Latest news with #IDOL
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.
The Independent
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Billy Idol on his first album in over a decade, surviving addiction, 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 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. 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.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'American Idol' Fans Are Raving About the Show's Latest Big Reveal
We're just weeks away from an all-new season of American Idol, and the show continues to drop major hints about what — or rather who — folks can expect to assist the contestants on their musical journey. Days after the hit ABC series revealed that Jelly Roll would be American Idol's first "artist in residence," viewers learned he's not the only singer helping aspiring musicians with the chance to be the next American Idol. In an announcement made by the network, it turns out Josh Groban and will join Jelly Roll as mentors during the week where the show flies out to Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawai'i. And if that wasn't exciting enough, Josh went on Instagram to reveal he's already on set and working with the contestants to help them advance to the live shows later on this season. "Guess who's mentoring on @americanidol at @disneyaulani this season? 🧐," he wrote in the caption on February 11. "Spoiler: this guy! 🤙 All-new IDOL starts March 9 on ABC and Streaming on Hulu! 📺." When folks saw Josh's surprise American Idol news online, his fans naturally were ecstatic to see how his expertise in the music industry will help a new generation of artists. "Sweet!!! Can't wait to watch it! Have fun mentoring!" one person wrote in the comments. "Couldn't ask for a better mentor! Have fun! ❤️," another replied. "Oh my GOD 😍😍 I'm gonna watch it just because you're mentoring," a different follower added. As some folks may remember, this isn't the first time Josh has made an appearance on American Idol. His first time on the show occurred back in season 6 in 2007, when he sang his hit song "You Raise Me Up" on the Idol Gives Back TV special. He later showed up on American Idol season 19 in 2021, where he performed a duet with multiple singers competing for first place. Now, should you be curious about how Josh felt about the exciting opportunity, he added another Instagram post to express his elation of working alongside Jelly Roll. "Really a shame no fun was had with @jellyroll615!" he jokingly wrote on February 11. "JK we had a blast mentoring 12 ridiculously talented @americanidol finalists at @disneyaulani. Jelly, thanks for your wisdom and humor and heart. You're a great egg, brother. 🙏🏻🤘🏻New Idol season premieres March 9 on @abc!" If this is what's to come, we definitely need to mark our calendars to check this out. You Might Also Like 67 Best Gifts for Women That'll Make Her Smile The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper
