Billy Idol talks about his album, documentary and more
When Billy Idol first entered American consciousness in the early, leather-clad and bleached hair in tow, he not only brought a punk rock sound to the mainstream. The Englishman brought a new attitude, a new, rebellious way of being.
In the time since, songs like 'White Wedding,' 'Rebel Yell' and 'Eyes Without a Face' have become instant classics — for those who've worn a spiky jacket and those who've only imagined what it might be like.
Now, over four decades later, he's got the wisdom to reflect. It's led to a new documentary about his life, 'Billy Idol Should Be Dead,' which will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival — and a new album, the polished punk-pop of 'Dream Into It.'
'It was a gradual process, really,' he said of 11 year span between albums. 'It wasn't so much that we didn't want to make an album, it was more like we were building up to doing this.' Idol discussed about his new album and forthcoming documentary, his past struggles with addiction, his first-ever Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination and more.
You've described 'Dream Into It' as autobiographical. I thought your last album, 2014's 'Kings & Queens of the Underground,' pulled from your life as well.
Being this age, in particular, 69, when you look back, you can really see your whole life, how it plays out. And maybe it's also having grandchildren. My children are having children. You sort of reach this vantage point where you can really look back and see all the sort of different eras of my life. And you can sing about it. And I think I didn't go deep enough with the songs I did on 'Kings and Queens.' I thought lyrically I could go deeper. That's one of those regrets I had about the last album. So I really went for it, and I went for more imagery, (on 'Dream Into It,' in the) way of talking about my life. I'm not spelling it out exactly.
There are a lot of rock 'n' roll women on the album. Joan Jett, Avril Lavigne and The Kills' Alison Mosshart are all featured.
(Mosshart's) voice is just incredible. And of course, Joan Jett, I've known since 1978 after a Germs/Dead Kennedys concert. We hung out at the Whiskey A Go Go in Los Angeles. I was on a Generation X promotion tour for the first album. And then Avril, I mean, I've just been watching her career forever and she's fantastic. So, it was just great.
I've heard that sentiment from other performers.
When we were young, with lots of stuff, one minute people were there and then next week they weren't. We were just living the rock 'n' roll lifestyle 24/7, dressing like it, thinking like it. And in those days, it embraced bad things. It's just what it was like. I took acid at 12 and a half, 13 (years old.)
You get sucked into that world and it takes a hell of a long time to get away from it. And that's partly what I'm singing about in the album as well. There's a point in my life where I was very drug addicted, and it ruins relationships. Yeah, I'm lucky that I've kept the brain I've got, because some people went brain-dead and some people ended up in jail forever. Or dead.
You're nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for the first time. Do you think your younger punk rock self would be excited?
I do sort of think about Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry and Little Richard. 'And what? Are you going to be in something with those guys?' You know, Buddy Holly. These are some of the seminal people who turned on the people that turned me on, you know? Somewhere down the road, it led to punk rock. Also, my motorcycle has been in the Rock & Roll of Fame for like five years. So I might as well be in it, too.
Associated Press
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
What's On
2 days ago
- What's On
Global star Teddy Swims to perform in Dubai this November
Time to Lose Control music fans! Multi-platinum global superstar Teddy Swims will be performing in Dubai this year. The Grammy-nominated American singer will be heading to the Coca-Cola Arena as part of his I've Tried Everything But Therapy tour. The date to block on your calendar is November 22. This is the first time fans will see Teddy Swims performing live in Dubai. He will be joined by his band, Freak Freely, banging out all the hits, including chart toppers such as The Door , Bad Dreams and Lose Control . Pre-sale registrations are already open, which will be followed by a 24-hour pre-sale on Monday, June 23, at 10am. If you miss this, don't worry, as general tickets go on sale the following day on June 24 at 10am. Nab your tickets on If you're a fan of Swims, Part 2 of his I've Tried Everything but Therapy album was released earlier this year. It cemented his place as one of music's most soulful and versatile voices. The treats don't stop there, as later this month on June 27, he will unveil I've Tried Everything But Therapy (Complete Edition). It will feature his newest single, God Went Crazy, and more collaborations. Speaking on his visit to the UAE, Swims said, 'Last time I came to the UAE, I had the funnest time – taking in the most beautiful views with the most beautiful people this earth has to offer! I love you, and I can't wait to get together and celebrate live music!' The pre-show celebrations include early entry to the venue along with live entertainment from local artists, happy hour offers, and early access to merch – so you can get all kitted out before the show begins. All that really matters Ticket prices start from Dhs295 for bronze, while regular standing tickets are priced at Dhs455 and fan pit at Dhs695. Being Picky about tickets? Maybe this will help your decision. Both standing categories unlock the chance to win exclusive signed merchandise from the legend himself, including a signed guitar. Tell Me… does that not sound Amazing! Thomas Ovesen, CEO of All Things Live Middle East said, 'Teddy Swims is one of the most exciting voices in music today, and we're thrilled to be bringing him to Dubai for the very first time. His energy, soul, and connection with fans make his live shows unforgettable and we're proud to give audiences here the chance to experience that magic at Coca-Cola Arena this November.' See you there, Happy People ! Location: Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk Date: November 22, 2025 Cost: Ticket prices from Dhs295 Contact: 800 223388, @cocacolaarena Images: Getty Images > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
