Still alive and kicking: Unraveling the rock ‘n’ roll saga of Billy Idol

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As a huge Billy Idol fan, I think this documentary is coming out at the perfect moment! I’m really hoping it’ll convince enough Rock & Roll Hall of Fame voters to finally give him the recognition he deserves. But honestly, it’s so much more than just a plea for votes – it’s a really compelling story.

The documentary, which runs just over two hours, isn’t flawless. It’s incredibly difficult to fully capture a life in that timeframe. The film follows the subject’s journey from a mischievous youth to struggles with addiction and eventually, to becoming a grandfather. The title, originally used for a limited release in 2025, doesn’t quite reflect the full scope of the story.

It’s possible Billy Idol could have died, but his wild lifestyle of drugs, sex, and rock & roll wasn’t unusual for a musician. He faced serious health issues a few times, as many others have. What truly sets him apart isn’t his story – it’s the man himself, William Broad.

Billy Idol Should Be Dead: To stream on Hulu or not to stream

The documentary draws heavily from Billy Idol’s 2014 autobiography, Dancing with Myself, which is a compelling read. However, the film works so well because it offers something a book simply can’t – a visual and auditory experience that brings his story to life.

The artwork in Billy Idol Should Be Dead, created by Josh Shaffner, truly brings key moments from Idol’s life to life. While there was a potential for the visuals to feel overly dramatic or forced – like in The Wall – Shaffner’s work remains grounded and deeply human.

The documentary features numerous interviews with people who know Billy Idol – family, former bandmates from Generation X, guitarist Steve Stevens, and more. However, it’s Idol himself who truly captivates. He offers a remarkably balanced and insightful look back at his life, acknowledging his flaws and understanding the factors that contributed to his success, all without dwelling on negativity.

The documentary is strong overall, but it feels a little forced towards the end when it reveals Billy Idol has three adult children with three different mothers, and four grandchildren. This information seems included to emphasize that despite his past struggles with addiction and personal issues, he’s ultimately a good person.

By the time the documentary reveals how Billy Idol lives now, we’ve already accepted him as a relatable, flawed person – someone who loves his mother and isn’t malicious. The film spends a good amount of time on his family, but some of that could have been used to explore what’s next for Idol, which remains unclear.

Ultimately, Billy Idol Should Be Dead is a success, largely thanks to Jonas Akerlund’s skillful direction. The documentary offers fascinating details about the beginning of Billy Idol‘s music career and is well worth watching on Hulu, even if you aren’t a fan.

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2026-04-13 18:00