Billy Idol

Few emerged from the first full-blooded explosion of punk with long-term careers, but Billy Idol achieved longevity and managed to hang on to his credibility. He'd bought into the punk ethic after becoming a Sex Pistols fan, was briefly a member of Siouxsie & the Banshees (before they'd got a name) and joined Chelsea as a guitarist before leaving to found Generation X with Tony James. As the dynamic blond-haired singer, Idol was one of punk's coolest figures, making three albums with Generation X and starring in the documentary movie D.O.A before moving to New York to launch his solo career. His first solo album was released in 1982 and Idol was an instant success; his dramatic videos and powerful image becoming a firm favourite on the new MTV channel, helping to propel the singles White Wedding and Dancing With Myself up the charts. His 1983 album Rebel Yell was an international hit and although his career stuttered as he overcame drug problems, his 2005 album Devil's Playground - his first for 12 years - put him back in the public eye.