Billy Idol Documentary "Billy Idol Should Be Dead" Sets Theatrical Release

The film explores the rock star's career and personal life with never-before-seen footage.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Billy Idol documentary "Billy Idol Should Be Dead" is set to hit theaters in the U.S. on February 26, 2026. Ahead of the opening, the film will get two special premieres on February 23 in Los Angeles and February 25 in New York, both featuring an acoustic performance by Idol and his longtime guitarist Steve Stevens. Directed by Jonas Åkerlund, the film had its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival in June 2025 and features never-before-seen archival and personal interviews with Idol, as well as interviews with his family, peers, and collaborators. The film also includes the new song "Dying to Live," which Idol wrote with Academy Award-nominated songwriter J. Ralph.

Why it matters

Billy Idol is a legendary rock star with a storied career spanning over four decades. This documentary provides a rare, in-depth look into his life and creative process, offering fans a unique perspective on one of the most influential figures in rock music history.

The details

The Billy Idol documentary "Billy Idol Should Be Dead" will have two special premiere screenings ahead of its wider theatrical release. On February 23, the film will premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, and on February 25, it will premiere at the Regal Union Square in New York. Both screenings will feature an acoustic performance by Idol and his longtime guitarist Steve Stevens. The film, directed by Jonas Åkerlund, had its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival in June 2025 and explores Idol's career and personal life through never-before-seen archival footage and interviews with the rock star, his family, peers, and collaborators. The film also includes a new song, "Dying to Live," which Idol wrote with Academy Award-nominated songwriter J. Ralph.

  • The Billy Idol documentary "Billy Idol Should Be Dead" will have its U.S. theatrical release on February 26, 2026.
  • The film will have a special premiere in Los Angeles on February 23, 2026.
  • The film will have a special premiere in New York on February 25, 2026.

The players

Billy Idol

A legendary rock star with a storied career spanning over four decades.

Steve Stevens

Idol's longtime guitarist and collaborator.

Jonas Åkerlund

The director of the Billy Idol documentary "Billy Idol Should Be Dead".

J. Ralph

An Academy Award-nominated songwriter who co-wrote the new song "Dying to Live" featured in the documentary.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This documentary provides a rare, in-depth look into the life and career of one of the most influential rock stars of all time, offering fans a unique perspective on Billy Idol's creative process and personal journey.