Billy Idol: Racy, real and rocking out
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- čas přidán 4. 10. 2014
- Best known for his MTV-friendly hits like "Dancing With Myself," "Rebel Yell" and "White Wedding," rocker Billy Idol's long and varied career has been a wild ride. Tracy Smith hits the road with the rock idol for an unvarnished look back on a lifetime of sex, drugs, and mostly rock 'n' roll.
Billy Idol has the best villain laugh.
I love his laugh.
Plus the harsh Middlesex accent
Yes, he should be doing voices in animation and stuff. Unique
fastsofaracing : Before "Spike" on Buffy the Vampire Slayer....there was Billy Idol
He would have been perfect as the cyberdine systems T 1001 portrayed by Billy's replacement Robert Patrick following Billy's motorbike accident at the time.
"Eyes with out a Face" is brilliant and beautiful. One of the songs of that era i love.
In my top 3!
Could be my favorite by him
That song just has one of those atmospheric and moody qualities. Every time I hear it, I'm always transported to this reflective, transcendental place
0Imtheslime0 that some takes me right back to childhood. Great song. Living in a haunted house at the time, that song definitely rang true for me in that sense.
0Imtheslime0 that some takes me right back to childhood. Great song. Living in a haunted house at the time, that song definitely rang true for me in that sense.
He's honestly quite underrated as a singer and songwriter. Pitch perfect vocals, amazing tone and attitude to boot. None of those are easy things to do. I think a lot of that gets lost in people obsessing about his rock star persona.
He isn't underrated at all. He was a huge star and a household name.
honestly, I can't stay still while Rebell Yell is airing...I have to jump and dance
He is underrated? Even in 2022 he would fill stadiums with ease
@@perfektspace SMH....he was a phenomenon, and is hugely successful by any standard. He has never been underrated.
because the juuden owners of the music business did not promote him like they promote no-music like hip hop and rap
You defined the 80's for many of us.
AMEN TO THAT!!!
Yeah he did. I was born in 82. By 85 I was singing, dancing, and snarling just like him. He was the first rockstar I remember recognizing as a small channel. Him and David Lee Roth were my favorites.
BTW love your channel and what you do. Thank you!!👍
I love how cool and down to earth he is. You can tell he’s a nice guy!
He defined live for me. Day without Billy is not a man day. Driving with "speed", dancing with "Dancing With Myself" or "Rebel Yell". Just every day.
He's still got the madness in his eyes.
His eye muscles are messed up from all nighters in the past. And he Rules !!
But he doesn’t have a face
Omg I know!! I love it 😆😆
@@nikolinatudor7427 Les Yeux Sans Visage 😆😆😆
And a bit of mascara
I worked for his father's power tools business, him mum & dad were lovely people , best 10years I have ever spent in a job. Met my now wife there too ..they took us all to see Billy in concert at Wembley arena. Great times #RIPMRBROAD
Billy Idol WAS the 80's!
Not just himself but he was a good part of the 80s awesomeness, yes!
Definitely a huge part of the 80s.
Well he was as much 70s in Generation X, very influential on the Rawk n Roll look and sound in London SoHo in the eighties.
For you maybe. Michael Jackson and Queen was more the 80's if we see it globaly.
I'LL PUT THEM UP AGAINST ADAM ANT. 🐜 MUSIC for the 80,s.
Saw him last night in concert here in Las Vegas. He's 64 and still rocks out! Very expressive. Steve Stevens the guitarist is amazing. The backing band was on point.
I am incredibly jealous
vegasjk27
Right before the shutdown of this Plandemic to bring in the "New World Order"..
I bet you had a Blast.
Fellow Las Vegas neighbor here. 👍🏼
@Kelly B This was right before Covid hit. If you weren't here in Vegas, you have no idea what you're talking about. The concert was held. I was there at the Pearl at the Palms. End of story.
Steve Stevens is a fantastic guitarist.
Steve is still doing his thing
I admire his honesty. Dude is a legend.
VERY WELL SAID!!!
Agreed 💯💯💯💯
"Are you sober?" "no" respect!
Weed? A drink at dinner? He is Sober.
@@metalinl-a1128 That is not sober for an addict.
Ummm if a drink at dinner is all he has then he is at least reformed. Daily hard drinkers and bringers can grow out of that compulsory lifestyle and learn control. Don’t believe everything that sprouted from the AS and Addiction model.