What's On
4 days ago
- What's On
Some big names still to perform at the Abu Dhabi Comedy Season
Sponsored: There are some big names still set to take the stage Abu Dhabi Comedy Season is in full swing and some incredible acts have already performed. We're talking big names who are known worldwide such as Kevin Hart, Michael McIntyre, Gabriel Iglesias, and Trevor Noah. Don't worry though, you still have time to get lots of giggles in with the acts that are scheduled for June and July. Last year it was a week of comedy, this year the capital has leveled up and is giving you a full two months of laughs. American Comedian, Pete Davidson is set to get the giggles rolling on June 25 as he arrives to the Etihad Arena. Tickets start at Dhs295 and if you decide to go, you'll be treated to raw and purely hilarious personal stories from this charming character. Dave Chappelle also returns to Abu Dhabi on June 27, after a hugely successful show in April 2024. Tickets for this funnyman start at Dhs250 and you're guaranteed a brilliant night. The fun doesn't stop in June, as the temperature heats up, so do the laughs. Bill Burr is coming on July 12 with his refreshingly honest and witty comedy show. Nothing is off limits for discussion during the show and be prepared for some candid commentary on life. Tickets for Burr start at Dhs250 so send this into the groupchat and start planning. If you don't fancy going to one of the bigger gigs, there are more intimate ones dotted around the city such as Mina Liccione & Friends who are coming to Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental on Tuesday, June 24, and Mohamed Helmy, Nataly Aukar, Nurlan Saburov are other hilarious figures to watch too. Is there anything a good laugh can't fix? > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Gulf Today
6 days ago
- Gulf Today
'Hidden treasure': Rare Gandhi portrait up for UK sale
A rare oil painting of Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, which is believed to have been damaged by a Hindu nationalist activist, is to be auctioned in London in July. Gandhi, one of the most influential figures in India's history, led a non-violent movement against British rule and inspired similar resistance campaigns across the world. He is the subject of tens of thousands of artworks, books and films. But a 1931 painting by British-American artist Clare Leighton is believed to be the only oil portrait he sat for, according to the painter's family and Bonhams, where it will be auctioned online from July 7 to 15. "Not only is this a rare work by Clare Leighton, who is mainly known for her wood engravings, it is also thought to be the only oil painting of Mahatma Gandhi which he sat for," said Rhyanon Demery, Bonhams Head of Sale for Travel and Exploration. The painting is a "likely hidden treasure", Caspar Leighton, the artist's great-nephew, told the media. Going under the hammer for the first time next month, the painting is estimated to sell for between £50,000 and £70,000 ($68,000 and $95,000). Rhyanon Demery uses UV light to show the spot. Clare Leighton met Gandhi in 1931, when he was in London for talks with the British government on India's political future. She was part of London's left-wing artistic circles and was introduced to Gandhi by her partner, journalist Henry Noel Brailsford. "I think there was clearly a bit of artistic intellectual courtship that went on," said Caspar, pointing out that his great-aunt and Gandhi shared a "sense of social justice". Painting attacked The portrait, painted at a crucial time for India's independence struggle, "shows Gandhi at the height of his power", added Caspar. It was exhibited in London in November 1931, following which Gandhi's personal secretary, Mahadev Desai, wrote to Clare: "It was such a pleasure to have had you here for many mornings doing Mr Gandhi's portrait." "Many of my friends who saw it in the Albany Gallery said to me that it was a good likeness," reads a copy of the letter attached to the painting's backing board. The painting intimately captures Gandhi's likeness but it also bears reminders of his violent death. Gandhi was shot at point-blank range in 1948 by disgruntled Hindu nationalist activist Nathuram Godse, once closely associated with the right-wing paramilitary organisation RSS. Godse and some other Hindu nationalist figures accused Gandhi of betraying Hindus by agreeing to the partition of India and the creation of Muslim-majority Pakistan. According to Leighton's family, the painting was attacked with a knife by a "Hindu extremist" believed to be an RSS activist, in the early 1970s. Although there is no documentation of the attack, a label on the back of the painting confirms that it was restored in the United States in 1974. Caspar Leighton, great-nephew of British-American artist Clare Leighton, poses with a painting by his great-aunt of Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi at Bonhams auction house in London. Photos: AFP Under UV light, Demery pointed out the shadow of a deep gash running across Gandhi's face where the now-restored painting was damaged. "It feels very deliberate," she said. 'Real home' The repairs "add to the value of the picture in a sense... to its place in history, that Gandhi was again attacked figuratively many decades after his death", said Caspar. The only other recorded public display of the painting was in 1978 at a Boston Public Library exhibition of Clare Leighton's work. After Clare's death, the artwork passed down to Caspar's father and then to him. "There's my family's story but the story in this portrait is so much greater," he said. "It's a story for millions of people across the world," he added. "I think it'd be great if it got seen by more people. Maybe it should go back to India -- maybe that's its real home." Unlike countless depictions of the man known in India as the "father of the nation" -- in stamps, busts, paraphernalia and recreated artwork -- "this is actually from the time", said Caspar. "This might be really the last truly significant picture of Gandhi to emerge from that time." Agence France-Presse
