History of Billy Idol Part 1

History Of Billy Idol Part 1 NNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

September 1981
Idol has put his past behind and moves forward with a thrust. Mony Mony is released, it's Billy Idol's first debut single as a solo artist accompanied by a selection of songs from his past (Untouchables- Dancing wit Myself) as well (Baby Talk) included on the 12 inch EP entitled "Don't Stop".

"I WANTED TO RECORD "MONY MONY" BECAUSE IT WAS THE FIRST RECORD I EVER MADE LOVE TO". ( BILLY IDOL)
scan by Ruthi
Billy was an immediate hit on the American club circuit, but oddly enough those times were still somewhat conservative and the radio stations refused to play the single because of Billy's spiky hair. Because of this, the single was sent out again without his picture and the radio stations began to play it.

"BUT THE RADIO STATIONS REFUSED TO PLAY IT BECAUSE I HAD SPIKY HAIR! THE
RECORD COMPANY SAID I SHOULD BRUSH IT DOWN LIKE DAVID CASSIDY. I SAID FUCK OFF!" (BILLY IDOL)

These early days in New York proved to be a challenge seeing Billy sleeping on friends floors, but the acceptance of his music in the clubs proved to be the fuel he needed to push forward.

February 1982
The turning point that would begin the ball rolling saw Billy cement a relationship with guitarist Steve Stevens, as you know became 50% of a song writing partnership.
"HIS GUITAR IS LIKE A VOICE , IT SCREAMS, IT'S NOISY, IT CUTS RIGHT THROUGH"( BILLY IDOL)

Billy's new group now consists of (Judi Dosier - keyboards, Phil Feit- bass,
Gregg Gerson - drums , and Steve Stevens - guitar). With Keith Forsey producing, Idol's first solo album comes together.

July 1982
The roller coaster begins as Billy Idol - Billy Idol debuts and the American audience embraces him. It is August 1982 and "Hot in the city reaches number 23 in Billboard charts (Note that the single release still doesn't have his picture on it).

It the beginning of the MTV generation which promptly jumps on Idol by continuously playing the $65,000 budget "White Wedding" video in October 1982. White Wedding was the breaking point that would push enough sales to give Idol a long line of fans and media support. Idol went from playing crowds of 600 people to going out in front of 14,000 at stadiums, clocking up no less than 130 performances in just 10 months. Interviews, a tour and strength embraced him in an American market, but Idol continued to be a fizzle on his home front. Dancing With Myself also gets regenerated with a video produced by Tobe Hooper , and a second printing of the album replacing "Congo Man" with "Dancing With Myself".

NEXT link to "WITH A REBEL YELL" Part 2

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