As his official website reports, Billy Idol was born on November 30, 1955, and given the name William Michael Albert Broad. In his early childhood, he moved from Middlesex, in the United Kingdom, to Long Island, New York, before returning to Britain around the time of his sixth birthday. He grew up with the music of The Beatles and other legends, which was ostensibly an exciting time for a budding young talent.
His official website goes on to explain that his music had humble beginnings: He was a guitarist in a band that played at his university. It was when he met and subsequently became part of The Bromley Contingent — who were avid supporters of the Sex Pistols — that Idol started down his own road to musical legend. He first joined the band Chelsea and then, in 1976, formed his own: Generation X, before becoming a solo sensation. Along the way, he became known for his charisma, his energy, everything that came with the idol that is Idol. His iconic stage name, however, has surprising origins.
