Billy Idol Devrait Etre Morte

He said it, not me! Viva Billy Idol

Imagine how excited I was when someone I know only virtually told me about Billy Idol’s recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! She had purchased a copy of the chapbook that Pleasant Gehman and I made that showcases photos I took during the week Billy came to Los Angeles to do pre-album release publicity for the first Generation X album. It came to life for her through Kimmel’s interview with Billy.

Billy talked with Kimmel about that visit AND the party that Pleasant and I convinced Joan Jett to have at her apartment that she enthusiastically agreed to. Billy even alludes to some of the guests (Germs) at the party, and people who were at the Whisky A GoGo, across the street from Joan’s apartment, for a Lobotomy night benefit concert. Billy was our guest of honor. It was historic. Seriously, people talk about it to this day, 47 years later!

So, “Billy Idol Should Be Dead” is the title of the documentary authorized by Billy. Please watch this clip and learn all about his escapades; some of which involve us! And then go back and read some of Pleasant’s books, blogs, and stories. The image below is one of frames in a strip that yielded a photo you may just be familiar with (it’s below the “who’s who”).

This party and this picture (that clipping above is from CREEM) fast-tracked what became my career. Billy and Joan have both been supportive throughout the decades, and Pleasant and I are still causing trouble… collaborating.

To make this all come full circle, Billy Idol and Joan Jett are touring together NOW. Go see them!!!