Billy Idol

Billy Idol is the stage name of William Broad, a British rock musician who rose to prominence in the 1980s with hits like "White Wedding" and "Rebel Yell." Known for his sneering lip curl, bleached-blonde spiky hair, and leather-clad punk aesthetic, he bridged punk rock and MTV-era pop: He's doing his best Billy Idol impression.

Opposites
musical style and aesthetic

Billy IdolKenny G

Curly-haired instrumentalist

Barry Manilow · Perry Como · Pat Boone · Michael Bolton · Air Supply

cultural persona and image

Billy IdolPat Boone

Donny Osmond · John Denver · Mr. Rogers · Rick Astley · Cliff Richard

gender presentation in 1980s rock

Billy IdolBoy George

Androgynous British pop vocalist

Annie Lennox · David Bowie · Marilyn · Culture Club

Family

billy, idol, idols, idolatry, idolatrous, idolize, idolized, idolizing, idolization

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG