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Generation X signed to Chrysalis Records and released three albums before breaking up. Idol moved to New York City and began working as a solo artist and began working with Steve Stevens, soon becoming MTV staples with "White Wedding" and "Dancing with Myself". Idol's first LP, Rebel Yell ( 1984, 1984 in musicSee also 1983 in music, other events of 1984, 1985 in music, 1980s in music and the list of 'years in music' Events January 28 singer Michael Jackson's hair catches fire during the filming of a Pepsi commercial. February 14 Elton John marries studio engin) was a blockbuster success and established Idol's superstar status in the United States.
Idol didn't release a new album until 19871987 is a common year starting on Thursday. Events January January 1 Nunavut's capital changes it name to Iqaluit from Frobisher Bay. January 3 Aretha Franklin becomes the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. January 4 An Amtrak train (see 1987 in musicSee also 1986 in music, other events of 1987, 1988 in music, 1980s in music and the list of 'years in music' Events January 3 Aretha Franklin becomes the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. January 16 The Beastie Boys become the firs); Whiplash Smile sold well, but failed to live up to expectations. Stevens soon left for a solo career and Idol continued. A coverIn pop music a cover version is a new rendition of a previously recorded song. Pop musicians may play covers as a tribute to the original performer or group, to win audiences who like to hear a familiar song, to increase their chance of success by using a of Tommy James' "Mony Mony" did well on MTV and Idol playing Cousin Kevin in a performance of TommyTommy ( 1969) is one of The Who's two full-scale rock operas, and the first musical work explicitly billed as a rock opera. In some older publications it is called Tommy (1914-1984 . The opera was composed by Who guitarist Peter Townshend, with two tracks. Just before the release of Charmed LifeCharmed Life is a music album released by Billy Idol in 1990 through Chrysalis Records (see 1990 in music). Cradle of Love" was also featured on the soundtrack of The Adventures Of Ford Fairlane''. The song is famous for its video, which won the 1990 MTV in 1990Events January January 3 Former leader of Panama Manuel Noriega surrenders to American forces. January 7 The Leaning Tower of Pisa is closed to the public due to safety concerns. January 9 Lt Gen Bazilio Olara Okello The man who led the coup aginst Dr Apo (see 1990 in music), Idol was in a motorcycle accident in which almost lost his leg. The album sold extremely well, but Idol decided to take a break and acted in The Doors, directed by Oliver Stone. The follow-up to Charmed Life was 1993's Cyberpunk (see 1993 in music), which was a flop, and Idol sank into drug addiction, nearly dying of an overdose in 1994.
Idol returned to the popular eye in 1998, when he played himself in The Wedding Singer, an Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore romantic comedy. Idol appeared on VH1 Storytellers and issued a Greatest Hits CD in 2001.