Billy Idol Overcomes Near-Death Heroin Overdose, Finds Sobriety
Dangerous Drug Use at Peak of Career
Legendary rock star Billy Idol has opened up about a near-fatal heroin overdose that occurred during the height of his music career in 1984. In a new documentary titled ‘Billy Idol Should Be Dead,’ the 69-year-old revealed how he nearly died from a severe drug binge. He recounted the incident in an interview with People, describing how he became unconscious and ‘basically dying’ after a chaotic drug use episode. This event, along with a wild trip to Bangkok, Thailand, marked a significant turning point in his life, leading him to embrace sobriety.
Idol was found unconscious during this trip and later received medical attention. Mel Gibson was also present in Thailand at the time and reportedly found him in a critical condition. The incident served as a wake-up call, prompting Idol to rethink his lifestyle. ‘I was basically dying. I was turning blue,’ he said in the documentary, emphasizing the severity of the situation. His friends and acquaintances at the time were also on heroin, but the event became a sobering realization for him.
Chaotic Thailand Trip and Sobriety Revelation
During the same trip, Idol admitted to a series of erratic behaviors, including racking up an estimated $75,000 in hotel damages. His actions culminated in an incident where he was found unconscious in a hotel elevator. The event marked a significant moment in his life, leading to a realization that his substance use was endangering his health and relationships. The experience ultimately pushed him towards sobriety.
Idol mentioned that this life-changing moment, along with the near-death experience, helped him commit to a sober lifestyle. ‘The silver lining was I did put heroin behind me. It was too horrible, the whole experience. It actually really put me off,’ he shared. The process, however, was described as extremely difficult. ‘Getting off heroin is one of the most awfulest experiences in the world. Boy George said it right when he said it’s like your skeleton trying to get out of your body.’ The struggle highlighted the challenges of overcoming addiction.
Unexpected Family Revelation
In the documentary, Idol also shared a personal revelation about his family. He revealed that he unknowingly fathered a son during his wild ‘Rebel Yell’ tour in the 1980s. His son, Brant, discovered this through a DNA test. ‘I was like,