Latest news with #BillyIdolShouldBeDead
Time Out
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
What to see at the 2025 Tribeca Festival
How to choose? That's the welcome dilemma the Tribeca Festival offers us every year, and the 24th edition—which begins on June 4 and runs through June 15—is as packed as ever. Festival programmer Vincent Cassous calls Tribeca 'a bridge between different viewpoints and cultures,' but the fest's famously expansive reach also spans genres, mediums and even—name be damned—neighborhoods. Actually, the lineup is so vast that organizers dropped 'Film' from the festival's original title several years ago. But cinema still remains at the center, with literally hundreds of shorts, features, and documentaries on offer. That said, any Tribeca event is designed to be a full experience; as Cassous says, 'The films don't end with the credits!' In other words, stick around for a second act—which at this fest could include an insightful conversation about the movie you just watched, or a full-on concert from the film's subject. The main exception, sadly, was Wednesday's opening night entry, the intimate biography Billy Joel: And So It Goes. Joel has, unfortunately, had to cancel upcoming appearances while he recuperates from a brain injury. However, this year's program is packed with music docs, and fans of Eddie Vedder (Matter of Time) Billy Idol (Billy Idol Should Be Dead), Becky G (Rebbeca), and De La Soul and Rakim (The Sixth Borough) can expect live performances at the films' premieres. (Planned appearances are listed on the site, but it's worth noting that stars and filmmakers often surprise audiences by popping into secondary screenings as well.) Other documentary subjects who'll remain for post-premiere conversations include Ty Dolla $ign (Still Free TC), members of Metallica (Metallica Saved My Life), and Miley Cyrus and Slick Rick, both of whom will be bringing new visual albums. You'll spot musicians elsewhere too, including behind the camera: Anderson .Paak (K-Pops!), Logic (Paradise Records), and Nora Kirkpatrick of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros (A Tree Fell in the Woods) are all making their feature directorial debuts. Demi Lovato is costarring in the drama Tow (though it's Rose Byrne who pulls off the tour de force central performance, about an unhoused woman). And Kid Cudi will be sharing his new short film in a music video program that also includes LL Cool J and Jack White. Another theme that pops up a lot this year is family, both on- and off-screen. Spouses Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon flirt in the shaggy dramedy The Best You Can, Steve Zahn costars with daughter Audrey in the lovely drama She Dances, and Gideon Grody-Patinkin captures his parents Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody in Seasoned, an expansion of their charmingly bickerish viral videos. Mariska Hargitay explores her Hollywood legacy in the personal doc My Mom Jayne, and you can bring your own crew for the family-oriented premiere of How to Train Your Dragon. Kids will also enjoy the 25th anniversary screenings of Meet the Parents and Best in Show —though you may want to leave them at home for retrospective showings of American Psycho, Casino and Requiem for a Dream. But wait, there's more: You can also catch sneak peeks of shows like The Gilded Age, Godfather of Harlem, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Explore immersive gaming and virtual reality installations. And attend talks with the likes of Lena Dunham and Michelle Buteau, Mark Ronson and Wyclef Jean, Lena Waithe, Sandra Oh and Sam Rockwell. We know, it's a lot. And we haven't even gotten to Marc Maron baring his soul in the documentary Are We Good, the double dose of Dylan O'Brien that broke the internet when his dramedy Twinless was leaked earlier this year, Willem Dafoe and Camila Morrone in Patricia Arquette's biopic Gonzo Girl —well, you can see why senior programmer Liza Domnitz's primary advice for anyone trying to narrow down their options is pretty straightforward: 'Don't panic!' This goes double, btw, for anyone already overwhelmed by decision fatigue: even if your pick is sold out, every event has a rush line, which often allows entry at the very last minute. The Tribeca Festival runs from June 5–June 16. Tickets are available at other than the Beacon Theatre and United Palace. The Rush system functions as a standby line that will form at the venue approximately one hour prior to scheduled start time. Admittance is based on availability and will begin roughly 10 minutes prior to program start time.