@@russellmcgurn4217 LOL
Russell Mcgurn exactly, tired of 12 step programs that rarely work anyway being the definition for sobriety.
I saw Billy Idol perform in Vegas a couple of years ago. What a show that I'll never forget. His voice sounds rough when he talks but when he's singing, sounds just like the 80's. And at the end of the show, he said "I just want to thank you all for making my life so f'ing great!" LOL...What a showman.
"I want to be here today, I don't want to be brain dead.". Words only a person who has lived life fully, experienced a lot of things most of us only dream we had a chance to experience. And, very well spoken, words of wisdom. It's amazing how humble he is.
He may be odd, but he has endured the test of time. His songs will never get old
I do agree with you. His songs are fantastic.
Bill Clapper Always get the instant shot of nostalgia when I hear them. They catapult me back in space and time. Totally agree with you.
I met him last year. Super nice guy, super down to earth.
Best part - He took care fo his Dad when he was dieing. Very difficult, very respectable.
he is pure class
correction: dying
@@janetdungan2878 Yeah, I was pretty sure I had messed that up, but was too lazy to look it up. Thanks.
Respect Billy for taking care of his dad.
His dad may not have understood why Billy chose to leave college to pursue his love and passion for music at the time.
What an absolute rock star this man is, I can only imagine the stories he’s got
Read his book. His honesty and integrity is commendable.
His book is insanely good. And self written . Do not miss out
Love his honesty and openness to discuss his past and his demons. He could easily have been another casualty of drink and drugs but thankfully he’s turned it around and is still rocking all these years later! Legend.
I liked his quote "I could make my own product & theres a power to that" Very true
Yep ...discount available
hes a genius
This was my guy - I could sing most of his songs any given moment - I was in my 30’s now I am in my 60’s - this is still awesome music
“What’s your reason for cheating?”
“McDonald’s, Denny’s, Carl’s Jr.”
hahahahaha women were throwing themselves at him like McRibs.
Good old Mickey dees lol
DrDysl3xia
They sure were throwing themselves at him back in the 80's.
I bet he got extra ketchup at McDonald’s
LOL translation nothing else and nobody else to do, and it was probably thrown at him left and right , if some starts chasing me I guarantee you I won't able to run fast enough to get away,😎😷😎😷
Billy is a survivor. To come clean with his father before he passed was something Billy needed to do for both. Think of all of the music greats who have succumbed to the Dark Side while still having much more to give. Billy survived his trip to the Dark Side and came back in one piece. Winners all around.
I'm like Billy because my dad passed away too!
What did he come clean about?
@@SkeletonkeysJan1 he meant to say "make peace with". Or thats how i interpret it.
well said
Genuine human entirely capable of humility and admit to and be accountable for his faults. We love you Billy. Thanks for all you've given the music world.
He didn't lie or deny anything. Admitting what he admitted is probably not easy being in his position. You know how many other celebs can't do what he did? I bet a lot of them.
The first time I saw Billy Idol, I laughed out loud. He was so over-the-top and I loved it.
I went to primary school with this guy in the UK his name was William Broad he was the sweetest boy ever this was in the 1960s he was a Darling little boy❤️❤️
Billy Icon, he is so humble and genuine. The guy is a legend alive. What a heart. The funny thing is that he became kinda wise also
Good choice of music
Genuine? Yeah, seems that way. Humble? Probably not so much, but "humble" and "rock star" don't often go together. I'd describe him as grounded and smart enough to learn from his mistakes. And that's enough for me.
I wonder what it's like to have Billy as a dad. I'd sure pick him over Ozzy as a parent.
HUMBLE?? Are you awake??
@@eagleeye2300 He is a humble sincere person, read his autobiography.
if you listen his interview from 80's (New Zealand), he was far more smarter than picture he sent. He was way more mature than me in his age. Though rock and drugs was a problem for him. I think drugs have been his weakness, yet he said he would never wrote some songs without
What is neat about the guy is , HE CAN STILL SING.. A lot of 50 year old 80's stars are shallow shells of their glory days and want you to pay full price to see them. I would love to see Billy Idol if he has Steve Stevens with him still. My Respects. ROCK ON!!!
DIOSpeedDemon And All Wannabee World Queens can Intuition Relate to His Songs.
