Billy Idol is backed by a very talented band consisting of guitarist Steve Stevens, who has been touring with Billy Idol since 1981. Steve Stevens is a well-versed guitar player having performed with many talented musicians including Michael Jackson, when he provided guitar for his album, Bad. Billy Idol will headline Naperville’s Ribfest in Knoch Park on Wednesday, July 3rd. The first lineup announcement for 2019 has the Ribfest chairs and the club smiling. “Billy Idol has always been ahead of his time. He’s unique and talented”, says Pete Paulsen, co-chair of 2019 Ribfest, “and this is his first performance at Ribfest.
Idol performing in June 2012 | |
Background information | |
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Birth name | William Michael Albert Broad |
Born | 30 November 1955 (age 63) Stanmore, Middlesex, England |
Genres | |
Occupation(s) | |
Instruments |
|
Years active | 1976–present |
Labels | |
Associated acts | |
Website | billyidol.net |
William Michael Albert Broad[1] (born 30 November 1955), known professionally as Billy Idol, is an English musician, singer, songwriter, and actor. He first achieved fame in the 1970s emerging from the London punk rock scene as a member of Generation X. Subsequently, he embarked on a solo career which led to international recognition and made Idol a lead artist during the MTV-driven 'Second British Invasion' in the United States. The name 'Billy Idol' was inspired by a schoolteacher's description of him as 'idle'.
Idol began his music career in late 1976 as a guitarist in the punk rock band Chelsea. However, he soon left the group. With his former bandmate Tony James, Idol formed the band Generation X. With Idol as lead singer, the band achieved success in the United Kingdom and released three albums on Chrysalis Records before disbanding. In 1981, Idol moved to New York City to pursue his solo career in collaboration with guitarist Steve Stevens. His debut studio album, Billy Idol (1982), was a commercial success. With music videos for singles 'Dancing with Myself' and 'White Wedding' Idol soon became a staple of then-newly established MTV.
Idol's second studio album, Rebel Yell (1983), was a major commercial success, featuring hit singles 'Rebel Yell' and 'Eyes Without a Face'. The album was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipment of two million copies in the US. In 1986, he released Whiplash Smile. Having accumulated three UK top 10 singles ('Rebel Yell', 'White Wedding' and 'Mony Mony') Idol released a 1988 greatest hits album entitled Idol Songs: 11 of the Best; the album went platinum in the United Kingdom. Idol then released two studio albums, Charmed Life (1990) and the concept albumCyberpunk (1993).
Idol spent the second half of the 1990s out of the public eye focusing on his personal life. He made a musical comeback with the release of Devil's Playground (2005) and again with Kings & Queens of the Underground (2014). Idol became a US citizen on 14 November 2018.[2]
- 1Life and career
- 2Live band
- 4Awards and nominations
- 6References
Life and career[edit]
1955–1975: early life[edit]
Billy Idol was born William Michael Albert Broad in Stanmore, Middlesex on 30 November 1955.[1] In 1958, when Idol was two years old, his parents moved to Patchogue, New York. The family returned to England four years later with Idol and his younger sister, Jane (who had been born in the U.S.), settling in Dorking, Surrey.[3] In 1971, the family moved to Bromley, southeast London, where Idol attended Ravensbourne School for Boys. Idol also attended Worthing High School for Boys in Worthing, West Sussex. In October 1975, Idol attended the University of Sussex to pursue an English degree and lived on campus (East Slope in Falmer) but left after year one in 1976. He then went on to join the Bromley Contingent of Sex Pistols fans, a loose gang that travelled into town when the band played.[4][5] Idol's parents were devout Anglicans and attended church regularly.[6]
1976–1981: Generation X[edit]
The name 'Billy Idol' was coined due to a schoolteacher's description of Idol as 'idle'.[7] In an interview on 21 November 1983, Idol said the name 'Billy Idol' 'was a bit of a goof, but also part of the old English school of rock. Billy Fury and all that. It was a 'double thing' not just a poke at the superstar-like people ... It was fun, you know?'[8] In another interview for BBC Breakfast in October 2014, he said that he wanted to use the name 'Billy Idle', but thought the name would be unavailable due to its similarity to the name of Monty Python star Eric Idle and chose 'Billy Idol' instead.[9]
Idol first joined Chelsea in 1976 as a guitarist.[10] He and Chelsea bandmate Tony James soon left that group and co-founded Generation X, with Idol switching from guitarist to lead singer. Generation X was one of the first punk bands to appear on the BBC Television music programme Top of the Pops.[11] Although a punk rock band, they were inspired by mid-1960s British pop, in sharp contrast to their more militant peers, with Idol stating; 'We were saying the opposite to the Clash and the Pistols. They were singing 'No Elvis, Beatles or the Rolling Stones', but we were honest about what we liked. The truth was, we were all building our music on the Beatles and the Stones'.[4] Generation X signed with Chrysalis Records and released three albums and performed in the 1980 film, D.O.A., before disbanding.
