By:  Kreig Marks, April 2025

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TRR:  Billy, it's an honor to speak with you. And, congratulations on your nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Looking back on your career, what was your most significant turning point?

 

Billy Idol: Thanks for having me, and thank you for the nod for the Hall of Fame.  Just being mentioned for possible induction is very cool.  As for the turning point for me, I think the biggest turning point was when I left Generation X and went solo. It was a leap of faith, but it paid off. Signing with Chrysalis Records and releasing "White Wedding" made a huge difference. It gave me the freedom to explore my sound and identity, which ultimately shaped my entire career.

 

TRR:  Your image is iconic, from the leather jackets to the bleached blonde hair. Was this look something you always envisioned for yourself, or did it evolve naturally?

 

Billy Idol: It definitely evolved, but it became a part of me over time. When I was in Generation X, I wanted to stand out, but I didn’t have the full "Billy Idol" persona yet. It wasn’t until I went solo and embraced that punk-rock, rebellious attitude that I started to hone in on the look. The bleached hair? Well, it just felt right, and I loved the contrast it gave against the darker music I was creating.

 

TRR:  "Dancing with Myself" and "White Wedding" are two of your most iconic songs. What was the inspiration behind them?

 

Billy Idol: "Dancing with Myself" was all about celebrating individuality and freedom. It’s a fun song, and at the time, I was embracing this sense of wanting to be myself, no matter what the world threw at me. As for "White Wedding," it’s not as romantic as it might seem. It's more about questioning the institution of marriage and dealing with the complications of relationships. It’s got that underlying dark edge.

 

TRR:  You were at the forefront of the MTV generation. How did you see the rise of the music video impacting your career?

 

Billy Idol: MTV was a game-changer. It allowed me to bring my music to life in a visual way that felt fresh. The music video for "White Wedding" was almost like a mini-movie, and it introduced me to a whole new audience. It was amazing to see how much MTV shaped the popularity of not just my songs but so many artists during that time. We were all creating these visual worlds for our music, which was a new dimension.

 

TRR:  You've done a bit of acting as well, with roles in movies like The Wedding Singer. Do you have any interest in acting, or was it just a fun side gig?

 

Billy Idol: Acting was a fun side gig! I never took it too seriously. The Wedding Singer was a blast because it was such a fun, lighthearted film, and I got to be a part of this huge cultural moment. But music has always been my main focus. I’ve always thought of acting as something to dip my toes into whenever it feels right.

 

TRR:  You've been in the music industry for decades. How do you stay inspired to keep creating and performing?

 

Billy Idol: Honestly, it's all about staying true to myself. I’ve learned over the years that the key is to keep evolving but also stick to what makes me me. Every new song I create or performance I do gets my adrenaline going in a way that makes me feel like I’m doing something fresh. The energy from fans, too—it never gets old. That connection with the crowd is pure magic.

 

TRR:  You’ve had a tumultuous career at times. If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

 

Billy Idol: I’d tell myself to slow down a bit. I had a lot of fun and rode the wave of success, but there were moments where I could have taken a step back and enjoyed it more. Sometimes you get caught up in the rush of things and forget to appreciate what you’ve accomplished. So yeah, I’d say, “Enjoy the ride.”

 

TRR:  Is there a song in your catalog that you feel didn’t get as much attention as it deserved?

 

Billy Idol: One song I always thought deserved more love is "Eyes Without a Face." It's a bit of a departure from my usual sound, but it’s got this haunting, emotional quality to it that I think people connect with. It didn’t hit the mainstream like "White Wedding" or "Rebel Yell," but it holds up as one of my favorite tracks.

 

TRR:  You’ve experienced the rock and roll lifestyle up close. If you could sum it all up in one word, what would that word be?

 

Billy Idol: Surreal. It’s a world where the highs are high and the lows are low. It’s not for everyone, but there’s something magical about being in it. It’s a whirlwind, but it’s a beautiful one.

 

TRR:  Finally, Billy, what’s next for you? Is there anything fans can look forward to?

 

Billy Idol: I’m always working on new music and looking for fresh ideas. There’s more to come—whether it’s new songs or performances. I’m excited about the future and continuing to share my music with fans around the world. It’s all about keeping it alive and keeping it real.

 

TRR:  Billy, thanks so much for taking the time to talk with me today.  This has been a lot of fun. 

 

Billy Idol: Thank you, Kreig.  It’s been a pleasure. Stay wild!