Time is flying ,it seems to me just a few years ago , remembering him here around 1980's here 0:37 ,...though still in good shape comparing to other celebrities his age
I wanted to comment about his " trademark sneer" 1:41 then i saw this lady already is asking him about it ! 0:52
He can still sing...It's cause of those herbs is one of the reason y he still can.
He was always sort of the punk Elvis. He sang with that deeper register, he had the Elvis lip, always wore leather. He did write some good stuff too, he and Steve Stevens were a great collaborative team. Gotta say he looks great, no different at all really, just not so babyfaced now, he looks like he has grown into himself
Wow impressed. He seems like he has his life in order, likes to still have some fun but keeps it in check. Love it.
Anyone who can say "if I tell myself i'll never do that again, then I will immediately go do it" with a straight face, has their life in order. Self-introspection is better than any compass.
@@atlantic_love Your reply really resonated with me, i agree
He was completely robbed of a best supporting actor academy award nomination for his role in the Wedding Singer
"I wanna be here and enjoying today, I don't wanna be brain dead" - Billy Idol
glad he kept from all the hardcore drugs and still lived out his dream
When you hear his speaking voice, it's hard to believe that he can sing.
cocaine will do that
well even if we don't smoke, drink, and do drugs our voices get "raspier" and more rugged with age anyway
@Spivze Spivatron Oh, come on lol. I’m no super fan or anything, but the guy can sing. He even did a Christmas album that was an awesome throw back to some of the most popular singers ever.
Anthony Vera
Cocaine drips down your throat, the chemicals to make it are serious and will affect the vocal cords.
Billy can sing, I Was a big fan of his in the early 80's.
oh, those idiots who pose as music experts who claim that EVERYBODY can't sing, these idiots usually pick the very hypest singers, the classics, like Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, and they claim NOBODY can sing, except for those people. Get a life, if he can't sing and still made a hit like Eyes without a Face, then he must be very good at worst.
Amazing singer and still one of my favorites!! I will always want more, more ,more !!
Who is here in 2020 and still loves Billy Idol?? ME!!!
We all loved him back in the day...I told someone he was what I imagined Dennis the Menace would grow up to be like.
EXCELLENT!!!
He has aged like fine wine.
It's the hair
He looks still as hot as every 😈❤️❤️❤️
Absolutely xx
@Larry Smith what?????
With the help of a facelift or two.
I love his candid honesty. Helpful to those who struggle with addiction. Appreciate the music.
IMO, Billy Idol's brilliant musicianship has always been very underrated. We've seen him in concert (in the 80's and in 2018) and he is older, but his looks and his voice is holding up insanely well. But then again, 65 is not that old anymore.
ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS GUY, STILL SOUNDS GREAT
Billy has aged and matured very well. Thanks for the tunes, keep it up!
V He looks like an old smoker
With a little help from some plastic surgery.
@@sspnyc I was thinking that too..I can't put my finger on it but it looks like he might have fillers?
I saw Billy Idol in concert when I was 17 years old. It was a turning point in my life. As you can tell I've held on tight to that Rebel Yell mentality ever since then. Billy Idol was the soundtrack to my teenage years. And every time I hear a Billy Idol song today, I have to stop what I'm doing, close my eyes and whisper to myself: "Yeah.......that's the stuff...." I love ya Billy. Thanks for being there when I needed you. Without Billy Idol in my life, life would suck!! Here's to 30 more years Billy, CHEERS!!
I saw him live in his heyday of the 80s.... he could do live all that is on record
i first met him in late 76,he was doing a generation x gig at the silver threads hotel in paisley near glasgow,we had a drink together!
You put too much stock into one concert. I've been to over 100, now there's a real life experience, The 4 times I seen Pink Floyd were the best!
We all age Billy Idol was a huge part of our lives and dam being in the scene myself time flew so quickly.. Blessings to Billy ..🖤
Look at this face: he never needed plastic surgery and looks better than he was young! What a wonderful man
He has aged gracefully
At least he's honest about the substance he used👍
Billy’s a well spoken bloke. I enjoyed this interview and getting more of a feel for the good guy under all the Idol glam.
Billy is a total badass. Gotta love him
So much respect to him! Props for getting his life on track, seems like a loving dad!!❤❤❤✌🤜
Eyes without a Face ,my favorite
Great memories growing up in the 80's with Billy Idol's music. There's no one else like him. Total original!!!
