We have acquired international sales (outside of the US) for a brand new feature length documentary, Billy Idol Should Be Dead, produced by Live Nation Studios, following its US premiere at Tribeca Film festival and UK premiere at Sheffield Doc Fest earlier this year.
Billy Idol Should Be Dead is an intimate, no-holds-barred portrait of the legendary punk musician, told by those who know him best, including Idol himself. Executive producers are Michael Rapino and J. Ralph. Producers include Violaine Etienne, Jonas Åkerlund, Orian Williams, Mark Monroe, Ryan Kroft, Jessica James Batista, Laurence Freedman and China Chow.
Directed by Grammy Award-winner Jonas Åkerlund, the film weaves never-before-seen archival footage with raw, revealing interviews - featuring Idol, his bandmates, family and fellow music artists such as Miley Cyrus and Green Day lead singer, Billie Joe Armstrong.
Chronicling his anarchic punk beginnings to superstardom in the MTV era, when "White Wedding" and "Rebel Yell" ruled the music charts, the film reveals Idol’s near-death experiences that nearly silenced him forever. With intimate access to Idol’s family and inner-circle, including his late mother Joan, longtime girlfriend Perri Lister and all three of his children, remarkably the film also reveals how a DNA test led to Idol discovering his long-lost son Brant.
Exploring Idol’s life with unflinching candour, Swedish filmmaker Jonas Åkerlund - world-famous for his music videos for major artists from Madonna and Taylor Swift to The Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney - paints a portrait of resilience, self-destruction, and redemption.
The film is not just a story of fame and addiction – it details a remarkable journey of survival. For longtime fans and new audiences alike, it promises a must-see celebration of resilience and rock ‘n’ roll.
Billy Idol Should Be Dead is directed by Grammy Award-winner Jonas Åkerlund, and is executive produced by Live Nation Studios. Fremantle is handling worldwide sales (excluding the US) for the two-hour documentary. Executive producers are Michael Rapino and J. Ralph.
Kyle Harris, Vice President, Acquisitions, International, Fremantle, said: “This feature length documentary delves into the raw, riveting life of one of rock’s most iconic rebels. We’re excited to be partnering with Live Nation to bring the untold story of Billy Idol to an international audience”.
Ryan Kroft, Head of Film & Television, Live Nation Studios, said: “Billy Idol’s epic story is one of global proportions and now with our extraordinary partners at Fremantle the world will get to see it”.
