Billy Idol talks career, drugs, new memoir with Howard Stern

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Is it time for a Billy Idol comeback? The legendary rock star Billy Idol appeared on the Howard Stern Show Wednesday morning to talk about his new album, his new book, and his rockin' music career.

He spoke about his early career and life, and how he got interested in music.

"I think I would have been ADD," Idol said.

"I can focus on things I like, but if I don't like it, I have terrible trouble." Idol's parents wanted him to play the violin, but he didn't want to and had trouble learning it, so he taught himself how to play the guitar.

Idol openly talks about writing a number of his most popular songs while strung out on heroin, though he's since but the stuff on the back burner.

"I smoke pot and drink a little at restaurants, but that's it," Idol said. "I just know it's something I have to do if I want to enjoy this stage in my life without being brain dead."

Billy Idol recently wrote a 300-page autobiography.

"Dancing With Myself." As reported by the New York Daily News, "... There's no shortage of mea culpas from the author over his history of excesses -- in drug use, sexual adventure, and brat behavior."

Idol's new album, "Kings & Queens of the Underground" is out October 21. "It's difficult to get people's attention," Idol said. "A book and an album at the same time give you more of an edge on the front."