I got to see the great BFI (BillyFUCKIN'Idol) a couple of years ago in Kett'ring, OH. What a great show! The best part of the night was how humble and grateful he was to all of us. "Thank you for making my life so fucking great!" You're welcome Billy. We dig it too man.
Billy once summed up his life as "sex, drugs and the occasional recording session." Perfect.
Won tickets to see him in 1991 and I took my poor mom with me and she had a great time! 😂
He’s still soo hot and AHS 1984 has brought his amazing self back to us big time!!!
dude aged amazingly hes about 60 with perfect hair and in shape hes badass
marco m he's definatly had some plastic surgery .. or at least botox
Yup he looks about 45 when he’s 62
He looks about his age, but you'd expect worse with all the drugs and alcohol
@@vaniteewtf9270 You live in a sketchy area if that's your idea of what age 45 looks like.
I love him to death and he's in amazing shape! But I hope he lays off the facial procedures, he's starting to look like the Grinch :(
Billy's in great shape! I love that interviewer's outfit. She looks fabulous.
She probably thinks the same as you, actually they both do.
I saw him and his band last Saturday. He in fact said Thank you for his life to his fans. Still had the energy and still had his voice at 64. Live this guy!
No one touched him in the 80s. The ultimate bad boy.
Ha ha he was always a joke
@BIGWORM 510 Ha ha the guy that did White Wedding lol. He was a cartoon version of a punk. Overproduced with an affected snarl all packaged up for an idotic American pop market. A complete laughing stock...kid.
@@sratus I wouldn't say the same if you get to watch his videos with Generation X when he was young
@@sratus He did not say his image was straight punk, which did not sell half as well. His music was what was wanted.
Motley Crue did
THIS GUY LIVED!!!! AND STILL IS HERE TO KEEP ROCKIN! I admire him!
I didn't realize how many songs from the 80's I liked was bill idol's music LOL ...rock on billy
I think Eyes without a Face is one of the most beautiful songs of the 80`s. Loved it already back then and I still love it today in 2020. So thank you Billy for that!
Agree 👍
I'm reading his book at the moment and it is a real insight in to how he took life by the balls and said 'I'm doing it my fucking way!'. You don't get that with any of the kids these days. They get on shows like X factor and The Voice and UK/USA Got Talent and proceed to kiss the arses of the high and mighty in the music business thinking it is what they need to do to make it. They broke the mould when they made him, or should I say Billy broke the mould that he created and no one has been able to come close to his music, his attitude or his presence on stage. He even stole the limelight from Bon Jovi (they were headlining) when they were doing a gig with a third act who I can't recall. A true rock n roll legend.
thrilled to see Billy still out there, looking good, sounding good, WHITE WEDDING....a classic
Cindy G Rebel Yell and Eyes Without A Face still rocks!!
I am so glad he made it through. He inspired me to set aside natural insecurity and break free if even for a moment. His music has brought many good times.
Ok he was the king of the 80s,and look at him now hes still a king 😙
I got to see him in person and he is such a good person. I received his book which is his memoir. He is so intelligent & articulate in explaining his experiences growing up in England. He has had a fantastic life, good, bad, or indifferent. Great gentleman.
Saw Billy Idol in Las Vegas in 2019 & it was a awesome concert!
This world is so much better with Billy Idol in it. Please God, don't ever take him away.
Tip my hat to you billy Incredibly honest and with great empathy a made star.
Have read his Auto-biography and it was brilliant. Love most of his songs , and think he is really one out on his own. Anyone notice how the interviewer is really enjoying the interview.
She's all wet
Billy is by far the most underrated, intelligent singer/song writer ever. Just watch "Behind the music VH1" and look up Sweet sixteens meaning and Eyes without a face. He was and still is a sexy, beautiful enigma and even at 58 he is still totally gorgeous.
Lizard Kings Queen underrated? He had massive success.
Also give credit to Steve stevens. He wrote all the music on most of the hits
Love me some Billy Idol. He is so awesome. Crushing on him since like '84
Billy Idol was the man! I still love his music. Rock on Billy.
He was one of the reason punk went mainstream and I love it
yzx56 Billy Idol solo stuff Ha ha ha.You could not be further away from punk rock.