1981–1985: solo career, Rebel Yell and breakthrough[edit]
'MTV has paved the way for a host of invaders from abroad: Def Leppard, Adam Ant, Madness, Eurythmics, the Fixx and Billy Idol, to name a few. In return, grateful Brits, even superstars like Pete Townshend and the Police, have mugged for MTV promo spots and made the phrase ”I want my MTV” a household commonplace.'
—Anglomania: The Second British Invasion, by Parke Puterbaugh for Rolling Stone, November 1983.[12]
Idol moved to New York City in 1981 and became a solo artist, working with former Kiss manager Bill Aucoin. Idol's punk-like image worked well with the glam rock style of his new partner on guitar, Steve Stevens.[13] Together they worked with bassist Phil Feit and drummer Gregg Gerson. Idol's solo career began with the Chrysalis Records EP titled Don't Stop in 1981, which included the Generation X song 'Dancing with Myself', originally recorded for their last album Kiss Me Deadly, and a cover of Tommy James & the Shondells' song 'Mony Mony'. Idol's debut solo album, Billy Idol, was released in July 1982.[14]
Part of the MTV-driven 'Second British Invasion' of the US, in 1982 Idol became an MTV staple with 'White Wedding' and 'Dancing with Myself'. The music video for 'White Wedding' was filmed by the British director David Mallet, and played frequently on MTV. In 1983, Idol's label released 'Dancing with Myself' in the US in conjunction with a music video directed by Tobe Hooper, which played on MTV for six months.
Idol's second LP, Rebel Yell (1983) was a major success[15] and established Idol in the United States with hits such as 'Rebel Yell,' 'Eyes Without a Face,' and 'Flesh for Fantasy'. 'Eyes Without a Face' peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100, and 'Rebel Yell' reached number six in the UK Singles Chart.[16][17] This album and its singles saw Idol become popular in other countries such as Germany, Italy, Switzerland and New Zealand.
1986–1992: Whiplash Smile and Charmed Life[edit]
Idol performing during the Cradle of Love Tour, 1990
Idol released Whiplash Smile in 1986, which sold well.[15] The album included the hits 'To Be a Lover', 'Don't Need a Gun' and 'Sweet Sixteen'. Idol filmed a video featuring 'Sweet Sixteen' in Florida's Coral Castle.
In 1986, Stevens appeared with Harold Faltermeyer on the Top Gun soundtrack. Their contribution was the Grammy winning instrumental, 'Top Gun Anthem'. Stevens was working on Whiplash Smile, and Faltermeyer supplied the keyboards which led to both of them playing on the Top Gun score.
After Stevens' success, the partnership between Idol and Stevens fell apart. Besides playing an acoustic show for KROQ in 1993, Stevens and Idol did not tour again until early 1999. Stevens and Idol collaborated in the mid-1990s, playing with Guns N' Roses members Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum in 1995. Idol, Stevens, McKagan, and Sorum performed 'Christmas in the USA' on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in 1995.
A remix album was released in 1987 called, Vital Idol. The album featured a live rendition of his cover of Tommy James' 'Mony Mony'. In 1987 the single topped the United States chart and reached number 7 in the UK.[15][17] The album had already been available in the UK for two years.
Idol and his girlfriend Perri Lister moved from New York to Los Angeles. Lister became pregnant with Idol's son Willem Wolfe Broad, born on 15 June 1988. Idol did not stay loyal to Lister and started seeing Linda Mathis, who was 13 years younger than Idol. At the age of 19, Mathis became pregnant and chose to move in with her mother to have her child, a girl named Bonnie Blue Broad, born on 21 August 1989.