USA Today
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Billy Idol is 'lucky to be here' after wild past, talks Joan Jett tour and new doc
Billy Idol knows he's taken too many risks. Whether overindulging in drugs and alcohol or seriously injuring himself after speeding through a stop sign on his Harley Davidson, there have been more than a few moments to warrant reflection. His upcoming documentary, 'Billy Idol Should Be Dead,' premieres at the Tribeca Film Festival June 10, and its bracing title is hardly hyperbole. 'I'm lucky to be here,' he tells USA TODAY. 'If I was doing today what I was doing in the '80s, I would be dead. A lot of people didn't make it out.' Idol, who will turn 70 in November, has learned to temper his penchant for excess, crediting exercise, a good diet and trying to remain 'California sober' as his supporting behaviors. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. He's also tried to instill some self-discipline, abiding by the rule of, 'If I do anything too much, don't carry on the next day.' Why Billy Idol tempered his wild side Along with the documentary, this year includes other high-profile activities for Idol. He has a thoughtful new album, 'Dream Into It,' which released April 25, and a lengthy tour with Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, which kicks off April 30 in Phoenix and rolls through the U.S. and Europe through Sept. 25 in Los Angeles. Idol met longtime friend Jett after a Germs/Dead Kennedys concert at the Whiskey a Go Go in 1978, when his then-band, the respected punk outfit Generation X, was doing a round of publicity. Along with touring together, Jett joins him on the new album's melodic rocker 'Wildside.' Idol confirms that even as age and wisdom have quelled his demons, some personality traits are inescapable. 'I most definitely still have a wild side,' he says. 'There's still the guy who doesn't mind risking things, just trying to keep it in check. The guy who is willing to move to another continent to start his life again or gamble his future a lot of the time.' But Idol enforced moderation in his routine after having kids. Brant, Willem and Bonnie are all adults now and Idol is a gleeful grandfather of four, aged 2 to 5. 'I'm the head of the family,' he says proudly. Billy Idol loved working with Avril Lavigne: 'She nailed it' The latest single from 'Dream Into It,' a loose concept record with songs sequenced to track the different phases of Idol's life, is ''77,' a punchy blast of caffeinated pop-rock featuring Avril Lavigne. Idol said daughter Bonnie is a massive fan of Lavigne – 'We were in a restaurant and Avril was there and my daughter was fan girling over her,' he recalls with a laugh. Idol says he always appreciated her music. 'The way she sang this song, she really nailed it. She's fantastic. It's been a lot of fun doing promotion with her,' he says. For the upcoming tour, Idol will have guitar consigliere Steve Stevens alongside him, his faithful collaborator since the early '80s breakout smashes 'Rebel Yell,' 'White Wedding,' 'Eyes Without a Face' and 'Flesh for Fantasy.' 'When I met him, I realized I could do anything because he could (play) anything,' Idol says, agreeing that Stevens has been the main constant in his musical life. 'We grew up with eclectic records and it opened that door for me. We could do ballads or rockers and we're still making eclectic music.' Billy Idol thanks fans who stuck with him 'through thick and thin' Idol and Stevens – whose shock of ebony hair is almost as iconic as Idol's platinum spikes ('I dry it upside down,' Idol says is the key) – were nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year, but missed the cut. Idol didn't know if he'd join the 2025 class at the time of this interview, but was unruffled when pondering the outcome. 'If I don't get in, it wouldn't be the end of the world because there's always another year,' he says. 'But if we do, it's a chance thank your fans. They're the reason you're here and they stuck with you through thick and thin – and believe me, some parts of it were thin! – and that's the reason I'm still going.'
San Francisco Chronicle
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Billy Idol on his first album in over a decade, surviving addiction, the Rock Hall and more
NEW YORK (AP) — When Billy Idol first entered American consciousness in the early '80s, leather-clad and bleached hair in tow, he not only brought a punk rock sound to the mainstream. The Englishman brought a new attitude, a new, rebellious way of being. In the time since, songs like 'White Wedding,' 'Rebel Yell' and 'Eyes Without a Face' have become instant classics — for those who've worn a spiky jacket and those who've only imagined what it might be like. Now, over four decades later, he's got the wisdom to reflect. It's led to a new documentary about his life, 'Billy Idol Should Be Dead,' which will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival — and a new album, the polished punk-pop of 'Dream Into It.' 'It was a gradual process, really,' he said of 11 year span between albums. 'It wasn't so much that we didn't want to make an album, it was more like we were building up to doing this.' Idol discussed with The Associated Press this week his new album and forthcoming documentary, his past struggles with addiction, his first-ever Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination and more. Remarks have been edited for clarity and brevity. AP: You've described 'Dream Into It' as autobiographical. I thought your last album, 2014's 'Kings & Queens of the Underground,' pulled from your life as well. IDOL: Being this age, in particular, 69, when you look back, you can really see your whole life, how it plays out. And maybe it's also having grandchildren. My children are having children. You sort of reach this vantage point where you can really look back and see all the sort of different eras of my life. And you can sing about it. And I think I didn't go deep enough with the songs I did on 'Kings and Queens.' I thought lyrically I could go deeper. That's one of those regrets I had about the last album. So I really went for it, and I went for more imagery, (on 'Dream Into It,' in the) way of talking about my life. I'm not spelling it out exactly. AP: There are a lot of rock 'n' roll women on the album. Joan Jett, Avril Lavigne and The Kills' Alison Mosshart are all featured. IDOL: (Mosshart's) voice is just incredible. And of course, Joan Jett, I've known since 1978 after a Germs/Dead Kennedys concert. We hung out at the Whiskey A Go Go in Los Angeles. I was on a Generation X promotion tour for the first album. And then Avril, I mean, I've just been watching her career forever and