Few emerged from the first full-blooded explosion of punk with long-term
careers, but former Generation X frontman Billy Idol achieved longevity and cult
status as one of the 1980s' most revered rock artists. Born as "William Michael
Albert Broad" in London, England, on November 30, 1955, he played a role in
several key bands during his earlier years, serving as a member of Siouxsie &
the Banshees (before they had a name) and joining Chelsea as a guitarist before
leaving to found Generation X with Tony James. As the dynamic blond-haired
singer, Idol was one of punk's coolest figu...