Idol was involved in a serious motorcycle accident, which nearly cost him a leg, on 6 February 1990 in Hollywood.[18] He was hit by a car when he ran a stop sign while riding home from the studio one night, requiring a steel rod to be placed in his leg.[19] Shortly prior to this, film director Oliver Stone had chosen Idol for a role in his film The Doors, but the accident prevented him from participating in a major way and Idol's role was reduced to a small part. He had also been James Cameron's first choice for the role of the villainous T-1000 in Terminator 2: Judgment Day; the role was recast entirely as a result of the accident.[20]
Charmed Life was released in 1990, and a video for the single 'Cradle of Love' had to be shot. The song had been featured in the Andrew Dice Clay film, The Adventures of Ford Fairlane. Since Idol was unable to walk, he was shot from the waist up. The video featured video footage of him singing in large frames throughout an apartment, while Betsy Lynn George was trying to seduce a businessman. The video was placed in rotation on MTV. 'Cradle of Love' earned Idol a third Grammy nomination for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.[21] Against his doctors' advice, he also managed to make appearances to promote Charmed Life.
1993–2004: Cyberpunk, career decline and resurgence[edit]
Idol performing at the Milton Keynes Bowl in Buckinghamshire, 1993
In 1993, Idol released Cyberpunk.[22] Regarded as experimental, it was recorded in a home studio using a Macintosh computer. Idol used Studiovision and Pro-Tools to record the album. The album took ten months to make. Idol recorded the album with guitarist Mark Younger-Smith and producer Robin Hancock.
Special editions of the album were issued with a floppy disk which contained a screensaver. It was one of the first albums which listed the e-mail address of the artist ([email protected], now inactive) in its booklet. In 1996, Idol appeared in a live version of the Who's Quadrophenia.[23]
He played a Generation X reunion show in 1993.[24]
In 1994, Idol collapsed outside a Los Angeles nightclub due to an overdose[25] on a drug called GHB. GHB was a legal drug at the time, and mainly used by weight-lifters.[26]
After the incident, Idol decided that his children would never forgive him for dying of a drug overdose, and he began to focus more on fatherhood. Cyberpunk pays tribute to Lou Reed with Idol's cover of 'Heroin'.
Idol did not want to release an album during this period because he was having a lot of problems with his record label. It was decided that he would wind up owing the record company money if he produced anything. EMI hired producer Glenn Ballard to work with him on a new project, but Idol battled the label over creative differences and the album was put on hold.[citation needed]
In 1994, Idol and Steve Stevens contributed a song called 'Speed' to the soundtrack of the hit movie Speed, starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock.
Idol made a cameo appearance as himself in the 1998 film The Wedding Singer with Adam Sandler, in which Idol played a pivotal role in the plot. The film also featured 'White Wedding' on its soundtrack.
Idol also had a small part in the film The Doors, directed by Oliver Stone. Idol played Jim Morrison's drinking pal, Cat.[27] He was also considered for the role of the villain, Jacob Kell, in Highlander: Endgame, although ultimately Bruce Payne was cast.
In 2000, Idol was invited to be a guest vocalist on Tony Iommi's album. His contribution was on the song 'Into the Night', which he also co-wrote. That year he voice acted the role of Odin, a mysterious alien character, in the animated fantasy film Heavy Metal 2000.
VH1 aired Billy Idol – Behind the Music on 16 April 2001. Idol and Stevens took part in a VH1 Storytellers show three days later. The reunited duo set out to play a series of acoustic/storytellers shows before recording the VH1 special. Another Greatest Hits CD was issued in 2001, with Keith Forsey and Simple Minds' 'Don't You (Forget About Me)' appearing on the compilation. The LP also includes a live acoustic version of 'Rebel Yell', taken from a performance at Los Angeles station KROQ's 1993 Acoustic Christmas concert. The Greatest Hits album sold one million of copies in the States alone, as well as being a success around the world, providing Idol with a big comeback.
In the 2002 NRL Grand Final in Sydney, Idol entered the playing field for the half-time entertainment on a hovercraft to the intro of 'White Wedding', where he managed to sing only two words before a power failure ended the performance.[28]
2005–2009: Devil's Playground[edit]
Idol performing on stage at the Brixton Academy in London, 2005
Devil's Playground, which came out in March 2005, was Idol's first new studio album in nearly 12 years. Idol reunited with guitarist Steve Stevens and producer Keith Forsey to record the album. It was after a concert at the Hammerstein Ballroom that Sanctuary Records approached Idol about making new music in his older style.
