To Be A Lover

The Zoo Crew is spinning "To Be A Lover" by Billy Idol from his 1986 album Whiplash Smile, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This track, a cover of William Bell and Booker T. Jones’ 1968 soul song "I Forgot to Be Your Lover," was transformed by Idol into a rockabilly-infused, danceable hit. Idol first heard the song through George Faith’s 1977 reggae version, unaware of the original, which led him to keep the shortened title "To Be A Lover." In a 1986 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Idol shared that working on Whiplash Smile allowed him to explore love songs, breaking free from the anti-romance stance of his punk roots. He said, “For the first time, I’ve given myself the space to be a bit more human,” reflecting a shift toward vulnerability in his music. The song’s music video, directed by David Mallet, captures the era’s flashy MTV aesthetic, complete with Idol’s signature sneer and peroxide-blond spikes.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s production and remixes. The single, backed by the Whiplash Smile track "All Summer Single," featured two extended 12" remixes: the "Mother of Mercy Mix" and the "Rock 'n' Roll Mix" (exclusive to Australia and New Zealand). The "Mother of Mercy Mix" stands out with Steve Stevens’ heavy guitar riffs and an interlude with distorted female vocals, giving it a harder edge than the radio version. The song climbed to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing its place as a standout from the album, which also saw Idol experimenting with synthesizers and dance beats. Fans on Facebook groups like Billy Idol Fans often share how the song’s infectious energy and Idol’s charismatic delivery make it a live performance favorite.

Billy Idol, born William Michael Albert Broad on November 30, 1955, in Stanmore, Middlesex, England, kicked off his music career in the 1970s London punk scene. His stage name came from a schoolteacher’s jab, calling him “idle,” which he flipped into a badge of rebellion. Idol started as a guitarist in the punk band Chelsea in 1976 but soon left to form Generation X with Tony James. As lead singer, he steered the band toward a pop-punk sound, releasing three albums before they disbanded in 1981. Idol then moved to New York City, launching his solo career with the help of manager Bill Aucoin and guitarist Steve Stevens. His 1981 EP Don’t Stop, featuring the hit "Dancing with Myself," and his 1982 self-titled debut album, with "White Wedding," made him a star during the MTV-driven Second British Invasion. His punk edge, glam-rock style, and photogenic charm turned him into an MTV staple.

Idol’s rise continued with the 1983 album Rebel Yell, which went double platinum, and Whiplash Smile, which showcased his ability to blend punk, rock, and new wave. Despite personal struggles, including a near-fatal 1990 motorcycle accident, Idol has remained a resilient figure, still touring and releasing music like his 2022 EP The Cage. Fans can connect with him through his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where he shares tour updates and throwbacks. Dedicated fan communities thrive on sites like BillyIdol.net’s fan community and Facebook groups, where Zoo Freaks can join discussions about his iconic career.