Billy Idol’s punk looks and pop songs garnered plenty of attention back in the ‘80s, and though it’s been years since his last hit, you can’t deny the awesome power of tunes like “White Wedding” and “Rebel Yell.”

Idol, neé William Michael Albert Broad, began his career as a Sex Pistols groupie. Next up was a failed attempt at forming a band, before Idol changed his name and hit it big with a cover of the 1960s Tommy James single “Mony Mony.” A new music video channel called MTV noticed Idol’s platinum spikes and alluring British sneer, and videos for each of his hit singles soon dominated the TV station’s airwaves.

Like all rock stars, Idol has a Behind the Music-worthy story of celebrity and excess, but he has lived to tell the tale, even releasing an album of new material called Devil’s Playground in 2005. And no matter what anyone says, “Dancing With Myself” will never be outdated.

Billy Idol performs at The Joint September 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $56.50 and $142.

By Caitlin McGarry

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