Punk rock icon Billy Idol turns 65 years old this year. November 30, to be exact. In honor of the big occasion, let's take a look back at Billy Idol's biggest hits, as determined by the Billboard charts.
1. "Mony Mony" (1987)
The track many consider Billy Idol's signature song is actually a cover, originally recorded by Tommy James and the Shondells in 1965. Idol released his version of the song in 1981, but it was a live version taken from the album Vital Idol that would serve as the rocker's lone #1 on the Hot 100 in 1987. Ironically, it would topple Tiffany's "I Think We're Alone Now" from the top spot, also a Tommy James cover.
2. "Cradle of Love" (1990)
Idol's second-biggest hit might come as a surprise to some. The lead single from his 1990 album, Charmed Life, "Cradle of Love" would get a big boost due to its connection to Andrew Dice Clay movie, The Adventures of Ford Fairlane. The song was such a hit that only Mariah Carey's "Vision of Love" was able to block the #2 smash from reaching #1.
3. "Eyes Without a Face" (1984)
After the song and video for "Rebel Yell" had become a huge MTV hit, Idol's follow-up single, "Eyes Without a Face," would reap the benefits. The track would climb as high as #4 on the Hot 100 in 1984, cementing the singer's status as legitimate star and budding mainstream heartthrob.
4. "To Be a Lover" (1986)
After the breakout success of the Rebel Yell album, compounded by the Vital Idol compilation, Billy Idol was poised to have a big year in 1986. In September of that year, he released "To Be a Lover," the lead single from the album Whiplash Smile. A cover of William Bell's 1968 original, Idol's version would fly as high as #6 on the Hot 100.
BONUS TRACK: "Rebel Yell" (1983)
The tune that many most often associate with Idol wasn't much of a chart performer. While it was an MTV staple that helped propel the rocker to stardom, in 1984 he was still something of a cult sensation. "Rebel Yell" flirted with the Top 40, but stalled out at #46.
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