Billy Idol was honored with a lifetime achievement award on the 2026 American Music Awards on Monday evening. The “White Wedding” singer and bona fide ‘80s rock icon, who was spotted in the audience by host Queen Latifah early in the show, gave an empowering acceptance speech and soon mesmerized the crowd with a medley of “Eyes Without a Face” and “Dancing With Myself.” He was accompanied by his longtime songwriting collaborator and guitarist Steve Stevens, who’s been by his aspect for the reason that ‘80s.
“When I started out in punk rock back in 1976, we thought it may only last about six months — let alone 50 years,” Idol instructed the viewers. “We have been doing it for the love. We have been doing it for the love and since music was the one factor that gave us a type of feeling of freedom, a way of freedom. We believed in what we have been doing and we thought possibly if we simply dreamed into this life and gave it all the pieces we had, it will give all of it again to us in spades. And that’s precisely what occurred.
“So to any kid out there who loves rock ‘n roll, or any music of any kind, as much as Leon [Thomas] and I do, if you’re inspired to create that sense of freedom and pursue a life of art, all I can say is, pick an instrument, find out who you are and be it. Thank you for rock ‘n roll. Thank you to everyone.”
After a stint fronting the ‘70s post-punk band Generation X, the Middlesex, England-born Idol snarled his way into fans’ hearts starting in 1982 together with his self-titled debut, which produced the one “White Wedding (Pt. 1).” His sophomore album, Insurgent Yell, arrived in 1983 and was rapidly licensed double platinum largely partially to songs like “Eyes Without a Face,” “Flesh For Fantasy” and the title monitor. Following the mainstream success of Insurgent Yell, he developed into a worldwide star and would go on to launch 9 extra albums, together with his newest, 2025’s Dream Into It.
Idol will likely be inducted into the Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame in November alongside Pleasure Division/New Order, Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Wu-Tang Clan, Oasis, Sade and Luther Vandross.
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