Billy Idol says next album will feature more electronic influences

Rock musician Billy Idol says his next album will incorporate more electronic sounds while retaining the rock 'n' roll style that has defined his career.

Rock musician Billy Idol says his next album will incorporate more electronic sounds while retaining the rock ‘n’ roll style that has defined his career.

The singer is working on the follow-up to his 2025 album, “Dream Into It”, which featured collaborations with Avril Lavigne, Alison Mosshart and Joan Jett.

“It’s got a little bit more electronica in there, but it’s still super ’80s, still super Billy Idol. It’s still super rock ‘n’ roll. We’re just adding colours that we haven’t used for a while,” he told Billboard magazine.

Idol, who is preparing his 10th studio album, said he had no plans to retire despite more than five decades in the music business.

“We’re going to do it while we can. Never sure how long things can go so we’re doing it while we can. Rocking ’til we drop,” he said.

He said his years of experience had strengthened his connection with his music and his artistry.

“The thing about doing it for a long time is that you have sort of got hold of what you’re doing. You’re more in touch than ever with your artistry,” he told the magazine.

Idol said he still brought the same energy and attitude to performances as he had when he was younger, although some physical aspects of performing had become more difficult.

“The energy, the intent, is the same as when I was 20. I’m not pulling my punches on stage or anything,” he said, adding that there were “some things I can’t do” physically.

Idol is due to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on November 14, alongside his longtime guitarist and collaborator Steve Stevens.

Reflecting on the honour, he told Billboard: “It’s incredibly wild. I fell in love with rock ‘n’ roll when I was 7 years old, so I started to dream about being in a group and writing songs and making music from then on.”

He suggested the number of British artists being inducted this year may have helped his chances, naming Phil Collins, New Order, Joy Division and Oasis.

Idol said he was particularly pleased that Stevens would be inducted alongside him.

“That’s the icing on the cake, really, because he’s so great. He’s always been there for me. It just made it for me when they said we’d go in together,” he said.