Billy Idol Biography: Tour, Wife, Net Worth, Age, Wikipedia, Songs, Albums, Music Group, Awards, Controversy

Billy Idol Biography: Tour, Wife, Net Worth, Age, Wikipedia, Songs, Albums, Music Group, Awards, Controversy

January 7, 2025 0 Posted By Haruna Ayuba

Billy Idol is a renowned British-American musician, singer, and songwriter who rose to fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s as a leading figure in the punk rock and new wave music scenes.

Billy first gained prominence as the lead vocalist of the punk band Generation X, but it was his solo career that catapulted him to international stardom.

His hit songs such as “Dancing with Myself,” “White Wedding,” and “Rebel Yell” became anthems of the era, showcasing his ability to blend rock with pop sensibilities.

Profile

  • Full name: William Michael Albert Broad
  • Nickname: Billy Idol
  • Date of birth: November 30, 1955
  • Age: 70 years old
  • Gender: Male
  • Place of birth: Middlesex, England
  • Nationality: British-American
  • Profession: Musician, Singer, Songwriter
  • Height: 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
  • Parents: Bill Broad, Joan Broad
  • Siblings: Jane Broad
  • Spouse: N/A
  • Children: Brant Broad, Willem Wolfe Broad, and Bonnie Blue Broad
  • Relationship status: In a relationship with China Chow
  • Religion: N/A
  • Ethnicity: Caucasian
  • Net worth: $60 million

Early Life and Education

Billy Idol is now at the age of 70 having been born on November 30, 1955, in Middlesex, England. His father, Bill Broad, was a former soldier in the British Army and later worked as a public school teacher, while his mother, Joan Broad, was a homemaker. Idol’s upbringing was influenced by his parents’ dedication to education and discipline. He has one sister named Jane.

Idol attended Sussex University to study English literature but left after a year to pursue music full-time. During this period, he became involved with the Bromley Contingent—a group of fans associated with the Sex Pistols—and adopted a punk lifestyle that would shape his future career.

Personal Life

Billy Idol has been in several high-profile relationships but was never married. He has three children from different relationships; Willem Wolf Broad is his son with former girlfriend Perri Lister, while Bonnie Blue Broad is his daughter from a previous relationship with Linda Mathis, and Brent Broad. Idol and Lister had a long-term relationship that lasted until their separation in 1989.

Despite their breakup, they have maintained a cordial relationship for the sake of their son. In recent years, Idol has been in a relationship with actress China Chow. The couple has been spotted together at various events but keeps much of their personal life private.

Career

Billy Idol’s career began in the late 1970s when he co-founded the punk band Generation X. The band’s self-titled debut album was released in 1978 and garnered attention within the punk rock community.

After three albums with Generation X, Idol decided to pursue a solo career in New York City. His debut solo EP Don’t Stop was released in 1981 and included hits like “Dancing with Myself,” which had originally been recorded by Generation X.

Idol’s self-titled debut album followed in 1982 and featured iconic tracks such as “White Wedding” and “Hot in the City.” His second album Rebel Yell (1983) solidified his status as a major rock star and included hits like “Rebel Yell” and “Eyes Without a Face.”

Throughout the 1980s, Idol continued to release successful albums like Whiplash Smile (1986) and Charmed Life (1990), further establishing himself as a prominent figure in rock music.

In addition to his musical endeavors, Idol ventured into acting with appearances in films such as The Wedding Singer (1998) alongside Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. He also made cameo appearances in various television shows.

Awards

  • ASCAP Award for Most Performed Songs from Motion Pictures for “Cradle of Love” (1991)
  • Brit Award nomination for British Video of the Year (1991)
  • Grammy Award nominations for Best Rock Vocal Performance for “Rebel Yell” (1985), “To Be A Lover” (1987), and “Cradle Of Love” (1991)
  • MTV Video Music Award for Best Video from a Film for “Cradle of Love” (1990)
  • Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame awarded on January 6, 2023

Net worth

Billy Idol’s net worth is estimated at approximately $60 million. His wealth primarily stems from his successful music career spanning several decades, including album sales, concert tours, merchandise sales, and royalties from hit songs.

Controversy

Billy Idol was involved in a serious motorcycle accident that nearly cost him his leg. The accident happened when he ran a stop sign while riding home from the studio; he was struck by a car.

The injuries required extensive surgery and rehabilitation that sidelined him from performing for several months. Following this incident, Idol vowed to stop wearing clothing featuring the Confederate flag after an encounter with an employee who expressed discomfort about it.

In addition to this accident, Idol faced legal issues related to substance abuse during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He struggled with addiction but later sought treatment and made efforts to turn his life around.

In 1992, he pleaded guilty to charges stemming from an altercation outside a West Hollywood restaurant where he punched companion Amber Nevel; he paid fines and participated in anti-drug commercials as part of his sentencing.

Social Media

  • Instagram: @billyidol
  • Twitter: @billyidol

Filmography

  • The Wedding Singer (1998)
  • The Doors (1991)
  • The Terminator (uncredited) (1991)
  • Dancing with Myself (2004)
  • Scream Awards (2009)

Discography

  • Billy Idol (1982)
  • Rebel Yell (1983)
  • Whiplash Smile (1986)
  • Charmed Life (1990)
  • Cyberpunk (1993)
  • Devil’s Playground (2005)
  • Kings & Queens of the Underground (2014)
  • Happy Holidays (2006)

Extended Plays:

  • Don’t Stop (1981)
  • The Roadside (2021)
  • The Cage (2023)

Books

  • Dancing with Myself



NOTICE!! NOTICE!! NOTICE!!
DISCLAIMER!! : Every Biography and Contents Published On TheCityCeleb are For Knowledge Reason, Don't Hesitate to Reach Out to Us/Contact for Any Correction || Suggestion || Copyright!!
CORRECT@thecityceleb.com

Post Your Contents & More On TheCityCeleb
Call: (+234) 815-413-5400 || Email: info@thecityceleb.com
WhatsApp: (+234) 703-964-6947

FOLLOW US TODAY!!
PS!!: Connect With Us On Social Media To Catch Up With Our Juicy Updates; FacebookTwitterInstagram!!




TheCityCeleb Line Breaker