The album was recorded with the entire band playing in one room, rather than each person recording their part separately. Idol's drummer, Brian Tichy, collaborated with Idol and Stevens and co-wrote some of the tracks on the album. The first single and video to be released was 'Scream'.[citation needed]
The album reached No. 46 on the Billboard 200. The album included a cover of 'Plastic Jesus.' Idol played a handful of dates on the 2005 Vans Warped Tour and also appeared at the Download Festival at Donington Park, the Voodoo Music Experience in New Orleans and Rock am Ring.[29] Guitarist Steve Stevens broke his ulna while taking a few bags into his hotel in New Orleans. The guitarist had to perform most of the tour in a two-piece removable cast.
In 2006, as his only UK live date, he appeared headlining the Sunday night of GuilFest. That same year he made an appearance on Viva La Bam where he helped Bam Margera succeed in 'creating' a sunroof for his Lamborghini Gallardo and performed live for April Margera for her birthday. In 2006, Idol guested on his keyboardist Derek Sherinian's solo album Blood of the Snake, covering the 1970 Mungo Jerry hit 'In the Summertime'. A video was made featuring Idol and guitarist Slash. In November 2006, Idol released a Christmas album called Happy Holidays.
In 2008, 'Rebel Yell' appeared as a playable track on the video game, Guitar Hero World Tour, and 'White Wedding' on Rock Band 2. The Rock Band 2 platform later gaining 'Mony Mony' and 'Rebel Yell' as downloadable tracks. On 24 June 2008, Idol released a new greatest hits album, The Very Best of Billy Idol: Idolize Yourself. The compilation featured two previously unreleased tracks, 'John Wayne' and 'New Future Weapon.' A third track, 'Fractured,' was available for download on iTunes. He embarked on a worldwide tour, co-headlining with Def Leppard.
In July 2009, Idol performed at the Congress Theater, Chicago for the United States television series Soundstage. This performance was recorded and was released on DVD/Blu-ray as In Super Overdrive Live, on 17 November 2009.[30]
2010–present: Kings & Queens of the Underground[edit]
Idol performing at Bonnaroo, 2013
On 16 February 2010, Idol was announced as one of the acts to play the Download Festival in Donington Park, England. He stated, 'With all of these great heavyweight and cool bands playing Download this year, I'm going to have to come armed with my punk rock attitude, Steve Stevens, and all of my classic songs plus a couple of way out covers. Should be fun!'[31] In March 2010, Idol added Camp Freddy guitarist Billy Morrison[32] and drummer Jeremy Colson to his touring line-up.
Idol performing at the 2015 NHL Winter Classic
In 2012, Idol appeared on the third episode of the BBC Four series, How the Brits Rocked America.[33]
Idol released his 8th studio album Kings & Queens of the Underground in October 2014. Whilst recording the album between 2010 and 2014, he worked with producer Trevor Horn, Horn's former Buggles and Yes bandmate Geoff Downes[34] and Greg Kurstin. Idol's autobiography, entitled Dancing With Myself, was published on 7 October 2014 and became a New York Times best seller.[35]
On 30 October 2018, former Generation X members Idol and Tony James joined with Steve Jones and Paul Cook, former members of another first wave English punk rock band, the Sex Pistols, to perform a free gig at the Roxy in Hollywood, Los Angeles, under the name Generation Sex, playing a combined set of the two former bands' material.[36]
Live band[edit]
Idol's current band consists of:
- Billy Idol - lead vocals (since 1981)
- Steve Stevens – lead guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (1981–1987, 1993, 1995, 1999–present)
- Stephen McGrath – bass, backing vocals (2001–present)
- Billy Morrison – rhythm and lead guitar, backing vocals (2010–present)
- Erik Eldenius – drums (2012–present)
- Paul Trudeau – keyboards, rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2014–present)
Former members
- Phil Feit – bass (1981–1983)
- Steve Missal – drums (1981)
- Gregg Gerson – drums (1981–1983)
- Judi Dozier – keyboards (1982–1985)
- Steve Webster – bass (1983–1985)
- Thommy Price – drums (1983–1988)
- Kenny Aaronson – bass (1986–1988)
- Susie Davis - keyboards, backing vocals (1986-1988)
- Phil Soussan – bass (1988–1990)
- Zane Fix – bass (1980s)
- Mark Younger-Smith – lead and rhythm guitar (1987–1993)
- Larry Seymour – bass (1990–1996)
- Tal Bergman – drums (1990–1993, 2000)
- Bonnie Hayes - keyboards, backing vocals (1990-1991)
- Jennifer Blakeman – keyboards (1993)
- Julie Greaux – keyboards (1993)
- Danny Sadownik – drums (1993)
- Mark Schulman – drums (1993–2001)
- Sasha Krivtsov – bass (2000)
- Brian Tichy – drums (2001–2009)
- Jeremy Colson – drums (2010–2012)
- Derek Sherinian – keyboards (2002–2014)
Timeline[edit]
Discography[edit]
- Studio albums
- Billy Idol (1982)
- Rebel Yell (1983)
- Whiplash Smile (1986)
- Charmed Life (1990)
- Cyberpunk (1993)
- Devil's Playground (2005)
- Happy Holidays (2006)
- Kings & Queens of the Underground (2014)
Awards and nominations[edit]
Grammy Awards[edit]
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
1985 | 'Rebel Yell' | Best Male Rock Vocal Performance | Nominated |
1987 | 'To Be a Lover' | Best Male Rock Vocal Performance | Nominated |
1991 | 'Cradle of Love' | Best Male Rock Vocal Performance | Nominated |
MTV Video Music Awards[edit]
The MTV Video Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony established in 1984 by MTV.
