Billy Idol has enjoyed a remarkable career that has evolved from his punk origins with Generation X to the exciting news of his nomination for the 2025 class of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This milestone is a testament to his significant impact on the music industry. As Idol reflects on this achievement, he acknowledges the weight of the honor and the opportunity it presents to express gratitude to his loyal fans. “It’s a great honor,” he shared with UCR shortly after the nominees were announced. “If I do get to be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, you really get a chance to thank your fans. That’s what I like about it. You know, you get a chance to really thank everybody who supported you through thick and thin. So that’s an incredible honor. I mean, I’m knocked out. I’ve only just started to take it in.”

This recognition is well-deserved, as UCR’s Bryan Rolli highlighted during a discussion about this year’s nominees. “From his voice to his showmanship to his catalog of hits, Billy is the consummate rock star in every sense of the word,” he remarked. “As one of the first artists to successfully blend punk, rock, and pop, he has inadvertently paved the way for future generations of pop-punk musicians like Green Day and Blink-182.” Idol’s unique style and innovative sound have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the music landscape.

In response to such accolades, Idol admits that the trajectory of his career is something he could never have anticipated when he first started. “It’s one of those things you couldn’t imagine when you started out,” he explains. “Because, of course, we didn’t know how long anything was going to last. We were really doing it for the love and thought, ‘Maybe it’s just going to last a few months, maybe a year or two years.’ And look, it’s 50 years later. So of course, all of that stuff starts to happen.” Idol’s journey is a reflection of his passion for music, and the unexpected longevity of his career has been a pleasant surprise.

Idol also recognizes the influence he has had on newer artists. “You hear that you’ve influenced people. I know ‘Kiss Me Deadly’ is Billie Joe Armstrong’s favorite song,” he continues. “Things like that are really amazing because you don’t think of that when you start out. You’re just literally doing what you’re doing for the love of it, not really thinking about what’s going to happen. You can’t imagine it going on this long and that you may have an effect on other musicians and other people who write songs and love rock and roll like I do.” Idol’s humility and appreciation for his fans and fellow musicians shine through in his reflections.

Listen to Generation X’s ‘Kiss Me Deadly’

Idol was a standout performer at the recent Rock Hall induction ceremonies, where he took the stage to honor Ozzy Osbourne as the iconic “Prince of Darkness” was celebrated for his solo career. Accompanied by guitarist and long-time collaborator Steve Stevens, Idol delivered a powerful rendition of the title track from Osbourne’s acclaimed 1991 album, No More Tears, showcasing his enduring talent and connection to the rock genre.

Get Ready for Billy Idol’s Exciting 2025 Summer Tour

The legendary rocker has an exciting year ahead, featuring a summer tour where he will share the stage with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts for a series of 30 electrifying shows. The It’s a Nice Day to… Tour Again kicks off on April 30 in Phoenix and is currently scheduled to conclude on September 25 in Los Angeles. Alongside this tour, Idol has recently completed a new solo album, which is expected to be released around the same time he hits the road with Jett. In a social media update at the end of last year, he described this upcoming project as “a rockin’ guitar record,” promising fans an energetic musical experience.

Watch Billy Idol and Joan Jett’s Tour Video