Billy Idol Makes Bold Pitch For Rock Hall Induction

Billy Idol is making a strong push for the 2025 class of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, as fan voting closes on April 21, 2025. Currently sitting at #3 in the fan vote, behind Phish and Bad Company, Idol is eager to convince music lovers why he deserves their votes. In a candid interview with the U.K. outlet The Independent, he boldly stated, "Because I’m just f****** incredible!"

Idol's journey from the punk rock scene in England to mainstream success in the United States is nothing short of remarkable. He reflected on his evolution, saying, "It’s pretty amazing that I went from something like punk rock in England to mainstream success in the States. I was not only involved in punk, I became a big part of the ’80s New Wave. And then I carried on making the music, living the rock ’n’ roll life."

His argument for induction doesn't stop there. Idol highlighted his willingness to take risks, mentioning his 1993 album Cyberpunk as an example of how he has gone beyond what people expect from him. "I didn’t stay in my lane. I took chances. Even coming to America, I had no idea I was going to do really well. And the risks I took worked. All of that shows an enterprising spirit – a spirit of rock ’n’ roll," he explained.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees for 2025 include an impressive lineup: Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Soundgarden, The Black Crowes, Chubby Checker, The White Stripes, Oasis, Mariah Carey, New Order/Joy Division, OutKast, and the Mexican rock band Maná. The 2025 inductees will be announced later in April.

Idol's candidness and confidence in his artistry are evident as he continues to advocate for his place among rock legends. He is not only focused on the Hall of Fame; he is also gearing up for a busy year ahead. Idol is set to release Dream Into It, his first album of new music in over a decade, on April 25, 2025, via Dark Horse Records. This album promises to feature collaborations with notable artists such as Avril Lavigne, Joan Jett, and Alison Mosshart of The Kills.

Speaking about his collaboration with Lavigne on the track "77", Idol expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Avril's just fantastic on 77, it was great working with her. With her on it, it got three times better."

Following the album release, Idol will embark on a tour with Joan Jett, kicking off on April 30 at the Talking Stick Resort in Phoenix, Arizona. This tour, titled It’s a Nice Day To… Tour Again!, is highly anticipated by fans eager to see the rock icons perform together.

Moreover, Idol will return to the UK for the inaugural Forever Now festival at The National Bowl in Milton Keynes on June 22, 2025. This festival is billed as a celebration of the darker underbelly of creativity, showcasing genres from new wave to post-punk, psychedelia, and alt-rock. Idol will share the stage with other renowned acts, including Kraftwerk, Death Cult, The Damned, Public Image Ltd, The Jesus & Mary Chain, and The The.

As the deadline for fan voting approaches, Idol's fervent call for support resonates with many who recognize his contributions to the music industry. With a storied career that spans decades and a reputation for pushing musical boundaries, Idol's determination to secure a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame reflects his enduring legacy in rock music.

In the end, the choice lies with the fans, and Idol's appeal is clear: he embodies the spirit of rock ’n’ roll, having transformed from a punk rock icon to a mainstream star. Whether or not he secures a spot in the Hall of Fame, his influence on music and culture remains significant.