Billy Idol, 70, says he kicked heroin addiction by smoking crack: ‘It worked’

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Billy Idol revealed the surprising way he quit heroin.

Billy Joel, age 70, revealed in a recent podcast interview on Club Random with Bill Maher that he used crack cocaine to overcome his previous heroin addiction.

The musician explained that when someone is trying to stop using heroin, they often turn to another substance. He personally started using crack cocaine as a way to overcome his heroin addiction.

‘Did you really?’ Maher asked, to which Idol replied, ‘It worked. It worked.’

This news follows Idol’s recent revelation that he almost died from a heroin overdose just days before his first appearance on Top Of The Pops.

With the release of a new documentary called ‘Billy Idol Should Be Dead,’ the singer has been looking back on his wild past and the excesses of his rock and roll life.

The film addresses how Idol survived decades of excess, drug addiction and near-fatal accidents.

The musician revealed he almost died from a heroin overdose just days before a scheduled performance on Top Of The Pops in 1984, shortly after his album, Rebel Yell, became a hit.

He revealed to The Mirror that he overdosed and almost died. He went to America in March 1981 and returned to the UK in 1984, celebrating the success of his album Rebel Yell. He was scheduled to perform on Top Of The Pops, but nearly jeopardized the appearance, though no one was aware of what happened.

Back in London, we ran into some friends who had a very potent batch of heroin, I believe it was called Persian Brown. Everyone tried some, and quickly became heavily sedated, except for me and one other friend, so we did a few more lines.

I was in terrible condition, and I was losing color. To cool me down, medical staff put me in an ice bath and led me around outside on the roof.

The rock star struggled with serious addictions, including heroin, marijuana, opium, alcohol, and a compulsive interest in sex, which negatively impacted their life.

I’ve seen this story play out so many times – someone chasing a dream in a new city, often with very little to their name. This artist arrived in New York with just the basics – a place to sleep and his guitar – and quickly started making waves in the music scene. Unfortunately, that pressure and the lifestyle it brought led to a struggle with substance dependency. It’s a heartbreaking reminder that success doesn’t always equal happiness, and that even when you’re achieving your dreams, it’s vital to prioritize your well-being.

He explained that the record label provided him with funds, which he used to buy drugs – marijuana and a low-grade form of heroin. He also spent time going out to dance clubs.

Idol first tried heroin in nightclubs and quickly became addicted, not realizing how harmful it was.

Even though his father tried to help and they relocated to Los Angeles, Billy Idol struggled with staying sober for many years, repeatedly relapsing and recovering.

Billy Idol didn’t decide to change his ways until 1994, after collapsing from a drug overdose outside a Los Angeles nightclub. He was motivated to get better for his children.

Oh my god, you won’t BELIEVE what I read! Apparently, back in his wilder days, my Idol was seriously risking everything – his life, literally! – with all the craziness that comes with being a rockstar. But get this – he actually says he’s happier now! Can you imagine? He used to down entire vodka bottles while performing, but now he’s ditched all that and actually enjoys things more. It’s amazing to hear he’s found a better way, even if it means letting go of some of that ‘classic’ rockstar image. I’m so happy for him!

Singing requires a lot of breath control and physical fitness. As he explained, ‘You can’t just stand there and sing – you need to be in shape,’

It would be quite a show if I had a heart attack and died on stage, though honestly, I’d rather just finish the performance and move on to the next one.

Billy Idol Should Be Dead premiered at the Tribeca Festival on June 10th and became widely available on February 26th.

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2026-03-05 09:35