Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this episode, Robert John Hadfield dives into a rare and fascinating vintage article titled “A Brief Encounter with Billy Idol” — originally published in The Leader Post on January 26, 1985, and written by E. Jean Carroll. The piece captures Billy Idol at the height of his Rebel Yell fame, when he was an MTV icon with swagger, mystery, and punk attitude.
Robert takes you through the article line by line, bringing it to life with context, nostalgia, and behind-the-scenes insights. You’ll hear about Billy’s early years in Generation X, his move to New York City with less than $1,000, and his fateful connection with KISS manager Bill Aucoin that helped launch his solo career. The story paints a vivid picture of Billy’s messy apartment, his love of Elvis, and his view that “it’s easy to sing songs—but hard to be human.”
Along the way, Robert contextualizes the era — from the cancellation of The Dukes of Hazzard to the movies in theaters at the time (Witness, Runaway starring Gene Simmons, and even Supergirl). It’s a snapshot of 1985 pop culture through the eyes of one of rock’s most unforgettable figures.
Fans of classic MTV, ’80s rock icons, and rock journalism will love this immersive ride back in time.
***** SIGN UP TO MEET WITH ROBERT JOHN HADFIELD - scheduler.zoom.us/robert-hadfield
@BillyIdol #80smusic
In this episode, Robert John Hadfield dives into a rare and fascinating vintage article titled “A Brief Encounter with Billy Idol” — originally published in The Leader Post on January 26, 1985, and written by E. Jean Carroll. The piece captures Billy Idol at the height of his Rebel Yell fame, when he was an MTV icon with swagger, mystery, and punk attitude.
Robert takes you through the article line by line, bringing it to life with context, nostalgia, and behind-the-scenes insights. You’ll hear about Billy’s early years in Generation X, his move to New York City with less than $1,000, and his fateful connection with KISS manager Bill Aucoin that helped launch his solo career. The story paints a vivid picture of Billy’s messy apartment, his love of Elvis, and his view that “it’s easy to sing songs—but hard to be human.”
Along the way, Robert contextualizes the era — from the cancellation of The Dukes of Hazzard to the movies in theaters at the time (Witness, Runaway starring Gene Simmons, and even Supergirl). It’s a snapshot of 1985 pop culture through the eyes of one of rock’s most unforgettable figures.
Fans of classic MTV, ’80s rock icons, and rock journalism will love this immersive ride back in time.
***** SIGN UP TO MEET WITH ROBERT JOHN HADFIELD - scheduler.zoom.us/robert-hadfield
@BillyIdol #80smusic
