Billy Idol is the subject of a new documentary, Billy Idol Should Be Dead, which is currently showing in the US.
Directed by Jonas Åkerlund (Lords of Chaos) and produced by Live Nation Studios, the documentary had its premiere at last year’s Tribeca Film Festival.
In the trailer, which has just been unveiled, fans can see artists including Miley Cyrus, Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, and Guns N’ Roses’ Duff McKagan discussing Billy Idol’s impact.
The documentary follows the life and career of Billy Idol, a punk and new-wave pioneer. It features never-before-seen archival footage and personal interviews with the singer, his family, collaborators, and those he inspired.
Starting with his punk rock beginnings, the documentary covers the star’s rise as a global sensation, following the rise of MTV. Plus, fans will learn about the personal challenges he overcame and watch his enduring career unfold.
After breaking into the music scene as the lead vocalist of the British punk band Generation X, Billy Idol went solo in 1981 and enjoyed breakout success during the MTV era. Idol went on to make a name for himself with hits such as White Wedding, Rebel Yell, and Eyes Without A Face.
You can watch the Billy Idol Should Be Dead trailer below.
Last month, Variety reported that Evan Saxon Productions had acquired the film’s theatrical rights. In a statement, Evan Saxon described Idol as a “larger-than-life” figure who continues to sell out arenas across the globe.
“Billy Idol is a larger-than-life artist who changed the face of pop culture and music history during his 50-year career,” Evan Saxon said.
“From Generation X to now, he’s still selling out arenas around the globe. We are honored to work with Another Planet’s Laurence Freedman and Live Nation to bring the powerful and heartfelt documentary ‘Billy Idol Should Be Dead’ to his fans on the biggest cinema screens.”
In April 2025, Billy Idol released the album Dream On It—his first full-length since 2014’s Kings & Queens of the Underground. It follows two EP releases: The Roadside (2021) and The Cage (2022).
Earlier this week, it was announced that for the second time, Billy Idol has been nominated for potential induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Other nominees include INXS, Joy Division/New Order, Lauryn Hill, Iron Maiden, Pink, Phil Collins, Shakira, The Black Crowes, Mariah Carey, Jeff Buckley, Melissa Etheridge, Wu-Tang Clan, New Edition, and Luther Vandross.
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