118. Billy Idol

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.

FilmStrip Rock.Billy Idol

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%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 2.2%

The Bullet Points

Eligible Since: Monday, 01 January 2007
Country of Origin: United Kingdom (London, England)
Why they will get in: A series of success and Punk Rock roots combined with American success helps his cause.
Why they won't get in: He is not as respected as other Pop stars and viewed by some as more image than substance.
Nominated in: Never
Essential Albums: Billy Idol (1982)
Rebel Yell (1983)
Whiplash Smile (1986)
Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee: White Wedding (From Billy Idol, 1982)
Hot in the City (From Billy Idol, 1982)
Rebel Yell (From Rebel Yell, 1983)
Flesh for Fantasy (From Rebel Yell, 1983)
Shock to the System (From Cyberpunk, 1992)