My first cousin is Billy Idol. He is the son of my father’s brother. Both my father and Billy Idol’s father are now deceased. Billy Idol’s real name is William Broad. My name is Michael Broad.
In the news today (the date of this post), on the website pagesix.com, there is a report about the memoir of a ‘glam-rock weirdo’, Adam Bomb. He claimed that in the 1980s the “White Wedding” singer flew into a fit of rage, grabbed hold of a kitten and threw her/him against the wall of their apartment and killed her.
Bomb says in his book that his then ‘honcho’ (girlfriend?), Claire O’Connor, told him that:
“Billy Idol could get really vile. He got Perri a kitten, and after a nasty argument, he threw the kitten against the wall in their apartment and killed it”. (note: I have been told that ‘Perri’ was not the name of the kitten but a girlfriend of Billy’s)
Obviously I’m ashamed of my cousin if this allegation is true. There’s no reason to disbelieve the testimony of Claire O’Connor and therefore I have to believe that it is true. It is probable that at the time Billy Idol was either drinking or taking drugs and lost control. However, I’m not defending him. He possibly hates or dislikes cats which is ironic because we are obviously on the opposite ends of the spectrum with respect to our relationship with the domestic cat. Billy admits he has made some awful decisions in his life. That probably includes his behaviour on occasions.
I met and played with Billy Idol way back when I was a teenager or even perhaps earlier than that. I don’t recall meeting him since. He was at his father’s party which I attended at the time when his father was dying. He did not come down to the party from a bedroom upstairs as I recall. That was the last time that I had an opportunity to meet him.
Agreed. His voice is no better than mine and mine is poor 😉 Meow.
I hate to say it, but I bet it is true. Especially if it was fueled with drugs or alcohol, and just the rage in his music seem to be an extension of his nature. It would be interesting to find out if it is true, but I’ll bet he would never tell you. Even if you tried.
Thanks Cat’s Meow. Maybe he’ll leave a comment. It would be nice to hear his side of the story.
I agree, AA!
My condolences to Michael upon learning of this disheartening tail, regardless of the influence of alcohol or drugs. People claim that blood is thicker than water, but in my experience, and apparently yours also, that only applies to science, not reality. Michael, you have more than made up for Billy’s disgraceful act. Thank you for all that you, and those like you, do for animals.
I have a feeling that it may have drug or alcohol fuelled but of course that does not excuse him. It is quite shocking.
Drugs and alcohol abuse can change behavior, and he may not have been an animal (cat) lover to begin with. Do we know? Did he have pets as a child?
Many fans would be shocked at this. He may not have been famous if this happened in the beginning of his career, regardless of his talent. But that’s just my guess.