In a riveting dive into the creation of his timeless hit “Eyes Without A Face,” punk rock legend Billy Idol strips away the veil in the latest episode of Vevo Footnotes, taking fans on a journey through the making of the iconic music video.
With his signature snarl and raw energy, Billy delves into the genesis of the song, revealing his intention to craft an anti-love anthem amidst a sea of saccharine ballads saturating the 80s airwaves. “Eyes Without A Face” emerges as a haunting narrative, almost akin to a chilling murder ballad, embodying the rebellious spirit of the era.
Drawing inspiration from the silent films that captivated his imagination, Billy highlights the power of visual storytelling on a budget, echoing the same ethos in his music video production.
But behind the scenes, the road to punk rock perfection was not without its trials. Billy shares a humorous anecdote of a DIY hair experiment gone awry, as he inadvertently fell asleep with bleach in his hair the night before the shoot, waking up to a shock of fried locks. Yet, true to his rock ‘n’ roll resilience, he embraced the mishap and turned it into an iconic look.
The quest for the perfect bassline proved equally challenging, as Billy sought a bassist who could breathe life into his reggae-inspired rhythms. Enter Sal Cuevas, whose stint with the Dreamgirls Broadway band provided the groove that elevated “Eyes Without A Face” to new heights.
In a delightful twist, Billy recounts a surprising encounter with pop sensation Miley Cyrus, who confessed her admiration for his sultry music videos. With a gracious nod to Miley, Billy acknowledges the cross-generational impact of his work, cementing his status as a true pioneer of punk rock allure.
As Billy Idol unravels the layers behind “Eyes Without A Face,” fans are treated to a glimpse into the creative mind of a rock icon, whose legacy continues to resonate across generations. Dive into the Vevo Footnotes episode for an intimate look at the making of a punk rock masterpiece.
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He discovered the gem when he was 12 years old and still has it now, claiming it to be why he fell in love with music. He likes to play disc golf when he's not writing about music. He is a one-of-a-kind individual who is always the first to bust out his air guitar on the dance-floor.