If you are torn about Billy Idol or unsure of his musical abilities, I suggest you actually spend some time really listening to a variety of his music, and check him out live. Yes, he really does play guitar and the years have only been kinder to his voice, lending a deeper tone to it. Some of his newer tracks easily blend in well with the spirit of Generation X tracks and this is one guy who gives it his all live on stage. Live shows cross generations, drawing in the very young to the very old. Not to be missed!

I am torn on Billy Idol. There is no doubt he had a nice run thanks to MTV and some good songs. He found a good balance between punk and radio friendly pop. He is definitely a great live act. However, most of his albums are shaky. There are usually three or four great songs and the rest junk. I just don't know if his catalog is impressive enough.

I count 6 top 40 singles from the billboard website for Billy Idol. I think he had great timing, arriving around the same time as MTV. But videos should be placed as a different category. Just going on musical merit, he is rated too high compared to more deserving acts and he does not belong in the rock n roll hall of fame. Maybe the MTV video hall of fame.

He always came off as a pretentious wanna be to me.He seemed to jump on any trend or bandwagon without any originality or real talent.His music had always been very derivative and bland.He even copied Sid Vicious' sneer.

as blly once said

im the idol, hes the king

What, are you kidding?

Billy Idol rocked the '80s. Had about a dozen major rockin' hits. Still puts on a great show. Should not be ignored.

Really overrated. . .more glam than rock. . .ever see him playing a guitar in those videos?

maybe time will be kind to idol, but just enough inflyuence or distinction to annoint him into the elite.

no

This guy helped shaped the 80's music and video scene. Many top 40 hits should warrant him inclusion.