Living Between Notes

Billy Idol Album: Billy Idol Released: July 16, 1982 Recorded: 1981–1982 Genre: Rock, new wave Billy Idol is the self-titled debut studio album by English rock singer Billy Idol . It received positive reviews from music critics and was a commercial success.  The lead single, "Hot in the City," peaked at number twenty-three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The second release, "White Wedding," reached number three on the Mainstream Rock chart in 1983.

Rebel Yell Studio album: Billy Idol Released: November 10, 1983 Recorded: 1983 Studio: Electric Lady Studios New York City, New York Genre: Hard rock, new wave Rebel Yell, the second studio album by Billy Idol , was influenced by new wave music. Four singles were released from it: "Rebel Yell," "Eyes Without a Face," " Flesh for Fantasy ," and " Catch My Fall ." The LP peaked at number six on the Billboard 200 in the United States and was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipment of two million copies. 

Tommy James & the Shondells Origin: Niles, Michigan, U.S. Genres: Rock, pop, psychedelic rock, rock & roll Label: Roulette Tommy James and the Shondells formed in Niles, Michigan, in 1964. They had two number 1 singles in the U.S.: " Hanky Panky " in July 1966 and " Crimson and Clover " in February 1969. Twelve more of the band's tunes were Top 40 hits, including five in the Hot 100's Top Ten: " I Think We're Alone Now ," " Mirage ," " Mony Mony ," " Sweet Cherry Wine ," and " Crystal Blue Persuasion ."

Dancing with Myself Single by Gen X Album: Kiss Me Deadly Released: October 1980 Label: Chrysalis Songwriters: Billy Idol, Tony James Billy Idol  emerged from the London punk rock scene in the 1970s as the lead singer of a band called  Generation X . His real name is William Broad. While a student, his Chemistry teacher wrote on his report card, " William is an idle student. " Broad wanted to use the stage name Billy Idle but chose the spelling "Idol" to avoid confusion with Monty Python cast member Eric Idle .

The origin stories of Plastic Jesus™  are murky - full of myth and legend. He was the brain-child of  Ed Rush and George Cromarty in 1957. But  Rush has given two accounts of the conception of  Plastic Jesus.™   According to one story, the song was inspired by a radio program in Del Rio, Texas, in the mid-1950s. The program was run by a dentist and religious fanatic who " sold the most outrageous stuff imaginable, all with magical healing properties. "  One particular broadcast contained the line " ...leaning on the arms of Jesus, wrapped in the bosom of the Lord... "

Generation X:  Also known as Gen X Origin: Chelsea, London, United Kingdom Genres: Punk rock, pop punk, new wave Years active: 1976–1981 Label: Chrysalis Original members:   Billy Idol Tony James,  John Towe,  Bob Andrews,  Mark Laff Generation X was part of the first wave of U.K. punk rockers. They were one of the first punk bands to appear on the British TV music program Top of the Pops. Their song, "Wild Youth," was ranked  number 20   in Mojo's list of the best punk rock singles ever.