Billy Idol was there at the birth of punk-rock in the U.K., and now he’s telling his story for the first time.
“Dancing with Myself,” Idol’s self-penned autobiographical memoir, is set for publication on Oct. 7, on Simon & Schuster’s Touchstone imprint.
The book recounts Idol’s remarkable life story, from a childhood spent between the U.K. and America, with details of his seminal role in the U.K. punk movement as part of the famed Bromley Contingent, including the likes of Sid Vicious and future Banshees Siouxsie Sioux andSteve Severin, forming the first fan group of the Sex Pistols and the burgeoning rock scene of the time.
Billy Idol Putting Together New Album, Autobiography
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Idol went on to form the group Generation X, then moved to New York, where he became a solo artist and one of MTV’s most visible superstars, as he reveals never-before-told “warts and all” stories of the culture, sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll along the way. Idol’s book includes his adventures with his colorful late manager Bill Aucoin, the man who catapulted KISS to stardom, and his lifelong romance with Perri Lister, all detailed in his distinctive voice.
On Thursday, Idol will appear at the annual book publishing convention BookExpo America in New York before commencing his 2014 summer tour, with dates starting in Europe at the Sweden Rock Festival in Solvesborg on June 7. Idol has also been at work on an upcoming new album with his longtime bandmate Steve Stevens and famed producer Trevor Horn.
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From punk pioneer to global superstar, Idol, born William Michael Albert Broad, has left an indelible mark in popular music and remained a household name for over three decades. His style, music and attitude have transcended time and trend. Born in 1955 in Stanmore, North London, he spent several formative years living on Long Island before returning to the U.K. and emerging as a central figure of the British punk movement. The Sex Pistols inspired Idol to form Generation X in 1976 with a string of worldwide hits like “Ready Steady Go,” and “Wild Youth” until their split in 1981. With his collaborators, innovative guitarist Steve Stevens and producer Keith Forsey, Idol created some of rock’s most enduring anthems, including “White Wedding,” “Dancing with Myself,” “Flesh For Fantasy,” “Hot In the City,” “Eyes Without a Face,” “Rebel Yell” and “Cradle of Love,” among others. Dancing with Myself is his story.
- This article originally appeared in THR.com.