Billy Idol – Rebel Yell

Catalog #: CHS 41450  |  Side A Matrix: CHS 41450-A TLC-A CR  |  Label: Chrysalis Records

About the Artist

Billy Idol is one of the defining faces — and snarls — of 1980s rock. Born William Michael Albert Broad in Stanmore, England in 1955, he first rose to prominence as the frontman of the British punk band Generation X before launching a massively successful solo career in the early '80s. With his bleached-blond spikes, leather-and-studs aesthetic, and a voice that could shift from a sneer to a howl in an instant, Idol became one of the era's most recognizable rock icons. His partnership with guitarist Steve Stevens produced some of the decade's most electrifying rock recordings — a fusion of punk attitude, hard rock power, and MTV-ready visual flair that made him a global superstar.

About the Album

Released in November 1983 on Chrysalis Records, Rebel Yell is Billy Idol's commercial and artistic breakthrough — the album that transformed him from a promising solo act into a full-blown rock star. Produced by Keith Forsey, who had worked with Idol on his debut, the album is a turbo-charged blend of hard rock, new wave, and post-punk energy, anchored by Steve Stevens' ferocious, inventive guitar work. It reached #6 on the Billboard 200 and was certified double platinum in the United States, driven by relentless MTV airplay and a string of memorable singles. Rebel Yell captures Idol at his most confident and combustible — a record that still sounds like a fist through a wall.

Highlights

• The title track Rebel Yell is one of the great rock anthems of the '80s — a thunderous, adrenaline-soaked call to arms built around Stevens' iconic guitar riff
• Eyes Without a Face became one of Idol's biggest hits — a moody, atmospheric ballad that showcased his unexpected emotional range and featured a memorable French vocal passage
• Flesh for Fantasy is a sleek, synth-driven rocker that exemplifies the album's fusion of hard rock and new wave textures
• Steve Stevens' guitar work throughout is extraordinary — aggressive, melodic, and technically dazzling in equal measure
• Produced with a massive, arena-ready sound that made it one of the defining rock records of the MTV era
• An essential piece of '80s rock history and a cornerstone of any classic rock vinyl collection

Record Condition

This copy has been carefully cleaned with a Spin-Clean record washer and stored in a new inner plastic sleeve. The vinyl shows minor surface scuffs consistent with age, but played flawlessly on a quality turntable with no skips. Minor pops and crackles were noted during playback — typical for a record of this vintage. Overall, a very solid player. The original inner sleeve is included.

Jacket Condition

The jacket is in Fair (F) condition. The top seam glue has let go, leaving the top open, and the edges show wear, as shown in the photos. The cover art and text remain legible. Priced accordingly — a listener's copy of one of the great rock albums of the '80s.

Grading Summary

• Record: VG (plays well; minor surface marks, light pops/crackles)
• Jacket: F (top seam open; worn edges; cover art intact)
• Includes: Original inner sleeve

All items are shipped securely in protective mailers. Combined shipping available — please inquire before purchasing.