Silly Billy

You gotta wonder if maybe Billy Idol invested in the patenting of hair gel, since there are few who've done as much to bolster its sales as he has. The only time he veered from his trademark peroxide-blond spikes was in '93, for his techno-informed Cyberpunk, and the dreadlocks that...

By Cole Haddon

October 27, 2005

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You gotta wonder if maybe Billy Idol invested in the patenting of hair gel, since there are few who've done as much to bolster its sales as he has. The only time he veered from his trademark peroxide-blond spikes was in '93, for his techno-informed Cyberpunk, and the dreadlocks that accompanied that release were mocked as universally as the album. Of course, Idol overdosed a year later, which makes you wonder if, despite that surly growl, he kind of knew what he was doing when he snorted all that blow. Eleven years since he almost died that time, 15 since the time he almost died in a motorcycle crash, and who knows how many years since all the other times he probably almost died during his orgy-filled, booze- and drug-fueled ride through '80s MTV celebrity, Idol is back with a new album and tour. The dreadlocks have been forgiven, but Cyberpunk never will be.

Billy Idol plays at 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 1, at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Tickets cost $35 to $45. Call 561-750-1668.

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