There are many artists on this list who are easy to categorize. If you were take one look at Billy Idol, you would assume he was a Punk Rock star, and while he was initially one (with his band Generation X), musically it would be difficult to say that he was the first Punk star of the MTV generation. It would be more accurate to say he was the first star of MTV who “looked” like a Punk superstar.
After Generation X folded, Billy Idol embarked on a solo career that eclipsed expectations. Idol still looked like a Punk Rocker, but musically he was creating songs that blended Pop, Metal hooks, a touch of New Wave into a series of songs that were danceable and appealed to numerous demographics. His bad boy good looks were a natural fit for television and he had such crossover appeal that his albums would fit almost any genre. Currently Billy Idol is viewed by some as a guilty pleasure of the decade of decadence and as long as that is the purveying perception, Idol will have difficulty making the Hall.
www.billyidol.net
Should Billy Idol be in the Hall of Fame?
Definitely put him in! - 90.5%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 6.2%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 1.1%
Jun 14, 2026
Buy your Tickets to see 80's EXPLOSION! TRIBUTES to HUEY LEWIS + BILLY IDOL + B-52s + DEVO HERE!
Gaslamp Long Beach, 6251 East Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, United States Of America
Aug 07, 2026
Buy your Tickets to see Billy Idol: It's A Nice Day To...Tour Again! HERE!
The Pavilion at Montage Mountain, 1000 Montage Mountain Road, Scranton, United States Of America
Aug 08, 2026
Buy your Tickets to see Billy Idol: It's A Nice Day To...Tour Again! HERE!
Mohegan Sun Arena, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd, Uncasville, United States Of America
Aug 11, 2026
Buy your Tickets to see Billy Idol: It's A Nice Day To...Tour Again! HERE!
Maine Savings Amphitheater, 1 Railroad St, Bangor, United States Of America
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