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
1984 | 'Dancing With Myself' | Best Direction | Nominated |
1984 | 'Dancing With Myself' | Best Art Direction | Nominated |
1984 | 'Dancing With Myself' | Best Special Effects | Nominated |
1984 | 'Eyes Without a Face' | Best Cinematography | Nominated |
1984 | 'Eyes Without a Face' | Best Editing | Nominated |
1990 | 'Cradle of Love' | Best Video from a Film | Won |
1990 | 'Cradle of Love' | Best Male Video | Nominated |
1990 | 'Cradle of Love' | Best Special Effects | Nominated |
1993 | 'Shock to the System' | Best Special Effects | Nominated |
1993 | 'Shock to the System' | Best Editing | Nominated |
Brit Awards[edit]
The Brit Awards are the British Phonographic Industry's annual pop music awards.[37]
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
1991 | Billy Idol – 'Cradle of Love' | Best British Video | Nominated |
See also[edit]
- Coral Castle, a stone structure where Idol got his inspiration for his song 'Sweet Sixteen'.
References[edit]
- ^ abGuinness 1992, p. 1222.
- ^AM, Scott McDonald On 11/16/18 at 1:50 (16 November 2018). 'British rocker Billy Idol took his oath to become a United States Citizen, making it a nice day to, get sworn in'. Newsweek. Retrieved 21 December 2018.
- ^'Film Reference biography'. Filmreference.com. Retrieved 11 October 2011.
- ^ ab'Billy Idol: the return of Billy the kid'. The Daily Telegraph. London. 24 July 2008. Retrieved 9 April 2014.
- ^The Roxy London WC2: A Punk History - Paul Marko. Books.google.com. 2007. ISBN9780955658303. Retrieved 9 April 2014.
- ^'Billy Idol's Religion and Political Views'. hollowverse.com.
- ^Edmunds, Ben, untitled essay in Greatest Hits (2001)
- ^ConcertVault interview 21 November 1983
- ^'BBC Breakfast Billy Idol Interview (27 October 2014)' on YouTube. BBC. Retrieved 28 October 2014
- ^History of the band 'Chelsea'. http://www.steveharnett.com/Chelsea.html
- ^'Biography by Greg Prato'. AllMusic. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
- ^'Anglomania: The Second British Invasion'. Rolling Stone. Retrieved 29 April 2019.
- ^'Vernon Reid – Guitar World interview (part 3) Cult of Personality'. The Biography Channel. 15 February 2010. Archived from the original on 30 December 2011. Retrieved 30 August 2012.
- ^William Ruhlmann. 'Billy Idol - Billy Idol | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards'. AllMusic. Retrieved 9 April 2014.
- ^ abc'Billy Idol Music News & Info'. Billboard. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
- ^Whitburn, Joel (2006). The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits. Billboard Books
- ^ abRoberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London, England: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 266. ISBN1-904994-10-5.
- ^Marilyn Monroe Died Here – More Locations of America's Pop Culture Landmarks by Chris Epting, pg. 185
- ^Biography for Billy Idol on IMDb
- ^'Billy Idol Almost Played the T-1000 in 'Terminator 2,' Robert Patrick Says'. hollywoodreporter.com.
- ^'Billy Idol'. Rock On The Net. Retrieved 9 April 2014.
- ^'20 Years Ago: Billy Idol's 'Cyberpunk' Album Released'. Ultimate Classic Rock.
