English rock singer (born William Broad, 1955). Fronted the punk band Generation X (1976-1981) before launching a solo career. The solo project was developed with guitarist Steve Stevens, his longest-serving collaborator.
Released ten solo studio albums starting with the 1982 self-titled debut. Commercial peak: Rebel Yell (1983) and Whiplash Smile (1986) — singles included "White Wedding," "Rebel Yell," "Eyes Without a Face," "To Be a Lover," and "Mony Mony." After a serious 1990 motorcycle accident and substance abuse, Idol's late-career output has included Devil's Playground (2005), Kings & Queens of the Underground (2014), and The Cage (2022).
