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

The film explores the rock star's career and personal life, featuring never-before-seen footage and new music.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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 includes interviews with Idol's family, peers, and collaborators, as well as a new song called "Dying to Live" that Idol wrote with Academy Award-nominated songwriter J. Ralph.

Why it matters

Billy Idol is an iconic figure in the history of rock music, known for his rebellious persona and hit songs like "Rebel Yell" and "White Wedding." This documentary provides an in-depth look at his storied career and personal life, offering fans a rare glimpse into the life of the legendary performer.

The details

The Billy Idol documentary "Billy Idol Should Be Dead" explores the rock star's career and personal life, featuring never-before-seen archival and personal interviews with Idol. The film also includes interviews with Idol's family, peers, and collaborators, as well as a new song called "Dying to Live" that Idol wrote with Academy Award-nominated songwriter J. Ralph.

  • The Billy Idol documentary had its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival in June 2025.
  • The film is set to hit theaters in the U.S. on February 26, 2026.
  • There will be 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.

The players

Billy Idol

An iconic figure in the history of rock music, known for his rebellious persona and hit songs like "Rebel Yell" and "White Wedding".

Steve Stevens

Billy 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" with Billy Idol for the documentary.

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What’s next

The two special premieres of the Billy Idol documentary "Billy Idol Should Be Dead" will take place on February 23 in Los Angeles and February 25 in New York, both featuring an acoustic performance by Idol and Steve Stevens.

The takeaway

This documentary provides an in-depth look at the storied career and personal life of the iconic rock star Billy Idol, offering fans a rare glimpse into the life of the legendary performer and his enduring impact on the music industry.