- ^Dave White. 'About Classic Rock - Review Who 'Tommy/Quadrophenia' DVD'. About.com Entertainment.
- ^'Billy Idol wants Generation X reunion'. 3news.co.nz.
- ^The Times (London, England). (8 August 1994): News: p5. 'The British rock star Billy Idol was released from hospital in Burbank, California after he was admitted in a critical condition from an apparent drug overdose on Friday night.'
- ^Both Billy Idol and his friend John Diaz discuss this incident/drug in MTV BTM interview 2001 'MTV Behind the Music'. www.youtube.com. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
- ^Kilday, Gregg (8 March 1991). 'Faces in the Crowd'. EW.com. Retrieved 9 April 2014.
- ^'Idol idle: rebel's yell silenced'. theage.com.au. 7 October 2002. Retrieved 9 April 2014.
- ^'Rock am Ring 2005'. ringrocker.com. Retrieved 11 October 2011.
- ^'Billy Idol · Super Overdrive Live DVD'. Archived from the original on 19 October 2009. Retrieved 21 October 2009.
- ^'Billy Idol announced to play Download 2010'. Downloadfestival.co.uk. Archived from the original on 19 November 2012. Retrieved 9 April 2014.
- ^'Billy Morrison: MORRISON WITH IDOL 2010'. archive.org. 11 May 2011.
- ^'BBC Four - How the Brits Rocked America: Go West'. BBC. 18 October 2013. Retrieved 9 April 2014.
- ^'Album of the Week: Stream 'Zang Tuum Tumb,' a 27-Track History of ZTT Records'. SPIN. 8 October 2013. Retrieved 9 April 2014.
- ^'Billy Idol to Release First New Album in Nearly a Decade'. The Hollywood Reporter. 17 June 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
- ^'Generation Sex: King Rockers and Silly Things at the Roxy'. LA Weekly. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
- ^'Billy Idol nomination for 1991 BRIT Awards Best British Video'. Brits.co.uk. Archived from the original on 13 April 2014. Retrieved 9 April 2014.
Reference bibliography[edit]
- Larkin, Colin, ed. (1992). 'Idol, Billy'. The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music. 2: Farian, Frank to Menza, Don. Guinness.
Further reading[edit]
- Gilbert, Pat (December 2014). 'Just William'. Mojo. 253 (6): 54–57.
External links[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Billy Idol. |
Wikiquote has quotations related to: Billy Idol |
- Billy Idol on IMDb
- Billy Idol at Rolling Stone
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Billy_Idol&oldid=901734697'
(Redirected from You're The Inspiration)
'You're the Inspiration' | ||||
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Single by Chicago | ||||
from the album Chicago 17 | ||||
B-side | 'Once in a Lifetime' | |||
Released | October 29, 1984 | |||
Format | ||||
Recorded | 1983–1984 | |||
Genre | Soft rock[1] | |||
Length | 3:50 | |||
Label | Full Moon/Warner Bros. | |||
Songwriter(s) | Peter Cetera, David Foster | |||
Producer(s) | David Foster | |||
Chicago singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Music video | ||||
'You're the Inspiration' on YouTube |
'You're the Inspiration' is a song written by Peter Cetera and David Foster for the group Chicago and recorded for their fourteenth studio album Chicago 17 (1984), with Cetera singing lead vocals. The third single released from that album, it reached No. 3 on the US BillboardHot 100 chart in January 1985 (behind 'All I Need' by Jack Wagner and 'Like a Virgin' by Madonna) and also climbed to the top position on the adult contemporary chart at the same time.[2] The song won honors for Cetera from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), in 1986 in the most-performed songs category.[3]
Peter Cetera re-recorded the song for his 1997 solo album You're the Inspiration: A Collection.[4] That same year he also recorded a single version with the vocal R&B group, Az Yet.[4][5]
- 5Chart performance
- 6Peter Cetera feat. Az Yet version
History[edit]
Peter Cetera stated in a 2004 interview that 'You're the Inspiration' started out as a song for Kenny Rogers:
'David Foster called me up and he said, ‘I’m in the studio with Kenny Rogers, and he would like you to write a song for him.’ And I said, ‘That’s great! As a matter of fact, I’m leaving for Italy...’ I was going to Europe for something. I don’t remember [why]...and this was like nine o’clock in the morning. I said, ‘I’m leaving for Italy tonight around five o’clock. I’ll be there about two weeks, and I’ll call you when I come back.’ And he goes, ‘No, no, no, he means, like, now.’ (....) And so David was in the studio...and of course...you know, last minute. And so I said, ‘Alright, well you come over here right now, and we’ll see what we can do.’ So in the midst of packing, David drove out to where I was then living. And we basically, in about three hours, came up with a little chordal structure for “You’re the Inspiration,” which it wasn’t called that at the time. And we sort of made this little tape of this chord structure; I took it on the plane, [and] went to Italy. And, of course, lying in these beautiful baroque and marble rooms, and singing out the window...I was writing things about, ‘Michelangelo you should know, Michelangelo.’ And I came up with, oh...you’re the inspiration! [So, I] came back with the words, worked on this melody, and came back and presented the song. And [Kenny] basically didn’t have the time or didn’t want to do it. Good for me!'[6]
Cetera then changed some of the words and recorded the song with Chicago for their Chicago 17 album.
