Billy Idol Sets Out For Stardom On His Self-Titled Debut Solo Album
The expanded reissue of ‘Billy Idol’ is out now via Capitol/UMe.
The newly-expanded edition of Billy Idol’s self-titled debut album is available now via Capitol/UMe.
The reissue includes the original ten-track album, a previously unreleased recording of Idol’s complete August 12, 1982 concert at The Roxy in West Hollywood, CA, and the recently unearthed and previously unreleased 12-minute Clubland Extended Remix of his classic song “White Wedding.”
Shop the best of Billy Idol’s discography on vinyl and more.
Idol began working on his solo debut following the break-up of his influential punk-era outfit, Generation X in 1981. Produced by Keith Forsey (Sparks, Donna Summer), Billy Idol was an exciting rock album with new wave stylings and it included the singles “Dancing With Myself” and Idol’s Billboard Top 40 debut “Hot In The City” in addition to the record’s signature hit “White Wedding.”
Largely well received by the critics, the record proved was a sizeable commercial success, peaking at No. 45 on the Billboard 200 and was later certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Fans are also encouraged to celebrate the release of this iconic album with a Dolby Atmos aural upgrade by Grammy-winning engineer Paul Hicks who has remixed albums in Atmos for The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, George Harrison, and more.
Additionally, Idol is slated to release a concert film this fall showcasing his April performance at Hoover Dam. Produced by Lastman Media for Vertigo Live docu-concert films, Billy Idol: State Line will premiere in theatres this fall with further details on public screenings to be announced soon.
Idol performed two unique sets of his iconic hits on site at Hoover Dam, which straddles the Colorado River directly on the Nevada/Arizona state line: a full band concert at sunset with special guests that electrified and illuminated the surrounding Black Canyon and an acoustic duo set on the roof of the powerhouse directly at the foot of Hoover Dam.
For both sets, Idol was joined by his collaborator and lead guitarist of over forty years, Steve Stevens. Performed in front of only 250 fans, the electric set featured special guests Alison Mosshart (The Kills, The Dead Weather), Steve Jones (Sex Pistols, Generation Sex) and Tony Kanal (No Doubt).
Idol will continue to take his lauded live show on the road this summer with a select run of headline tour dates. The tour includes a debut performance at New York City’s Kings Theatre, D.C.’s The Anthem, and Boston’s MGM Music Hall, as well as an appearance at Jazz Aspen Snowmass with the Foo Fighters. Visit the artist’s official website for further information.
For 46 years, Billy Idol has been one of the faces and voices of rock’n’roll. Between 1977 and 1981, Idol released three albums with Generation X as their camera-ready frontman. In 1982, he embarked on a transatlantic/trans-genre solo career that integrated the bold and simple lines of punk and rock’n’roll decadence. Last year, Idol released his latest project, ‘The Cage EP,’ via Dark Horse Records. The new music follows Idol’s 2021 ‘The Roadside EP,’ which received praise from fans and critics alike. In January, Idol was honored with the first Hollywood Walk of Fame Star of 2023. The ceremony included guest speakers Henry Rollins and Shepard Fairey.
Fly's Eyes
July 30, 2023 at 9:48 am
Influential is a word I’d use for Patti Smith, the Saints, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, the Stooges, Radio Birdman, the Scientists, the Go-Go’s Ramones, the Velvet Underground and Radio Birdman. Faces and voices…Chuck Berry, Johnny O’ Keefe , Chrissie Hynde…I think I need to stop visiting this site…yet I am drawn to correct injustices.