she's fantastic. So, it was just great. AP: The documentary has an evocative title, 'Billy Idol Should Be Dead.' It sounds like it may dive into your past struggles with addiction. IDOL: There was a point in my life when I was living like every day, like, 'Live every day as if it's your last.' One day, you're going to be right. In the '70s, in England, you know, young people, we had this feeling that we were being completely ignored. You were even being told that you had no future. And so, we just didn't think beyond the day-to-day existence. It was probably only when I really started having children and stuff like that, I really starting to realize I (should) try start to give up drugs and things. I've always flirted with death, in a way. Even riding motorcycles, you're staring at the concrete. It's right there, you can come off that thing and get horribly messed up. And I've done it. It's horrible. You find out how human you are, how vulnerable. There's lots of things about my life that, yeah, I did kind of call death at times. Not really mean to, but you just were living like that. Imagine if it was today. If I was doing what I was back then today, I would be dead because I would have run into fentanyl. AP: I've heard that sentiment from other performers. IDOL: When we were young, with lots of drugs and stuff, one minute people were there and then next week they weren't. We were just living the rock 'n' roll lifestyle 24/7, dressing like it, thinking like it. And in those days, it embraced drugs. It's just what it was like. I took acid at 12 and a half, 13 (years old.) You get sucked into that world and it takes a hell of a long time to get away from it. And that's partly what I'm singing about in the album as well. There's a point in my life where I was very drug addicted, and it ruins relationships. Yeah, I'm lucky that I've kept the brain I've got, because some people went brain-dead and some people ended up in jail forever. Or dead. IDOL: I do sort of think about Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry and Little Richard. 'And what? Are you going to be in something with those guys?' You know, Buddy Holly. These are some of the seminal people who turned on the people that turned me on, you know? Somewhere down the road, it led to punk rock. Also, my motorcycle has been in the Rock & Roll of Fame for like five years. So I might as well be in it, too.
Asharq Al-Awsat
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Billy Idol on His First Album in over a Decade, the Rock Hall and More
When Billy Idol first entered American consciousness in the early '80s, leather-clad and bleached hair in tow, he not only brought a punk rock sound to the mainstream. The Englishman brought a new attitude, a new, rebellious way of being. In the time since, songs like 'White Wedding,' 'Rebel Yell' and 'Eyes Without a Face' have become instant classics — for those who've worn a spiky jacket and those who've only imagined what it might be like. Now, over four decades later, he's got the wisdom to reflect. It's led to a new documentary about his life, 'Billy Idol Should Be Dead,' which will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival — and a new album, the polished punk-pop of 'Dream Into It.' 'It was a gradual process, really,' he said of the 11-year span between albums. 'It wasn't so much that we didn't want to make an album, it was more like we were building up to doing this.' Idol discussed with The Associated Press this week his new album and forthcoming documentary, his past struggles with addiction, his first-ever Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination and more. Remarks have been edited for clarity and brevity. AP: You've described 'Dream Into It' as autobiographical. I thought your last album, 2014's 'Kings & Queens of the Underground,' pulled from your life as well. IDOL: Being this age, in particular, 69, when you look back, you can really see your whole life, how it plays out. And maybe it's also having grandchildren. My children are having children. You sort of reach this vantage point where you can really look back and see all the sort of different eras of my life. And you can sing about it. And I think I didn't go deep enough with the songs I did on 'Kings and Queens.' I thought lyrically I could go deeper. That's one of those regrets I had about the last album. So I really went for it, and I went for more imagery, (on 'Dream Into It,' in the) way of talking about my life. I'm not spelling it out exactly. AP: There are a lot of rock 'n' roll women on the album. Joan Jett, Avril Lavigne and The Kills' Alison Mosshart are all featured. IDOL: (Mosshart's) voice is just incredible. And of course, Joan Jett, I've known since 1978 after a Germs/Dead Kennedys concert. We hung out in Los Angeles. I was on a Generation X promotion tour for the first album. And then Avril, I mean, I've just been watching her career forever and she's fantastic. So, it was just great. AP: The documentary has an evocative title, 'Billy Idol Should Be Dead.' It sounds like it may dive into your past struggles with addiction. IDOL: There was a point in my life when I was living like every day, like, 'Live every day as if it's your last.' One day, you're going to be right. In the '70s, in England, you know, young people, we had this feeling that we were being completely ignored. You were even being told that you had no future. And so, we just didn't think beyond the day-to-day existence. It was probably only when I really started having children and stuff like that, I really starting to realize I (should) try start to give up drugs and things. I've always flirted with death, in a way. Even riding motorcycles, you're staring at the concrete. It's right there, you can come off that thing and get horribly messed up. And I've done it. It's horrible. You find out how human you are, how vulnerable. There's lots of things about my life that, yeah, I did kind of call death at times. Not really mean to, but you just were living like that. Imagine if it was today. If I was doing what I was back then today, I would be dead because I would have run into fentanyl. AP: You're nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for the first time. Do you think your younger punk rock self would be excited? IDOL: I do sort of think about Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry and Little Richard. 'And what? Are you going to be in something with those guys?' You know, Buddy Holly. These are some of the seminal people who turned on the people that turned me on, you know? Somewhere down the road, it led to punk rock. Also, my motorcycle has been in the Rock & Roll of Fame for like five years. So I might as well be in it, too.
