Billy Idol Discovers He Has a Secret Child from the 1980s

The rock icon Billy Idol was not entirely surprised to learn he has a clandestine son born in the 1980s. During a recent interview, he revealed he found out in 2023 that he had unknowingly fathered a child during his 1985 “Rebel Yell” tour.

Idol explained that his daughter, Bonnie Blue Broad, took a DNA test that uncovered the existence of a half-brother in New York, Brant Broad. Despite the unexpected revelation, Idol described Brant as a “nice guy” and expressed positive feelings toward him. Brant’s mother remains unidentified, and he was born to Idol’s ex Linda Mathis. Idol also has another son, Willem Broad, with former Hot Gossip member Perri Lister.

“Because we were going around in the ’80s and ’70s, just having wild, reckless sex with many people,” Idol reflected, noting that it was common among his peers in the rock scene. He added that he believes there aren’t more secret children out there for him because “we would know about them now.”

Idol shared that he discovered his son through Bonnie Blue’s DNA test, which revealed the sibling in New York. He’s since fostered a relationship with Brant, whom he describes as a “nice guy.” He also expressed that he’s now better equipped for fatherhood, citing his sobriety after decades of battling addiction. Idol, whose real name is William Michael Albert Broad, stated that he’s in a healthier place emotionally and physically, which allows him to be more present for his children.

Having overcome substance abuse—he struggled with alcohol and drugs for years, including cocaine and heroin—Idol got sober in 2003 after an overdose in 1994. While he still smokes cannabis and drinks occasionally, he emphasized that he is now in a more stable and responsible phase of life.