Billy Idol

One of rock's most enduring figures, Billy Idol built his reputation on a sound that fused punk aggression with sleek, radio-ready hooks. He first made his mark fronting the British punk band Generation X before launching a solo career that would cement his status as one of the genre's defining voices of the 1980s and beyond.

His solo work struck a balance few artists managed, delivering raw energy and attitude while producing anthems that crossed over into mainstream success on a massive scale. That signature sneer, the bleached hair, and a stage presence sharpened over decades of performing made him one of rock's most recognisable figures.