A rock n’ roll icon and pioneer of the punk movement, Billy Idol, born in England as William Michael Albert Broad, pursued his passion for music to escape the mediocrity of a life working for his father. Inspired by the Sex Pistols, William was reborn as Billy Idol in the band Generation X, infusing punk music with a sense of celebratory optimism. In the 80s, Idol established himself in the U.S. with guitarist Steve Stevens, capitalizing on the new MTV and skyrocketing to the top of the charts. Years later, he’s still in full gear, but with a shifted perspective and mellowed outlook. His autobiography, Dancing With Myself, offers an inside look at Idol’s journey both as a revolutionary artist and as a person experiencing the changing culture of rock n’ roll over the years. His latest album Kings & Queens of the Underground is as true to the classic Idol sound as it is refreshed with a new, mature energy.
Billy Idol performs on Sunday September 13 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit loufest.com.
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