Thursday

12-06-2025 Vol 19

Billy Idol reflects on near-fatal drug overdose in the ’80s: ‘I was turning blue’

Billy Idol, 69, has spoken about a near-fatal drug overdose in his twenties.

The English rocker has talked about his struggle with alcohol and drug addiction before.

According to People, in his new documentary titled Billy Idol Should Be Dead, Idol has recalled almost dying in the ’80s from heroin.

READ MORE: Kanye West changes name for second time – and you’ll never guess his new moniker

Steve Stevens and Billy Idol, Sydney 1987
Billy Idol (right), pictured in 1987, has reflected on a near-fatal drug overdose he had in his 20s. (Robert Rosen)

The singer was in London in 1984.

Idol’s second studio album Rebel Yell had come out the year before, which featured his hit track Eyes Without A Face.

“I was coming back in triumph and I nearly ruined it,” the singer recounted his near-death experience at one point in the film.

READ MORE: Justin Baldoni issues venomous response after judge’s bombshell decision

Idol met up with people he knew in London who had “some of the strongest heroin”. 

“Everybody did a line or so and they all nodded out except for me and this mate of mine,” he recalled.

The singer said he was “basically dying”.

READ MORE: Four words spark major Taylor Swift marriage rumour

Billy Idol
The ’80s icon’s documentary premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. (Getty Images for Tribeca Festival)

For a daily dose of 9honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.

”I was turning blue,” he recalled.

“So they put me in an ice cold bath and I remember them walking me around on the top of the building, on the roof.”

Idol spoke about drugs being prominent in the rock scene at the time.

All the stars spotted at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival

Speaking of heroin specifically, Idol said, “You weren’t thinking how dangerous it was.”

“In fact, you’re thinking quite the opposite. Maybe this could unleash something.”

Idol’s documentary recently premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival on June 10.

READ MORE: Liz Hurley poses naked as she shares shock relationship admission

Billy Idol
Idol pictured performing in 2002. (Getty)

The film delves into the star’s rise to fame as well as his addiction struggles. 

In a March 2024 interview with People, Idol revealed he is now “California sober”.

According to Addiction Center, the term refers to abstaining from addictive substances as “a form of harm reduction”.

If you or someone you know is in need of support for mental health issues contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Alcohol and Drug Support Line on 1800 198 024.

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.