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The Billy Idol Story:
"Billy Idol" was born "William Michael Albert Broad",on November 30, 1955 in Stanmore, Middlesex,
England. While an English Literature Scholar at Sussex University, Broad became actively involved with the "Bromley Contingent"
(admiring followers of the "Sex Pistols"). Inspired by the high energy of punk, Broad formed his own group, "Chelsea",
in 1976. The original band was short-lived and "Billy Idol", as he was now known,had later founded "Generation
X". "Generation X" had lasted from 1976-81, giving Idol the opportunity to launch his solo career in New York.There
he recorded "Don't Stop", which featured a new wave revival of "Tommy James And The Shondells" classic
UK number 1 smash hit"Mony Mony". Throughout 1982-84, Idol's career had blossomed.Billy's accoustic vocal style
and snarling explosive stage act had launched a string of hits including: "Hot In The City" (US number 23), "Eyes
Without A Face" (US number 4/UK number 18), "White Wedding" (UK number 6), "Rebel Yell" (UK number
6 when rereleased), and "To Be A Lover" (US number 6). With Idol's album sales ever increasing each year, Idol actually
became "an idol". He had turned a classic hit into a mega hit by taking "Mony Mony" to number 1 in the
USA (and UK number 7) in 1987. Despite his legendary and quite 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 guest starred in the charity performance
of the Who 's Tommy in London. After being auditioned for a part in Oliver Stone's "The Doors", Idol almost emulated
its central character(J.M.) by suffering a near early death. A motorcycle crash in February 1990 had seriously damaged his
leg, but he recovered amazingly . That same May, Idol hit the number 2 slot in America with "Cradle Of Love" (hit
for the movie soundtrack (Andrew Dice Clay movie)"The Adventures Of Ford Fairlaine" ). However, Billy had soon found
himself back in turmoil, this time with the Los Angeles courts.In 1992, he was put on probation for two years and fined $2,700
for an assault on a "fan". This all heaved massive fuel to the explosive rebel image.As a result, Idol has become
more successful than most of the punk founders with whom he played riffs with back in 1977. Idol's brand of heavy punk was
perfectly esteemed and showcased on "Cyberpunk".
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