From his punk rock roots to his new wave, experimental later work, Billy Idol was a mainstay in the 1980s pop music world. He released a slew of chart-topping hits throughout his career, and he remains one of the most interesting artists of the decade. Check out these facts about Idol’s explosive history.

1. Billy Idol got his start as a musician as the guitarist and vocalist for punk bands Chelsea and Generation X in his home country of England. Generation X had one hit U.S. single, "Dancing With Myself."
2. Idol’s real name is William Albert Michael Broad. He changed it to Billy Idol after a teacher wrote on a report card that he was an "idle student."
3. In 1989, a crazed fan approached Idol after a show in London and stabbed him in the leg.
4. When he decided to pursue a solo career, Idol assembled a close-knit team that included producer Keith Forsey, former KISS manager Bill Aucoin, and guitarist Steve Stevens. The foursome worked together on four of Idol's most successful albums.
5. With his 1982 full-length solo debut, Billy Idol, the former punk star surprised fans when he went in a synth-heavy direction with pop roots. It was a critical and commercial success.
6. After nearly a decade-long hiatus, Idol released the album Devil’s Playground in 2005 and an unexpected Christmas album entitled Happy Holidays one year later.

Are you a fan of Billy Idol? Which of his songs is your favorite? Tell us below!

Billy Idol [Rolling Stone]
Billy Idol [Biography]
Billy Idol [Artist Facts]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Visual Dichotomy