Billy Idol Biography: William Michael Albert Broad, better known by his stage name Billy Idol, was born on 30 November 1955. He is an English singer, songwriter, musician, and actor who rose to fame in the 1970s as the frontman of the punk rock band Generation X. He later launched a successful solo career, becoming a prominent figure during the MTV-fueled “Second British Invasion” in the United States. Idol began his music career in 1976 as a guitarist for the punk band Chelsea but left shortly after to form Generation X alongside former bandmate Tony James. As the lead vocalist, Idol helped the band achieve UK success, releasing three albums through Chrysalis Records before they disbanded. In 1981, he relocated to New York City to pursue a solo career, collaborating with guitarist Steve Stevens.
Billy Idol Biography
Born as William Michael Albert Broad in Middlesex, England in 1955, Billy Idol was the first child of Bill and Joan Broad. At the age of two, his family relocated to Long Island, New York, as his father chased the American dream. Four years later, now with a younger sister named Jane, the family returned to England, settling in Dorking. Idol’s early experiences in America left a lasting impression—he was captivated by the flashy cars and the vibrant rock music scene. The family lived next to the Running Horses Public House in Mickleham until 1963, while their home was being built in Goring, Sussex. Their years in Goring were happy and stable, with Billy enjoying a typical childhood filled with friends, adventures, and the kind of spirited antics expected from headstrong boys. The Broads were devout and regularly attended church. Billy even joined the Boy Scouts.
Billy Idol Biography 2025 Details
| Birth name |
William Michael Albert Broad |
| Born |
30 November 1955 (age 69)
Stanmore, England |
| Genres |
- New wave
- hard rock
- pop rock
- punk rock
|
| Occupations |
- Singer
- songwriter
- musician
- actor
|
| Instruments |
|
| Years active |
1976–present |
| Labels |
- Chrysalis
- EMI
- Sanctuary
- BFI
- Dark Horse
|
| Member of |
Generation Sex |
| Formerly of |
|
| Category |
Singers Bio |
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About Billy Idol
William Michael Albert Broad, known professionally as Billy Idol, is an English singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Idol achieved fame in the 1970s on the London punk rock scene as the lead singer of Generation X.
Billy Idol Wiki
- Born: 30 November 1955 (age 69 years), Stanmore, United Kingdom
- Music groups: Neurotic Outsiders, The Chavs, Chelsea
- Children: Bonnie Blue, Willem Wolfe Broad, Brant Broad
- Height: 1.75 m
Early Life
Billy Idol was born in Stanmore, England, to William Alfred Broad, an English salesman, and Joan (née O’Sullivan), an Irish homemaker from Cork. He is eligible for Irish citizenship through his mother, although it’s unclear if he ever applied. His family were regular attendees of Church of England services. In 1958, when he was two, the family moved to Patchogue, New York, later relocating to Rockville Centre. His sister, Jane, was born during their time in the U.S. They returned to England four years later and settled in Dorking.
At age 15, the family moved to Bromley, where Idol attended Ravensbourne School for Boys before transferring to Worthing High School for Boys in Goring-by-Sea. In 1975, he began a Philosophy with Literature degree at the University of Sussex but dropped out after a year. He soon became part of the Bromley Contingent, a group of devoted Sex Pistols fans who frequently traveled to their shows.
Billy Idol Facts
Where does Billy Idol live? And how much money does Billy Idol earn?
| Birth Date |
30-11-1955 |
| Heritage/origin |
English |
| Ethnicity |
White |
| Religion – believes in God? |
|
| Residence |
He owns a house in Los Angeles, California. |
Billy Idol Net Worth 2025
Billy Idol is an English musician who first gained popularity as a member of the punk rock band Generation X. He then started his solo-career which granted him international fame and popularity. He has a net worth of $50 million.
| Estimated Net Worth |
60 million Dollar |
| Yearly Salary |
N/A |
| Colleagues |
Tony James, Bob Andrews & Terry Chimes, |
Billy Idol: Girlfriend, Dating, Family & Friends
Billy Idol has two children with two women; a son Willem Wolf Broad with Perri Lister, and a daughter Bonnie Blue with Linda Mathis. He is currently dating Lindsay Cross.
| Relationship status |
Dating (Since 2018) |
| Sexuality |
Straight |
| Current Girlfriend of Billy Idol |
Lindsay Cross |
| Ex-girlfriends or ex-wives |
Perri Lister, Linda Mathis |
| Has any kids? |
Yes, father of: Willem Wolf Broad, Bonnie Blue |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos, Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This tough musician originating from Stanmore, Middlesex, England has a muscular body & triangle face type.
| Hair color |
Light blond |
| Hairstyle |
alternative |
| Beard or Mustache |
Beardless |
| Eye Color |
Light Brown |
| Height |
175 cm |
| Weight |
75 kilo |
| Feet size |
N/A |
| Does Billy Idol smoke? |
Yes, on occasion |
| Does Billy Idol have a tattoo? |
No |
FAQs
How did Billy Idol get his stage name?
Billy Idol took inspiration for his stage name from a school teacher’s comment who once wrote “Billy is idle” in the margin of his work, referencing his lack of focus. He later adapted “Idle” to “Idol.”
Where did Billy Idol spend part of his childhood in the United States?
Billy Idol lived in Long Island, New York, from the age of two to six, before returning to England. His time in America left a strong impression on him, particularly its cars and rock music.
What kind of upbringing did Billy Idol have?
Idol had a relatively normal and happy childhood. He grew up in a religious family that regularly attended church, and he was known for being adventurous and occasionally mischievous.
Was Billy Idol involved in any extracurricular activities as a child?
Yes, Billy Idol joined the Boy Scouts while living in Goring, although he was reportedly asked to leave after being caught kissing a girl.
What schools did Billy Idol attend during his youth?
He attended schools in Sussex, including Worthing High School, and later transferred to Ravensbourne Grammar School in Bromley, Kent, after his family relocated in 1971.
Did Billy Idol enjoy school?
Although he was academically capable and passed his 11-plus exam, Billy Idol often found school boring and uninspiring, which contributed to his rebellious personality.
