Billy Idol reveals he overdosed on heroin and nearly died before his Top Of The Pops debut: ‘I turned blue’

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Billy Idol has shared that he almost died from a heroin overdose just days before his first appearance on the music show Top Of The Pops.

Ahead of the release of a new two-hour documentary called ‘Billy Idol Should Be Dead,’ the 70-year-old singer has been looking back on his wild past and the excesses of his rock and roll lifestyle.

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

Oh my god, I just read that Billy nearly died! Apparently, just days before his Top of the Pops performance in ’84, right after Rebel Yell blew up, he overdosed on heroin. Can you believe it? It’s terrifying to think how close we almost lost him! I was obsessed with that album, and to think he was fighting for his life while it was climbing the charts… it just makes his music even more incredible, honestly. It’s a miracle he made it through that.

He shared with The Mirror that he experienced an overdose and almost died. After finding success with his album ‘Rebel Yell,’ he returned to the UK in 1984 following a trip to America in 1981. He was scheduled to perform on ‘Top of the Pops’ at the time, but almost jeopardized that appearance – a fact he kept hidden from everyone.

When we got back to London, we linked up with some friends who had a very potent form of heroin, I believe it was called Persian Brown. Everyone tried some, and most of them quickly became incapacitated, but a friend and I were still able to take a few more lines.

I was in really bad shape, and I was losing color. The medical staff immediately cooled me down by putting me in an ice bath and having someone walk me around outside on the roof.

Billy struggled with serious addictions throughout his career as a musician, including heroin, marijuana, opium, alcohol, and a compulsive interest in sex.

He arrived in New York with very little – just a mattress, bedding, and his guitar – and quickly started building a career in music, but this also marked the beginning of his struggles with drug addiction.

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 nightclubs and dancing.

Billy first tried heroin at clubs, and quickly became addicted, not realizing how harmful it was.

Even with his father’s help and a fresh start in Los Angeles, Billy struggled with staying sober for long periods, repeatedly relapsing and recovering over the years.

It wasn’t until a near-fatal overdose outside a Los Angeles club in 1994 that Billy Idol resolved to change his lifestyle, wanting to be there for his children.

Billy revealed to DailyMailTV in 2019 that his wild rock and roll lifestyle often put him in dangerous situations. However, he now says he’s happier and no longer drinks vodka onstage.

As a lifestyle expert, I often tell people that singing is incredibly physical! It really demands a lot of breath control and overall fitness. You can’t just step onto the stage and expect it to happen – you need to be in shape to truly perform.

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

Billy Idol Should Be Dead will be available to watch on Sky Arts from March 26.  

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2026-03-05 04:25