Eyes Without A Face – Billy Idol | Top 40 Chart Performance, Story and Song Meaning

Chart Performance: Pop (#4); 1984

Story Behind The Song By Ed Osborne

The one-time English lit student known as William Michael Albert Broad transformed himself into MTV fav Billy Idol and, in turn, became a real idol. In the beginning, Billy fronted Generation X, a band that produced some middling UK hits, before going belly up in 1981.

Idol then moved to New York City in pursuit of a solo career, however, his first release, a cover of Tommy James’ Mony Mony, failed to ignite music buyers. Next up was Hot In The City, a so-so performer, followed by White Wedding. A non charter in the UK, Wedding reached #4 on the U.S.

Mainstream Rock list, and follow-up Rebel Yell peaked at #9 Rock. Then came Eyes Without A Face. Penned by Idol and guitarist Steve Stevens, Eyes took its title – if not the story line – from a genuinely creepy French horror film, and reaped the rewards of extensive MTV exposure of the videos for White Wedding and Rebel Yell. Interestingly, a live recording of Mony Mony went to the top in 1987.

This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne. © 2024 Ed Osborne. All Rights Reserved. In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles.

Produced by:

  • Keith Forsey

Lyrics Written by:

  • Billy Idol
  • Steve Stevens

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Ed Osborne

Hi. I got my first record at age two and never looked back, spending a decades-long career in radio and the music business. Even after years of reading about and listening to all types of music, I am still fascinated by it. Apart from that, I’m endlessly intrigued by art, nature, and the inner lives of people (and dogs).