Billy Idol is a British rock musician and actor who rose to fame in the 1980s. With his distinctive blonde spiky hair, leather outfits, and punk-rock attitude, Idol became an iconic figure of the new wave and punk-rock movements.
Throughout his career, Idol has received several awards and nominations, including 3 Grammy nominations and 6 MTV Video Music Awards.
Billy Idol has enjoyed a career full of fame and accomplishments. But, as is often the case with public figures, his private life has been subject to relentless scrutiny.
Fans have been curious about his personal affairs, and the question of whether he is gay or not has been a hot topic of discussion.
With rumors circulating about whether or not Billy Idol is gay, it’s natural for people to be curious about the truth behind the speculation. If you’re one of those who are interested in learning more, you’re in luck!
Stay with us as we uncover whether there’s any validity to them or not. Let’s dive in!
Billy Idol’s Background
Billy Idol was born William Michael Albert Broad on November 30, 1955, to Bill and Joan Board in Stanmore, Middlesex, England. He has Irish ancestry, as his mother was born in Cork.
In 1971, his family moved to Bromley, where Idol attended Ravensbourne School for Boys, where he developed an early interest in music. He got enrolled in the University of Sussex in 1975 in order to pursue a degree in English, however, he dropped out just a year later.
After dropping out of the University, Idol decided to pursue a career in music. Billy Idol got the inspiration for his name from his chemistry teacher’s remark on his report card, where he was described as “idle”.
He initially joined a retro rock band, “Chelsea,” as a guitarist, where his career basically kicked off. Eventually, the band’s bass guitarist quit after a few weeks of performing and formed the punk rock band “Generation X”.
Idol’s first big break came in 1976 when he joined “Generation X” as their lead singer. The band quickly gained a following in the UK, with hits like “Ready Steady Go” and “Your Generation”. Idol’s punk-rock persona and rebellious attitude made him a favorite among fans, and he soon became a prominent figure in the UK punk scene.
After Generation X disbanded in 1981, Idol embarked on a successful solo career and released his first solo album, which was a commercial success. The album featured hits like “White Wedding” and “Dancing with Myself.”
Idol’s next album, “Rebel Yell,” was released in 1983. The album cemented Idol’s status as a rock icon and helped to define the sound of the 1980s.
What Triggered The Rumor About Billy Idol’s Sexuality?
The rumor about Billy Idol’s sexuality began making the rounds after fans started questioning his wardrobe choices, causing fans to ask if the iconic musician is trying to convey a deeper message through his fashion sense.
Known for his edgy style, which includes stylish hairstyles, leather clothes, armbands, and chains, Idol’s appearance has raised a few eyebrows among fans, who wonder if it’s a reflection of his personal life.
Unsurprisingly, this appearance, coupled with how conscious he is about his looks, has come off as suspicious amongst fans.
Billy Idol’s unmarried status is another factor to consider. Despite being involved with several women over the years, he has never been married.
This has led fans to speculate whether he simply hasn’t found the right person or if he is just not attracted to women.
Additionally, Billy Idol is also known to be a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community.
Is The Rumor True?
The rumor about Billy Idol being gay is certainly not true, as the rock star has never come on record to state that he is gay.
With regards to his appearance, Billy Idol is a rockstar and typically has to look the part, so, his wardrobe choices should not be enough reason for him to be labeled as gay.
He has also never been involved in any scandal or past relationships with a man, and this strongly suggests that he is straight.
Who Is Billy Idol Sating Now?
Billy Idol has had several high-profile relationships with women over the years. He dated Perri Lister, a dancer, and choreographer, for over a decade in the 1980s.
Lister also worked as a backup singer for Idol and appeared in several of his music videos. Together the couple had a son, Willem Wolf Broad, who was born on 15 June 1988.
In that same year, Idol was romantically involved with Linda Mathis. In an interview in 2016, he admitted that it was difficult to stay faithful to the relationship he had with Perri Lister due to the number of women and level of attention fame brought his way.
In 1989, Idol and Linda welcomed a daughter, Bonnie Blue Broad, on 21 August 1989.
Billy Idol has also been linked to several other famous women, including actress Melissa Gilbert, model Shanna Moakler, and stylist Lindsay Cross.
In 2018, Idol was linked to China Chow, and it has since been confirmed that the two are in a relationship. They have not been shy in letting the world know about their love and involvement with each other, as China holds no reluctance in sharing peeks into their lives on social media.
Awards and Nominations
Throughout his career, Idol has received several awards and nominations. He was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1985 for Best Male Rock Performance for “Rebel Yell.”
Idol also received Grammy nominations in 1987 and 1991 for Best Male Rock Performance for “To Be a Lover” and “Cradle of Love”.
He was also nominated for 2 MTV Video Music Awards in 1984 for “Eyes Without a Face” and 3 for “Dancing with Myself”. In 1990, he won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Video from a Film for his work on “Cradle of Love”.
In 1991, he received an ASCAP Pop Music Award for Most Performed Song for “Cradle of Love”, and in 2005, he received a Classic Rock Roll of Honour Award.
Conclusion
Billy Idol is a 67 year old rock star who is definitely not gay. He has never come out on record to speak about his sexual orientation however, his romantic involvement throughout his adult life has been with women, strongly suggesting that he is straight.
He is a father of two and a grandfather, and his successes and achievement throughout the years have cemented his reputation as a true icon who has left an impact on the music industry.
