockettes. Billy and his class Steve Upton, played the covers of various bands such as The Doors, The Animal and The Beatles. They were never recorded, however, they did played gigs at the campus cafeteria and one gig at a local youth hall outside of the university.

They even auditioned for famed music managers such as Malcolm McLaren and Bernie Rhodes. Steve was told he was the real star, but this only made Billy more determined.

Billy met Tony James, who was a fellow classmate, they formed a band named Chelsea and then later Generation X. This was when Billy shifted from guitar to lead singer. Generation X signed with Chrysalis Records and recorded three albums. Generation X also appeared in the 1980's movie D.O.A. before splitting up.

Idol then moved to New York to begin his solo career. Billy Hooked up with Kiss manager Bill Aucoin. In 1981, Billy recorded his first EP "Don't Stop" with a rendition of Tommy James and the Shondell's "Mony Mony" and Generation X songs such as "Dancing with Myself", landed him a record deal with Chrysalis records.

Billy then found guitarist Steve Stevens and they became partners. Billy Release his first self-titled album in 1982. MTV exploded around this time and the music videos for "White Wedding" and "Dancing with Myself" showcased Idols, spiky blond hair, sneer and leather clothes.

From his first album in 1982, Billy's career blossomed and he released the following albums after his self-titled debut:

1983 - Rebel Yell

1986 - Whiplash Smile

1987 - Vital Idol

1988 - Idols Songs - 11 of the Best

1990- Charmed Life

1993 - Cyberpunk

2001 - VH1 Storytellers Behind the Music

2001 - Greatest Hits

2005 - Devil's Playground

2006 - Happy Holidays

2008 - The Best of Billy Idol - Idolize Yourself

Billy was now 5' 9" and a musician, singer, song-writer, and actor. He plays guitar and bass in the genres of hard rock, punk, post-punk and New Wave. His songs "Rebel Yell" was nominated in 1985 for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance and "Whiplash Smile" was nominated for the same award in 1987.

Billy has two phrases he is quoted for: "Rock isn't art, it's the way ordinary people talk," and "Great sex is great, but bad sex is like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich."

He has appeared in such movies as The Wedding Singer, Mad Dog Time, The Doors, Shock to the System, Heavy Metal 2000 (voice of Odin), along with several other movies and TV appearances.