Known as the lead singer of the band Generation X, Billy Idol is a British singer, songwriter, and musician who rose to stardom in the 1970s after emerging from the London punk rock scene. He gained worldwide popularity when he started a solo career, which helped him cement his spot as one of lead artists during the MTV-driven “Second British Invasion” in the US.
Born as William Michael Albert Broad on November 30, 1955, this 67-year-old rock star started as a guitarist in the punk band Chelsea in late 1976. He later formed Generation X with his former bandmate, Tony James. Chelsea was a huge success in the UK; they were able to release three studio albums all throughout the years of being active. They later disbanded, which led Billy to form Generation X.
When Billy Idol was younger, he liked to wear makeup and metal jewelry, looking like the real rock star that he was. This made fans assume that he was gay. This and the fact that he never addressed the gay rumors about him and people always take silence as a yes.
So, is the speculation about the rock star’s sexuality true? Is Billy Idol gay?
VOTE: What is Billy Idol’s Sexuality?
Billy Idol Relationships
Billy Idol and Perri Lister Relationship (1980 – 1989)
The rock and roll star was never married but he was in a longtime relationship with Perri Lister, an English singer and dancer who was popularly known as a former member of the British dance troupe, Hot Gossip. Perri Lister was Billy Idol’s most prominent relationship. She appeared in the music video of several of his songs, like “White Wedding” and “To Be A Lover”.
Lister gave birth to their son, Willem Wolf Broad, in 1988. The couple broke up a year later because of Idol’s infidelity.
I loved Perri but I couldn’t help but have dalliances.”
Billy admitted in an interview with Louder in November 2016
Idol also said that staying loyal to Perri was impossible especially in their situation.
I mean, especially on a 10-month tour, on a bus, going from nowhere, from place to place… you wanted something to break up the monotony. And the only way to do it was (with) a piece of human flesh.”
Idol said in a 2014 interview with CBS
His son with Perri, Willem Wolf Broad, by the way, followed his footsteps. He was also into music and performing and was actually a member of the rock band FIM.
Billy Idol and Linda Mathis Relationship (1988)
Billy Idol cheated on Perri Lister with actress Linda Mathis. The two went on a 10-month tour together and Billy admitted that being on the road together tempted him to cheat on his then-girlfriend, Perri.
Well, we were out on the road for a long time. The Rebel Yell tour was 10 months. You’re out in the middle of nowhere, and in those days there were no computers or cable television, particularly, so one had to entertain oneself,” he said. “And, of course, one usually used whatever there was in the audience for that. I loved Perri but I couldn’t help but have dalliances. Now I’m a lot different. I have a girlfriend who I’m very much involved with and I don’t want to be with anybody else but her.”
Billy Idol told Louder in November 2016
Linda Mathis gave birth to her daughter with Billy Idol, Bonnie Blue Broad, in 1989. Their romance was, however, short-lived.
Billy Idol and Sonja Morgan Relationship
Billy Idol also cheated with actress Sonja Morgan while he was in a relationship with his longtime girlfriend, Perri Lister. This was revealed by Morgan herself, although she never revealed the exact year that they dated.
I went out with Billy for a while. That was nice. It was scary because he was dating Perri Lister, she has red hair and was like six feet tall. He’s a vegetarian and a very nice man.”
Sonja Morgan told Paper in a 2011 interview
Billy Idol and Melissa Gilbert Relationship (1986)
Based on the timeline, Billy Idol also hooked up with actress Melissa Gilbert while he was together with Perri Lister. They met at a club in Los Angeles and hit it off right away.
He impressed me as sweet, gentle, and soft-spoken charmer. He wanted to know all about Michael Landon and he asked what it was like to grow up on television. At the end of the night, we exchanged numbers and a few days later he called and asked me out.”
Melissa Gilbert wrote in her memoir, Prairie Tale
The romance didn’t last long because she broke up with him after she had witnessed “serious drug users and people out of control” because Billy, she said, showed her a “glimpse of darkness”.
Billy Idol and Shanna Moakler Relationship (1997)
The singer was also linked to model Shanna Moakler after they both made cameos in the 1998 film “The Wedding Singer.” The model appeared to be so endeared with Idol.
He’s not too sweet and sensitive. But he’s a gentleman. He’s got a great mind for history, loves to talk about philosophy, and he is very intelligent. He’s got a kid and is a great father.”
Moakler told ESPN in a 2001 interview
Billy Idol and Lindsay Cross Relationship (2008 – 2015)
Billy Idol dated stylist Lindsay Cross for a few years. They were reported to be dating from 2008 to 2015. They have tried to keep the romance between them under wraps although there were several sightings of them together going on dates.
Billy Idol and China Chow Relationship (2008 – present)
The musician is currently dating China Chow, daughter of the owner of the renowned Mr. Chow restaurant franchise. She is also a model and has done projects for brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein. China would always post photos of them together on her Instagram account. She even posted selfies with Billy’s grandchild.
The couple seems to be still together as of writing. In fact, they were spotted sharing a kiss recently as he was honored with a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The rock star was also linked to writer Justine Bateman, pornographic actress Bridgette Monroe, visual artist Heather Hart, actress Downtown Julie Brown, American author Pleasant Gehman, singer Seka, singer Linda Susebach, actress Kristi Gibson, American designer Heather McCartney, American pornstar Savannah, American pornstar Ginger Lynn, writer Patti Johnsen, American singer Joan Jett, Canadian singer Vanity, American actress Julia Roberts, American pornstar Brooke Fields, American actress Melissa Gilbert, British actress Bunty Bailey, Grace Hattersley, Venezuelan actress Maria Conchita Alonso, American actress Sherilyn Fenn, American actress Peggy Trentini, Hilary Herth, Brazilian model Josi Campos, American model Shanna Moakler, American actress Drew Barrymore, and Canadian singer Tammy Pobi.
Is Billy Idol gay?
Judging the long list of relationships and flings he had, the answer is quite obvious. No, Billy Idol is not gay. He’s definitely straight. He, in fact, hasn’t given his fans any reason to doubt his sexuality.