Winnipeg Free Press
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Billy Idol on his first album in over a decade, surviving addiction, the Rock Hall and more
NEW YORK (AP) — When Billy Idol first entered American consciousness in the early '80s, leather-clad and bleached hair in tow, he not only brought a punk rock sound to the mainstream. The Englishman brought a new attitude, a new, rebellious way of being. In the time since, songs like 'White Wedding,' 'Rebel Yell' and 'Eyes Without a Face' have become instant classics — for those who've worn a spiky jacket and those who've only imagined what it might be like. Now, over four decades later, he's got the wisdom to reflect. It's led to a new documentary about his life, 'Billy Idol Should Be Dead,' which will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival — and a new album, the polished punk-pop of 'Dream Into It.' 'It was a gradual process, really,' he said of 11 year span between albums. 'It wasn't so much that we didn't want to make an album, it was more like we were building up to doing this.' Idol discussed with The Associated Press this week his new album and forthcoming documentary, his past struggles with addiction, his first-ever Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination and more. Remarks have been edited for clarity and brevity. AP: You've described 'Dream Into It' as autobiographical. I thought your last album, 2014's 'Kings & Queens of the Underground,' pulled from your life as well. IDOL: Being this age, in particular, 69, when you look back, you can really see your whole life, how it plays out. And maybe it's also having grandchildren. My children are having children. You sort of reach this vantage point where you can really look back and see all the sort of different eras of my life. And you can sing about it. And I think I didn't go deep enough with the songs I did on 'Kings and Queens.' I thought lyrically I could go deeper. That's one of those regrets I had about the last album. So I really went for it, and I went for more imagery, (on 'Dream Into It,' in the) way of talking about my life. I'm not spelling it out exactly. AP: There are a lot of rock 'n' roll women on the album. Joan Jett, Avril Lavigne and The Kills' Alison Mosshart are all featured. IDOL: (Mosshart's) voice is just incredible. And of course, Joan Jett, I've known since 1978 after a Germs/Dead Kennedys concert. We hung out at the Whiskey A Go Go in Los Angeles. I was on a Generation X promotion tour for the first album. And then Avril, I mean, I've just been watching her career forever and she's fantastic. So, it was just great. AP: The documentary has an evocative title, 'Billy Idol Should Be Dead.' It sounds like it may dive into your past struggles with addiction. IDOL: There was a point in my life when I was living like every day, like, 'Live every day as if it's your last.' One day, you're going to be right. In the '70s, in England, you know, young people, we had this feeling that we were being completely ignored. You were even being told that you had no future. And so, we just didn't think beyond the day-to-day existence. It was probably only when I really started having children and stuff like that, I really starting to realize I (should) try start to give up drugs and things. I've always flirted with death, in a way. Even riding motorcycles, you're staring at the concrete. It's right there, you can come off that thing and get horribly messed up. And I've done it. It's horrible. You find out how human you are, how vulnerable. There's lots of things about my life that, yeah, I did kind of call death at times. Not really mean to, but you just were living like that. Imagine if it was today. If I was doing what I was back then today, I would be dead because I would have run into fentanyl. AP: I've heard that sentiment from other performers. IDOL: When we were young, with lots of drugs and stuff, one minute people were there and then next week they weren't. During Elections Get campaign news, insight, analysis and commentary delivered to your inbox during Canada's 2025 election. We were just living the rock 'n' roll lifestyle 24/7, dressing like it, thinking like it. And in those days, it embraced drugs. It's just what it was like. I took acid at 12 and a half, 13 (years old.) You get sucked into that world and it takes a hell of a long time to get away from it. And that's partly what I'm singing about in the album as well. There's a point in my life where I was very drug addicted, and it ruins relationships. Yeah, I'm lucky that I've kept the brain I've got, because some people went brain-dead and some people ended up in jail forever. Or dead. AP: You're nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for the first time. Do you think your younger punk rock self would be excited? IDOL: I do sort of think about Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry and Little Richard. 'And what? Are you going to be in something with those guys?' You know, Buddy Holly. These are some of the seminal people who turned on the people that turned me on, you know? Somewhere down the road, it led to punk rock. Also, my motorcycle has been in the Rock & Roll of Fame for like five years. So I might as well be in it, too.
