Podcast Summary: The Bonfire with Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly Episode: Cradle Of Love with Billy Idol
Release Date: April 11, 2025
Channel: SiriusXM’s Faction Talk, Channel 103

Introduction

In this episode of The Bonfire, hosts Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly welcome the legendary rock icon Billy Idol to discuss his illustrious career, new music, and experiences in the entertainment industry. The conversation is candid, humorous, and offers fans an intimate glimpse into Billy Idol's life both on and off the stage.

Guest Introduction and Early Career

[41:42] Big Jay Oakerson: "I was born in 1970. You, I was a big fan of yours my whole life."

Big Jay expresses his admiration for Billy Idol, highlighting Idol's enduring presence in the music scene. Billy responds by sharing his early days in New York and his transition from the band Generation X to a solo career.

[42:16] Billy Idol: "I love New York. It's fantastic. Especially that time period was incredible time to be in New York."

Billy Idol’s Music and New Album

The hosts delve into Billy Idol's latest work, particularly his first full-length album in over a decade, Dream Into It, set for release on April 25th via Dark Horse Records.

[44:23] Billy Idol: "I really like this music we're making. We didn't try to redesign my music or anything. It's playing to our strengths."

Billy emphasizes staying true to his musical roots while introducing fresh elements to his new album. Big Jay commends the album's ability to blend punk influences with mainstream appeal.

[45:24] Billy Idol: "We've got to make an album that somehow we play to our strengths. We don't redesign what we do."

Live Performances and Touring

The discussion shifts to live performances, with Billy Idol highlighting the exhilarating experience of touring and performing live.

[47:40] Billy Idol: "It's a lot of fun. It's a high you can get every night... the rock and rol experience."

Robert and Big Jay share anecdotes from their own experiences attending Billy Idol’s concerts, emphasizing the energy and passion he brings to the stage.

[47:25] Big Jay Oakerson: "We saw when you were co-headlining with Bryan Adams with Jones Beach a couple years back and it was fantastic."

Personal Stories and Behind-the-Scenes Insights

Billy Idol opens up about his interactions with directors and challenges faced during his career, including his audition for Terminator 2 and his iconic music videos.

[52:16] Billy Idol: "The chance to get in the movie was I was going to be Michael Madsen's part, but the motorcycle accident..."

He shares the creative process behind his music videos, particularly the one for "Cradle of Love," directed by David Fincher.

[53:15] Billy Idol: "David Fincher was a genius director. He had that great idea..."

Influences and Legacy

The conversation touches on Billy Idol's influences, such as the Sex Pistols and David Bowie, and how these inspirations shaped his music and persona.

[59:39] Billy Idol: "We were just into that scene. Velvet Underground, David Bowie, Iggy Pop..."

Billy reflects on his 50-year career, expressing gratitude for his longevity in the music industry and his plans to continue making impactful music.

[61:46] Billy Idol: "We've been watching that and dreaming into that, if you know what I mean."

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nomination

Billy Idol discusses his recent nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an acknowledgment of his significant contributions to the music world.

[62:25] Robert Kelly: "Billy's nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Far, long overdue."

Billy expresses humility and excitement about the nomination, emphasizing the collaborative effort with his guitarist Steve Stevens.

[62:39] Billy Idol: "You've got Joan J. Alison, Marta. It's all females. It's great."

Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, hosts Big Jay and Robert encourage listeners to support Billy Idol's new album and upcoming performances. The hosts share final anecdotes and express their ongoing admiration for Billy Idol's work and influence.

[63:06] Big Jay Oakerson: "Billy Idol, by the way, Dream into, it's the first full-length album in over a decade..."

[63:17] Big Jay Oakerson: "Earn a business degree on your terms at Capella University..."

Note: The timestamps correspond to notable moments within the podcast transcript.

Notable Quotes

• Billy Idol on Staying True to His Music:

  "[44:23] Billy Idol: 'We've got to make an album that somehow we play to our strengths. We don't redesign what we do.'"

• Big Jay on Concert Experiences:

  "[47:25] Big Jay Oakerson: 'We saw when you were co-headlining with Bryan Adams with Jones Beach a couple years back and it was fantastic.'"

• Billy Idol on Influences:

  "[59:39] Billy Idol: 'We were just into that scene. Velvet Underground, David Bowie, Iggy Pop...'"

• Billy Idol on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:

  "[62:25] Billy Idol: 'It's what music to my ears.'"

Conclusion

This episode of The Bonfire offers a comprehensive and engaging look into Billy Idol's musical journey, his enduring passion for rock and roll, and his strategies for staying relevant in the evolving music landscape. Through humorous exchanges and insightful discussions, Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly create a relaxed atmosphere that allows Billy Idol to share both professional insights and personal anecdotes, making it a must-listen for fans of rock music and those interested in the dynamics of the entertainment industry.