Billy Idol: Generation X

William Michael Albert Broad, born on 30th November 1955, Stanmore, Middlesex, England, UK, known professionally as Billy Idol, is a musician, singer, songwriter and actor, who first became famous during the mid. '70s, emerging from the London punk rock scene as a member of Generation X. Idol later embarked on a solo career, which led to international recognition, Billy becoming a leading artist during the MTV-driven "Second British Invasion" of the US. The name "Billy Idol" was inspired by a schoolteacher's description of him as "idle".

Idol began his music career in late 1976, as a guitarist in the punk rock group Chelsea, which he soon left with his former bandmate Tony James, to form Generation X. With Billy as lead singer, the group were successful in the UK, releasing 3 albums on Chrysalis Records before disbanding. Idol moved to New York City in 1981 to pursue his solo career, in collaboration with guitarist Steve Stevens, his debut studio L.P., Billy Idol (1982), selling well. With music videos for singles "Dancing with Myself" and "White Wedding," Billy soon became a staple of then-newly established MTV.

Idol's 2nd studio album, Rebel Yell (1983), sold even better, featuring hit singles "Rebel Yell" and "Eyes Without a Face", the L.P. being certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipment of two million copies in the US. Billy issued Whiplash Smile during 1986. Having had 3 UK top 10 singles, "Rebel Yell", "White Wedding" and "Mony Mony", Idol released a greatest hits album entitled Idol Songs: 11 of the Best (1988), which went platinum in the UK.