Personnel[edit]
- Peter Cetera – lead and background vocals, arrangements
- Bill Champlin – guitars, keyboards, background vocals
- Robert Lamm – keyboards, background vocals
- Lee Loughnane – synth bass
- James Pankow – keyboards
- Walter Parazaider – guitar
- Chris Pinnick – guitar
- Carlos Vega – drums
Additional personnel
- Michael Landau – guitar
- Paul Jackson, Jr. – guitar
- Mark Goldenberg – guitar
- Paulinho da Costa – percussion
- David Foster – keyboards, synth programming, synth bass (Moog), additional arrangements
- John Van Tongeren – synthesizer programming
- Erich Bulling – synthesizer programming
- Marcus Ryle – synthesizer programming
- Gary Grant – trumpet
- Greg Adams – trumpet
- Kenny Cetera – background vocals
In popular culture[edit]
Chicago's version is heard in a 2017 commercial for the National Football League that aired during halftime of Super Bowl LI on February 5, 2017.[7] In the 2016 Tom Hanks movie, A Hologram for the King, the original Chicago version served as the 'punchline' for a scene.[8] Portions of the song were also played in the 2016 superhero film, Deadpool, journalist John Hugar of UPROXX calling the use of the song during the hero's battle with the main villain 'one of many subversive moments' in the film.[9] A cover of the song was used in the 2006 Nintendo DS rhythm game Elite Beat Agents. The song's first verse was featured in the eighth episode of the ninth season of the American black comedy sitcom It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.[10] The song was also used in the 150 episode of Criminal Minds, 'Unknown Subject' which is the 12th episode of the 7th season.[11]
“You’re the Inspiration” is also included in the soundtrack of the eighteenth episode of Cobra Kai, a YouTube Premium series that serves as a continuation to the original The Karate Kid films. Said episode, entitled “Glory of Love”, first released in April 2019, is named after Cetera’s first number one song as a solo artist, “Glory of Love”, which was originally featured in the 1986 film, The Karate Kid Part II.[12]
Music video[edit]
The video depicted the band performing intercut with scenes of embracing couples of varying ages ranging from young kids to a couple resembling Billy Idol and Madonna at the time. Lead singer Peter Cetera is seen wearing a T-shirt from the British goth band Bauhaus. During his performance, Cetera is sitting the whole time. Actor Matt Dillon was also in the music video.[13]
Chart performance[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
| Year-end charts[edit]
|
Peter Cetera feat. Az Yet version[edit]
'You're the Inspiration' | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Peter Cetera feat. Az Yet | ||||
from the album You're the Inspiration: A Collection | ||||
Released | August 25, 1997 | |||
Format | CD single | |||
Recorded | 1996 | |||
Genre | R&B, adult contemporary | |||
Length | 4:07 | |||
Label | Platinum Entertainment | |||
Songwriter(s) | Peter Cetera, David Foster | |||
Producer(s) | Babyface | |||
Peter Cetera feat. Az Yet singles chronology | ||||
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Track listings[edit]
- 'You're the Inspiration' – 4:07
- 'Hard to Say I'm Sorry' – 3:13
Charts[edit]
Chart (1997) | Peak position |
---|---|
US Billboard Hot 100[25] | 77 |
US BillboardAdult Contemporary[26] | 29 |
Dutch Top 40[27] | 72 |
Music video[edit]
The music video for 'You're the Inspiration' (Peter Cetera featuring Az Yet) was directed by Steven R. Monroe and was filmed at Westward Beach (Malibu, California).[28]
Other recordings[edit]
- Covered by New Jersey Mass Choir (1985)
- Covered by UK singer Elkie Brooks on her 1989 album, Inspiration.
