Billy Idols Near-Fatal Heroin Overdose Before Fame

Billy Idol has revealed he nearly died from an overdose on heroin, days before he made his Top Of The Pops debut. 

The singer, 70, reflected on his extreme rock and roll lifestyle ahead of the release of a new two hour documentary, Billy Idol Should be Dead.

The film addresses how Billy survived decades of excess, drug addiction and near-fatal accidents.

The musician admitted he nearly died from a heroin overdose, days before he was set to perform on Top Of The Pops in 1984, after the release of his hit album Rebel Yell. 

He told The Mirror: 'I did OD and nearly died. I went to America in March 1981 and came back to the UK in triumph in 1984, after Rebel Yell. I was due on Top Of The Pops. I nearly ruined it and nobody knew. 

'On our return to London we met some pals and they had some of the strongest heroin, Persian Brown, I think. Everybody did a line and they all nodded out except me and a mate and we did a few more lines.

'I was basically dying. I was turning blue. So they put me in an ice bath and walked me around on the roof of the building.'

Billy's life as a rocker was marred with addiction to heroin, pot, opium, an alcohol habit and a sex obsession. 

His drug dependency began when he moved to New York with nothing but a mattress, some sheets and a guitar, but soon made a name for himself in the music industry. 

'The record company gave me money and I would buy some pot and weak smack [heroin]. I would go out to dance clubs,' he said. 

It was in the clubs where Billy was introduced to heroin and he became addicted, unaware just how dangerous the drug was. 

Despite his father's intervention and a move to Los Angeles, Billy flitted in and out of sobriety over the years.  

It wasn't until 1994 when he collapsed outside an LA club due to an overdose that Idol decided to turn his life around for his children's sake.

Billy  that he put his life on the line many times due to his rock and roll excess days, but now admits 'he enjoys it more' and no longer swigs vodka bottles during sets.

'For a singer, you need a ton of breath. You have to be fit to be a singer. You can't just be up there,' he told our outlet.

'You'd have a heart attack and die on stage, which would be interesting, but I much prefer to get through the gig and do another one.'

Billy Idol Should Be Dead will be available to watch on Sky Arts from March 26.