Billy Idol “Rebel Yell” released on this date, November 10th, 1983. Its title (and title track “Rebel Yell”) inspired by the brand of bourbon consumed while partying with the Rolling Stones, Billy Idol’s second full-length solo LP was the first record I remember my parents being mildly horrified by (I was 12 years old), and even more so by his videos and signature lip-curling sneer. Idol released four singles from Rebel Yell: the title track (which reached #46 in the US, #6 in the UK), “Eyes Without a Face” (#4 US, #18 UK), “Flesh for Fantasy” (#29 US, #54 UK – I’m pretty sure it was this song that did my parents in) and “Catch My Fall” (#50 US, #63 UK) and all of the videos were on heavy rotation on MTV.

While Idol’s look was stereotypical punk, Rebel Yell is only vaguely punk in attitude but is very slick heavy metal/new wave pop in delivery, with the guitar playing prowess and writing contribution of Steve Stevens a heavy influence. (Steve Stevens Wiki entry made me laugh: after listing his various work with artists like Billy Idol, Michael Jackson, Robert Palmer, etc. etc., it says “Sometimes he smokes a cigarette while playing a song” like this is some hugely unique talent.)