LOVE BILLY IDOL! I'm an 80's teen, I was around, listening to all of his music as it came out. He was and still is a big part of life. Im totally about the 80's music, in my eyes, nothing else compares.
I grew up listening 2 Billy Idol.One
of the coolest rockers out there!!
No woman can resist the rebel yell
My teenage first love...posters of him on every wall in my room...luv luv him!!
He looks good for his age.
E.T phone home.
And the miles.
Tell that to Phil Collins. Hes using a cane and can hardly walk.
He does ?
Even after all the drugs. Dude must have superior genes.
I just love him...such a gorgeous and talented Icon of the 80s..and I love his rebel spirit...Love you always Billy!
Intelligent, sweet guy underneath it all and touching story about saying goodbye to his father
I miss the 80s!! Grew up watching him and loved every second of it!!
Awesome interview, the man speaks his mind - a dying trait.
I love his youthful spirit. It keeps you going and wanted to live forevermore
I am Billy Idol Dominican #1 fan, I love his voice, style & personality. Come to Denver, Billy... 🎵🎶💃🏻
His speaking voice sounds like Keith Richards, especially when he laughs, but you can understand Billy.
Looks like him too under all that makeup and hair dye.
I noticed this right away...spot on comment.
I've dreamed of seeing him in Concert when I was still living in the Philippines I've been of a fans since White Wedding i fell inlove with his music and in 1985 my dreams came through I saw him in Concert at Hollywood Sportatorium here in Florida and again a saw him in Miami Sports Arena in down town Miami 10 years he looks good for an old man damn!!
A good guy! He survived the heavy times and is grounded now. Congrats ;)
This was posted in 2014. 6 years later and Billy is still looking good, considering the life he's lived. Loved his music in the 80s!
Yes, just the journalist was already old then, imagine now...
Yeah, he still looks good!
He drinks, takes drugs, not in stable relationship, and still has better life than me..
wow you look up to that idea he has nothing to look forward to sad the pistols had real anti system anti crown songs allmost got done for treason how many folks can say that , johnny lydon still does tours and sells albums new albums he has everything billy dont
@@karlkuttup 6:59. Based just on this vid I judge he is quite satisfied with his life. Just because Johny Lydon has even better life according to You, it doesn't mean that Billy Idol hasn't more fulfilling life than me or maybe even most people.
@@mfst100 Well said!! We strive to find our way to go and it's all bout happiness in our little journey. Billy Idol is legendary..
Best comment EVER...!!!👍😅
You killed it by true fact...!!!😎👌
than me too.
Still one of the greatest.
The good rockin rollers even though they get older are still good. It just shows they are great artists! God bless, Billy Idol!
That’s my jam and always will be my jam “Eyes without a face” got that on my favorite playlist on my phone 😎😎😎💪🏼💪🏼👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼
Billy you are one of the 80’s best rock idol love you 🇺🇸
Wow he can still rock full of energy
Always liked him. He's just one of a kind and seems like the guy you'd want on your side in a fight. I think the lady who did this interview nailed it.
He changed so much in music, and was SO original on his own! Still one of my most favorites!
Billy is STILL a Badass Rocker.....I still have a copy of Rebel Yell
I just love Billy Idol. Always have always will
Had a crush on Billy, saw him in concert back then in '82 or '83.
Still remember the Rolling Stone Magazine's 'revealing' back-side shot of Billy. Just loved his wild energy and smile.
He still handsome as ever just love him so much songs so good am glad he went his own way to music .Thank you.
I love his honesty
What a star! Who can top him today? I can't think of anyone. He'll be remembered like Elvis for his generation. I hope he plays as long as Bill Haley, Gene Vincent, etc etc.
you're so right.
eqsmooth Hey bitch, don't troll my thread. Your crap post has been removed.
***** Dude, he aint gonna hang it up, he's going to carry the torch and milk it for all it's worth because the cream always rises to the top and because people/fans want him too and he knows he can. He has something most don't have,. great health and great fitness. He should go on as long as gene vincent, bill haley, johnny ray, etc etc. He's got at least 15-17 years left.
Sure as he hits his mid 60s he could slow things down to 10 concerts a year or something but he's still got a ton of strength in his tank.
He has such beautiful voice, and his style is unique, genuine as none one else
Gorgeous man, from me in Northern Ireland, still gorgeous u can sing rebel yell too me anytime ❤️🎶