Billy Idol is a celebrated English-American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor who rose to prominence in the 1980s. For decades, Billy has been making waves in the music scene, going from a punk icon to a rock legend. With his trademark sneer and rebellious spirit, this English sensation has won the hearts of millions worldwide.
Due to his innovative, charismatic, and adaptable nature, Billy’s success in the entertainment industry has led to a substantial net worth of $60 million. This captivating biography delves into Billy Idol’s life, exploring his career journey, net worth, breakthrough, and personal life, offering a deeper understanding of the man behind the music.
Unknown Facts About Billy Idol
- Billy was kicked out of the Scouts at age 10 for kissing a girl.
- He survived a serious motorcycle accident with which a steel rod was surgically inserted into his right leg.
- He was treated in a hospital in Los Angeles, California, after an apparent drug overdose.
- He is known for his white spiky hair and sneer.
- Billy is ranked No. 55 on VH1’s 100 Sexiest Artists.
- After one year at the University of Sussex, he dropped out.
Early Life and Education
Billy Idol was born to devout Anglican parents on November 30, 1955 (age 68 years), in Stanmore, England, United Kingdom. According to his birthday, he was born under the Sagittarius astrological sign. Billy is an American national raised in Anglican and of white ancestry. When he was two years old, in 1958, he moved with his parents to the US and settled in Patchogue, New York. His family also spent some time in Rockville Centre, New York, where his younger sister Jane was born. The family left New York and returned to England, settling in Dorking, Surrey, then relocating to Bromley (southeastern London).
Billy attended Ravensbourne School for Boys and later studied at Worthing High School for Boys after the family moved to Goring-by-Sea in West Sussex. In 1975, Billy enrolled at the University of Sussex to pursue English but dropped out after a year to join the Bromley Contingent (a group of Sex Pistol fans). Around this time, he adopted the moniker Billy Idol, allegedly changing the spelling from “Idle” to “Idol” to avoid being confused with Eric Idle from Monty Python after a teacher wrote “Billy is Idle” on his report card.
Quick Wikipedia
| Quick Biography | Answers |
| Birthday | November 30, 1955 |
| Full Name | William Michael Albert Broad |
| Hometown | Stanmore, England |
| Lived In | United States of America |
| Net Worth (2024) | $60 thousand |
| Horoscope/Birth Sign | Sagittarius |
| Age (2024) | 68 years old |
| Stage Name | Billy Idol |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Musician, and Actor, |
| Father’s Name | N/A |
| Mother’s Name | N/A |
| Number of Children | N/A |
| Children’s Name | Bonnie Blue, Willem Wolfe Broad, and Brant Broad |
| Spouse | N/A |
| Boyfriend | N/A |
| Birth Year | 1955 |
| Trivia | |
| Facebook Handle | Billy Idol |
| YouTube Handle | Billy Idol |
| Twitter/X Handle | @BillyIdol |
| Instagram Handle | @billyidol |
| Snapchat Handle | N/A |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Body Measurements | N/A |
| Feet/Shoe Size | N/A |
| Color of Eye | Blonde |
| Movies Starred | |
| References | Wikipedia and IMBD |
Career
Billy joined the retro-rock group Chelsea in 1976 as their guitarist. A few weeks later, he left the group to form Generation X alongside Tony James, the bassist for Chelsea. Generation X, led by Idol, released three albums with Chrysalis Records: “Generation X” (1978), “Valley of the Dolls” (1979), and “Kiss Me Deadly” (1981). The band also had an appearance on “Top of the Pops.” Billy relocated to New York City in 1981 and started performing as a solo artist under Bill Aucoin, the former Kiss manager.
