Billy Idol’s Top 10 Music Videos: The King of MTV’s Golden Era
Billy Idol ruled MTV in the ’80s, fusing punk attitude with rockstar theatrics and a striking visual style that made him a music video legend. With his signature sneer, leather-clad swagger, and high-energy performances, he created some of the most memorable clips of the decade. With an upcoming Billy Idol tour, we thought it’s the perfect time to take a look back at Billy Idol’s best music videos. Here’s a ranking of his most iconic videos—rebellious, surreal, and utterly unforgettable.
10. Catch My Fall (1984)
Album: Rebel Yell
Release Date: October 1984
A moody, noir-inspired video that showcases Idol’s introspective side. Set against neon-lit city streets, it strips away the usual bombast in favor of a more subdued, cool aesthetic. While not as flashy as his biggest hits, it offers a glimpse into the darker, more reflective side of his persona.
9. Sweet Sixteen (1987)
Album: Whiplash Smile
Release Date: 1987
A departure from Idol’s usual high-energy, leather-clad image, this video opts for a stripped-down, almost rustic approach. Inspired by the real-life story of Edward Leedskalnin—who built Coral Castle in Florida for his lost love—it adds an eerie, melancholic depth to the song’s lovelorn lyrics. Check out the music video for “Sweet Sixteen.”
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8. Don’t Need a Gun (1987)
Album: Whiplash Smile
Release Date: February 1987
A sleek, ultra-stylized video drenched in neon excess. Idol, dressed in black leather, delivers an intense performance amid surreal backdrops, capturing the high-gloss aesthetic of the late ’80s. The song’s themes of power and danger are amplified by the video’s dramatic cinematography.
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7. Eyes Without a Face (1984)
Album: Rebel Yell
Release Date: May 1984
One of Idol’s most haunting videos, this eerie, dreamlike clip features shadowy lighting, glowing masks, and hypnotic slow-motion sequences. Inspired by the 1960 French horror film of the same name, it perfectly complements the song’s melancholic and unsettling vibe.
6. Mony Mony (1987)
Album: Vital Idol
Release Date: 1987
A pure, adrenaline-fueled live performance. Filmed in a sweaty, high-energy concert setting, this video captures Idol in his element—owning the stage with his snarling vocals and electric charisma. The audience’s wild enthusiasm only adds to the song’s raucous, party-starting spirit. Watch the official video from “Mony Mony.”
5. Rebel Yell (1983)
Album: Rebel Yell
Release Date: November 1983
This stadium-rock anthem gets a fittingly explosive video, featuring Idol at his most feral. The dramatic lighting, rapid cuts, and his electrifying stage presence create a clip that matches the song’s relentless energy. Few videos capture the sheer thrill of ’80s rock excess quite like this one.
4. To Be a Lover (1986)
Album: Whiplash Smile
Release Date: September 1986
A gritty, theatrical take on the rock-star lifestyle. The video blends playful humor with a grungy, set-piece-heavy aesthetic as Idol, looking disheveled and desperate, croons about needing redemption. It’s a mix of romance and chaos, perfectly mirroring the song’s desperate plea for love. Watch the video for “To Be a Lover” by Billy Idol.
3. Dancing with Myself (1981)
Album: Don’t Stop (EP)
Release Date: 1981
Originally recorded with Generation X, this video was revamped for Idol’s solo career and became an MTV classic. Set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic world, it features rooftop dance parties, eerie lighting, and zombie-like figures. The high-energy visuals and punk-disco aesthetic helped define Idol’s early image.
2. Flesh for Fantasy (1984)
Album: Rebel Yell
Release Date: September 1984
A fever dream of avant-garde fashion, erotic undertones, and cinematic intensity. With moody lighting, surreal imagery, and Idol’s primal performance, this video pushed the boundaries of MTV’s early years. Its art-house style made it one of his most visually striking works. Watch “Flesh for Fantasy.”
1. White Wedding (1982)
Album: Billy Idol
Release Date: September 1982
Billy Idol’s most iconic video. A gothic, nightmarish take on marriage, complete with black leather, burning veils, and exploding toasters. Idol’s menacing performance, combined with the video’s eerie atmosphere, turned White Wedding into a pop culture landmark. The clip solidified his MTV dominance and remains one of the most recognizable music videos of all time.
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