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 White Wedding by Billy Idol (1982)

Initially released in 1982 and failing to chart, a re-release of the rock track White Wedding in 1985 reached #6 in the UK singles chart.

The video features a gothic wedding and it was originally thought that Billy Idol released the song to show his displeasure with his sister's fiance who impregnated her before marrying her. However, Idol disputes this. Billy Idol's other Top Ten UK hits in the 80s were Rebel Yell (#6) and Mony Mony (#7).

After the band Generation X disbanded in 1980, Billy Idol's solo career began with an EP titled Don't Stop in 1982. Idol had a whole string of hit singles in the 80s such as the Top 10 hits mentioned above, and other favourites were Sweet Sixteen, Hot in the City, Eyes Without A Face. His most successful albums were Rebel Yell and Whiplash Smile.

Billy Idol - Don't Need A Gun (1986)

  
Don't Need A Gun was released in March 1986 and peaked at #26 in the UK singles chart. It was Billy Idol's second single release from the eighties rock album Whiplash Smile, and the follow-up to To Be A Lover. A third single from the album Sweet Sixteen was even more successful, reaching #17.

I'll never quite understand why Don't Need A Gun wasn't a bigger hit, as many fans (including myself!) believe this was one of his best songs.

Overall, the former lead singer of punk band Generation X has released seven solo studio albums and 34 singles. His biggest hits were the 80s songs White Wedding and Rebel Yell which both peaked at #6 in the UK singles chart during 1985.

Check out the original 12" Meltdown Mix at my 80s Remix blog - you won't regret it!

 
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