With guitarist Steve Stevens, bassist Phil Feit, and drummer Gregg Gerson on board, Billy released the E.P. “Don’t Stop” in 1981, which featured the songs “Dancing with Myself” and “Mony Mony.” “Billy Idol,” his first solo album, was released on July 16, 1982. It was awarded Platinum in Canada and Gold in the United States. The “White Wedding” single peaked at #4 on the “Billboard” Top Tracks list. Billy’s next single, “Rebel Yell,” from 1983, peaked at #6 on the “Billboard” 200 list and achieved 2× Platinum in the United States and 5x Platinum in Canada. The song “Eyes Without a Face” debuted in the top 10 charts in Germany, New Zealand, and the United States.
In 1986, Billy’s third solo studio album, “Whiplash Smile,” reached Platinum in the United States, three times platinum in Canada, and gold in the United Kingdom and Finland. His 1987 remix album “Vital Idol” was his next release after “Whiplash Smile,” and his live rendition of “Mony Mony” peaked at number one on the “Billboard” Hot 100 chart. Billy relocated to Los Angeles during the late 1980s, and he was James Cameron’s first choice to portray T-1000 in “Terminator 2: Judgement Day.” However, Billy’s involvement in a significant motorbike accident in 1990 forced a casting change.
Later that year, he released the album “Charmed Life,” which included the hit “Cradle of Love” and a cover of The Doors’ “L.A. Woman.” In 1993, he dropped the experimental album “Cyberpunk” and participated in a Generation X reunion show. In 1998, he appeared as himself in the Adam Sandler–Drew Barrymore film “The Wedding Singer,” and “White Wedding” was featured on the soundtrack. In 2000, Billy voiced an alien named Odin in the animated film “Heavy Metal 2000, and the following year, he appeared on “Billy Idol – Behind the Music” and “VH1 Storytellers.”
Net Worth and Career Earnings
How has Billy Idol’s music influenced his wealth? The 68-year-old American rock musician, songwriter, and actor Billy Idol has amassed a significant fortune from his career, a testament to the profound impact of his music on his fans. According to multiple sources, Billy Idol’s net worth is an impressive $60 million, a wealth he’s earned from his music career.
His iconic hits, such as “Dancing with Myself,” “White Wedding,” and “Rebel Yell,” have not only touched the hearts of millions but also contributed to his financial success. Even at age 68, Billy’s enigmatic stage persona and exceptional musical abilities mesmerize audiences. As we look ahead to the coming year, we can’t help but be amazed at how Billy Idol’s net worth keeps climbing.
Awards and Recognition
In 1985, Billy Idol’s powerful vocals in “Rebel Yell” earned him a Male Rock Vocal Performance nomination. His nominations for “Be a Lover” in 1987 and “Cradle of Love” in 1991 followed this. His exceptional talent was recognized with an ASCAP Film and Television Music Award for Most Performed Songs from Motion Pictures for “Cradle of Love” in 1991. His impact on the music industry is further highlighted by his numerous nominations at the 10 MTV Video Music Awards, where he won Best Video from a Film for “Cradle of Love” and was nominated for a Brit Award for Best British Video for the same song.
Personal Life
Is Bill Idol married? Bill Idol has never been married but was in a long-term relationship with English singer, dancer, and former Hot Gossip member Perri Lister. Together, they have a son, William, who has been a member of the rock band FM. He also welcomed a daughter, Bonnie Blue Broad, on August 21, 1989, with Linda Mathis, and Bonnie made him a grandfather when her daughter, Poppy Rebel, was born in 2020.
In 2018, Billy became an American citizen, and he holds dual citizenship between England and the U.S. Bill was hit by a truck while riding his motorbike in 1990, resulting in internal injuries, multiple fractured bones, and compound fractures in his leg. Four years later, he nearly died from a cocaine overdose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Bill Idol married?
Ans: No, he is not married but has been in several high-profile relationships.
Q. How many children does Billy Idol have?
Ans: Billy has three children, Bonnie Blue, Willem Wolfe Broad, and Brant Broad.
Q. How rich is Bill Idol?
Ans: As of 2024, Bill has a net worth of $60 million.
