BILLY IDOL "DON'T NEED A GUN" (1986)

by Mark Nobes, chief editor

"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.

The lyrics refer to the risks involved with using weapons, as in the line "Don't need a knife to violate my life, it's all so insane".


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.

Don't Need A Gun UK vinyl sleeve front - Billy Idol

UK front vinyl sleeve for "Don't Need A Gun". The B-side featured the track "Total Charm"

The track featured in the Miami Vice episode "Down For The Count" Part II.
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.

 

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