Billy Idol’s tumultuous journey through fame, addiction, and personal transformation is brought to light in a new documentary that explores the rock legend’s past struggles and triumphs. Known for hits like “White Wedding” and “Rebel Yell,” Idol faced life-threatening challenges during the 1980s, particularly his battle with heroin addiction, which nearly derailed his career.
In the documentary titled “Billy Idol Should be Dead,” premiering on Sky Arts, the 70-year-old rocker candidly reflects on a near-fatal overdose shortly before his debut performance on the iconic British music show Top of the Pops. He recounts the harrowing experience where, after trying a potent form of heroin, he found himself in a dire situation that saw him turning blue and requiring an ice bath to revive him. This pivotal moment occurred shortly after he conquered the American music scene and was preparing to return to the UK in 1984.
Idol’s narrative is steeped in the reckless exuberance of the punk rock scene of the late ’70s and early ’80s, a time when he was heavily influenced by the likes of The Sex Pistols. Raised in a middle-class family in Bromley, he found solace and identity in music, seeing it as an escape from the bleak job market and lack of opportunities that plagued his youth. Forming the band Generation X, he became a central figure in the London punk culture before relocating to New York, where his descent into drug use deepened amidst the vibrant nightlife.
The documentary features personal insights from family members, including his late mother, longtime girlfriend Perri Lister, and his children. It unearths not just the struggles, but also the moments of joy, especially the recent discovery of his son Brant, a love child conceived during the 1985 “Rebel Yell” tour, thanks to a DNA test that unveiled new family connections.
Throughout his career, drugs posed significant risks, threatening his relationships and his very life. Idol recollects a tumultuous period in his relationship with Lister, marked by wild parties and the presence of his drug dealer, which ultimately contributed to their split. However, following a life-altering motorcycle accident in 1990 that nearly resulted in the amputation of his leg, Idol realized the need to reclaim his life.
Today, clean and actively touring, Idol embraces his role as a father and grandfather, expressing gratitude for the second chance he has received. The documentary encapsulates a journey of redemption, showcasing how he has turned the page on a turbulent chapter and emerged renewed in both personal and professional spheres.
“Billy Idol Should be Dead” premieres on Sky Arts and will be available for streaming on NOW starting March 26, offering fans a deeper insight into the life and legacy of a rock icon who defied the odds.