“Rebel Yell” Indeed! “The Wedding Planner”! Why Billy Idol Matters!
It’s more than just the music – it’s the sneer, the swagger, the “Billy Idol-ness” of him – it’s time to remind you why Billy Idol matters!
Billy Idol. Photo by Walter P. Calahan, USA TODAY
Billy Idol has been a music icons for decades, with such smash hits as “Rebel Yell”, “White Wedding” and “Dancing With Myself” – but he is also so much more!
First, let’s get to this amazing piece of film trivia:
Billy Idol Starred As T-1000 in “Terminator 2!”
Well, he was supposed to! James Cameron hired Billy to play the legendary bad robot T-1000 in “Terminator 2”, but shortly before filming was to begin in 1990, Idol was in a motorcycle accident in Hollywood! His injuries were so bad he was unable to perform in the film. The role then went to Robert Patrick – who did an amazing job!
Cue The Bio!
Here’s some biographical information about Billy Idol, who was born William Michael Albert Broad in Stanmore, Middlesex, England. The name Billy Idol was inspired by a school teacher’s description of Broad as “idle”. In an interview in 1983, Idol said the name:
“was a bit of a goof, but also part of the old English school of rock. Billy Fury and all that. It was a ‘double thing’ not just a poke at the superstar-like people … It was fun, you know?”
Idol was a member of the 70’s punk rock band Generation X before launching his own solo career in the 80’s, hitting it big with hits like this:
Rebel Yell!
“Rebel Yell” showcased Idol’s swagger, arrogance and ability to command a stage.
Here is the “unbelievably a part of the 80’s” music video!
White Wedding!
Idol had a lot of great songs, from the ballad “Eyes Without A Face” to “Dancing With Myself” and this classic rocker.
Here is the hilariously entertaining 80’s video for “White Wedding”:
Billy Idol Rocks “The Wedding Singer!”
One of the best cameo appearances ever is when Billy Idol shows up at the end of the Adam Sandler / Drew Barrymore comedy “The Wedding Singer.”
First, here is the trailer:
This is Adam Sandler’s best film: a sweet, romantic and very funny comedy starring Sandler as a Wedding singer who is helps bride-to-be Drew Barrymore plan her wedding.
Of course, Drew’s husband-to-be in the film is a total dick, and at the end of the movie, Sandler enlists the help of Billy Idol in a hilarious way:
Idol steals his scenes, with just the right touch of “Billy Idol”, while also coming across as charming and sweet. And he writes well too!
“Dancing With Myself” Autobiography!
Idol did what many big stars do: as this terrific photo shows, he sat himself down at a typewriter and typed out the fiery story of his life!
The memoir was a smash hit, and the book reminded people about Billy Idol and his impact on pop culture. EVERYONE remembers those classic MTV music videos. So time has been good to Billy: he shows up on TV and in film, has a bestselling book, and still tours worldwide as well!
Billy Idol. Photo by Walter P. Calahan, USA TODAY
Billy Loves Siouxie!
Time for more great Billy Idol trivia!
Idol was briefly a member of “Siouxsie and the Banshees” in 1976!
Yes, Billy was briefly a member before co-founding the punk band “Generation X” with Tony James!
Thanks to Shea Magazine for these fun facts – click on the link to their site for 6 more!
http://sheamagazine.com/billy-idol-who-knew-8-fun-facts/
Billy Idol wasn’t the only British rocker shaking up MTV in the 80’s – there was this guy too:
Band: A Flock of Seagulls (Mike Score in the centre).
Bad eighties hair hairstyle
Yes, the hairstyles were SO 80’s at times weren’t they? Still, I loved “A Flock Of Seagulls” and other bands of the 80’s…read all about the “Animal music” of the 80’s here:
Classic 80’s Brit Pop “Animal-Style”! Flock Of Seagulls! Adam Ant! Bow Wow Wow!
And let me know your favorite Billy Idol song!
