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 interviews.

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 documentary had its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival in June 2025 and includes never-before-seen archival footage and personal interviews with Idol, as well as interviews with his family, peers, and collaborators. The film also features a new song 'Dying to Live' written by Idol and 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 a rare, in-depth look into his life and career, offering fans a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the legend.

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 footage and personal interviews with Idol, as well as interviews with his family, peers, and collaborators. The film also includes a new song 'Dying to Live' written by Idol and Academy Award-nominated songwriter J. Ralph.

  • The documentary had its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival in June 2025.
  • The film will get two special premieres on February 23, 2026 in Los Angeles and February 25, 2026 in New York.
  • The Billy Idol documentary 'Billy Idol Should Be Dead' is set to hit theaters in the U.S. on February 26, 2026.

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' featured in the documentary.

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What’s next

The film will get two special premieres on February 23, 2026 in Los Angeles and February 25, 2026 in New York, both featuring an acoustic performance by Idol and Steve Stevens.

The takeaway

This documentary provides a rare, in-depth look into the life and career of the iconic rock star Billy Idol, offering fans a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the legend.