Most people know Billy Idol from great 80’s hits like “Rebel Yell”, “White Wedding”, “Eyes Without a Face” and more.

The fact remains that Billy Idol got his start long before then. Back in the 70’s the 20-something college dropout hit the London punk scene as frontman for Generation X. Then in the early 80’s, Gen X split, Idol moved to New York and began a successful solo career. He teamed up with guitarist Steve Stevens and cranked out several hit songs like a remake of the Gen X classic, “Dancing with Myself”, along with “Rebel Yell”, “Eyes Without a Face”, “White Wedding” and more.

Idol took most of the 90s to focus on himself and family before getting back to it in 2005 with the release of Devil’s Playground, and 2014’s Kings & Queens of the Underground. There was even a Christmas album. (Yes, I have it!).

Since then, Billy has released two EPs: The Roadside in 2021, and The Cage last September. Those EPs are proof that this old punk rocker, still has it. He’s even taken to social media and has one of my favorite Instagram accounts to follow. Many of his posts are with his granddaughters, Poppy Rebel, and Mary Jane Rebel, who are just beyond adorable. To witness the man known for that upper lip snarl break into a huge, beaming smile as a proud granddad is just heartwarming.

And finally, after all of his contributions, he’s been honored with his very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In fact, his is the first star to be issued for 2023. His is the 2,743rd star to be issue. You can find it at 6201 Hollywood Boulevard in front of Amoeba Music

The ceremony went down on Friday, January 6th in front of a big crowd of fans, and help from another punk rock icon, Henry Rollins, who helped with his induction.

You can check out the 30-minute ceremony here as well as the video for his latest single “Cage”