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June 1986: It's been awhile know since the adrenaline rush of Rebel Yell and the Idol camp is quiet. A news story is released that Idol is dead,then there is the rumor of his serious drug problem (true), and he has split with his manager and long time girlfriend Perri Lister (once, twice,three times, gone) . A lot of changes are in the works and Billy finds himself under the management of Brendan Bourke .  
"IT DOESN'T MATTER ABOUT MONEY, HAVING IT, NOT HAVING IT. OR HAVING CLOTHS, OR NOT HAVING THEM. YOU'RE STILL LEFT ALONE WITH YOURSELF IN THE END". BILLY IDOL |
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| September
1986: The re-emergence of Idol takes form
with the single
"To Be A Lover", hitting the top 30. This single would carry Idol to a grammy nomination for best male rock vocalist of 1987. Shortly after in September 1986 Whiplash smile the album is released after two years and nine months since Rebel Yell's release. Also an extensive U.S. tour is underway which will also hit Canada. |
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February 1987: The single "Don't Need A Gun" is released, and again receives top 30 billing. Shortly after in May 1987 "Sweet Sixteen" is released. It is disclosed by Billy that the song is about Tammi Gordon a 16 year old who he has some interest in. The tour is going strong but for some reason Idol refuses to play the U.K. ................................................. . .
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September 1987 "Mony Mony" the single is released and by November it hits number 1, kicking out of place Tiffany's "I Think Were Alone Know" , which are both original songs by Tommy James and the Shondells. During this year there is an onslaught of Idol in the U.S. and Canada with the release of "Vital Idol" the album (with all his remixed songs), as well as "Vital Idol" the video which is a collection of all his video's to date. To celebrate his continuing success Billy buys his first Harley and calls it "Rude Dude". . ...............................................................
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January 1988: Yet another re-release of an old single "Hot in the City" again finding it's way into the top 20, and helping to promote "Vital Idol". By this time it's back to writing material for a new album and byJune 1988 Perri gives birth to Williem Wolfe Idol (8lbs- 6ozs). Again in June the re-release of "Catch My Fall " spins out and flops. This was the end for re-releases and the last album "Idol Songs , 11 Of The Best" (only released in the U.K.) to surface for awhile. .
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| September
1988: Billy is back in the studio, but beside
him on guitar is
no longer Steve Stevens but Mark Younger Smith (from Charlie Sexton Band), as well Ozzy Ozbourne's bassist Phil Soussan joins the band. Steve Stevens goes on his own to session record with Michael Jackson, as well as working on his own material. It's reported in November that Idol is working hard and has completed the songs "Love Child", "Trouble with the Sweet Stuff", "Prodical Son Blues", "Love Unchained", and "License to Thrill". It is speculated that the new album will be out by May 1989 (yea right !). Idol spends time in December 1988 playing charity concerts and appears on MTV's annual music awards bash in L.A. He also records a song "Dancing Clown" with Jonie Mitchell on her new album. The Idol camp is to be quiet again, what does the future hold.  |
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Pictures submitted by : Mike Lavoie
Web page designed by : Ruth Balansche All Right Reserved Sept 1998 . |
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Coming next : Charmed Life Part 4 |
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