- Covered by David Foster as an instrumental-piano version on his 1991 album, Rechordings.
- Covered by pop singer Stevie Brock on his 2003 debut self-titled album.
- Covered by Julian Miranda for the 2006 Nintendo DS game Elite Beat Agents.
- Covered by Relient K for inclusion on their 2011 album, Is for Karaoke.
- Recorded by CC & Lee on the 2009 album Gåva till dig.[29]
- Covered by Jamaican reggae group L.U.S.T. in 2009.
- Covered by dance/pop singer Jon Alkalay in 2014.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. 'Chicago – The Collection'. AllMusic. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
- ^Whitburn, Joel (2002). Top Adult Contemporary: 1961-2001. Record Research. p. 55.
- ^'ASCAP Awards Ceremony'. Billboard. 98 (24). June 14, 1986. p. 79. Retrieved March 6, 2019 – via Google Books.
- ^ abTaylor, Chuck (July 12, 1997). 'For former Chicago crooner Cetera, making hits is a hard habit to break'. Billboard. 109 (28). p. 85. Retrieved February 21, 2017.
- ^Bronson, Fred (October 25, 1997). 'Chart Beat: Jackson Lassoes No. 1 With 'Rope''. Billboard. 109 (43). USA. p. 102. Retrieved February 21, 2017.
- ^Cetera, Peter. 'unknown' (Interview). Interviewed by unknown.
Youtube title: Peter Cetera Interview 2004
|access-date=
requires|url=
(help) - ^Neveau, James (February 6, 2017). 'Baby Ditka Steals Spotlight in Super Bowl Ad'. NBC Chicago. NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
- ^Duffy, Thom (May 27, 2016). 'Drake, Skrillex and More Music Stars Reaping Rewards From International Synchs'. Billboard. Retrieved August 17, 2017.
- ^HUGAR, JOHN (February 18, 2016). 'On 'Deadpool' And The Secret Power Of The Sappy Love Ballad'. UPROXX. Retrieved February 16, 2017.
- ^Ryan, Shane (October 24, 2013). 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: 'Flowers For Charlie' (Episode 9.08)'. pastemagazine.com. Retrieved March 19, 2019.
- ^Beard, Lanford (January 27, 2012). ''House,' 'Glee,' 'Gossip Girl,' 'CSI': EW's TV Jukebox!'. EW.com. Retrieved March 3, 2019.
- ^Sorokach, Josh (April 24, 2019). ''Cobra Kai' Season 2 is a Fun, Tragic Journey That Leaves You Wanting More'. Decider. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
- ^Chicago | You're The Inspiration | Music Video | MTV, Viacom, retrieved February 6, 2017
- ^'Chicago Chart History The Hot 100'. Billboard. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
- ^'Chicago Chart History Adult Contemporary'. Billboard. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
- ^'RPM 100 Singles for Feb. 16, 1985'. RPM. Canada. February 16, 1985. p. 6.
- ^'Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada'. Collectionscanada.gc.ca. March 9, 1985. Retrieved April 1, 2019.
- ^'The Irish Charts – Search Results – You're the Inspiration'. Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
- ^'You're the Inspiration'. Dutchcharts. 1985. Retrieved January 30, 2015.
- ^'You're the Inspiration'. Charts. 1985. Retrieved January 30, 2015.
- ^'You're the Inspiration'. Charts. 1985. Retrieved January 30, 2015.
- ^'Chicago: Artist Chart History'. Official Charts Company.
- ^'RPM's Top 100 Singles of 1985'. RPM. Canada. December 28, 1985.
- ^http://www.musicoutfitters.com/topsongs/1985.htm
- ^'Peter Cetera Chart History The Hot 100'. Billboard. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
- ^'Peter Cetera Chart History Adult Contemporary (p2)'. Billboard. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
- ^'You're the Inspiration'. Dutchcharts. 1997. Retrieved January 30, 2015.
- ^'Production Notes: Other Cities'. Billboard. 109 (40). USA. October 4, 1997. p. 103. Retrieved February 21, 2017.
- ^'Gåva till dig' (in Swedish). Svensk mediedatabas. 2009. Retrieved January 30, 2015.
External links[edit]
- Lyrics of this song at MetroLyrics
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=You%27re_the_Inspiration&oldid=894704510'