Billy Idol, the British rock icon known for his hits “White Wedding” and “Rebel Yell,” is set to visit Griffiths Middle School in Downey this Thursday. The visit is part of a nationwide effort to promote music education in public schools, a partnership between the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation and the non-profit Save The Music.
Scheduled from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m., Idol will meet with students who will perform for him before engaging in a question-and-answer session, according to organizers. Henry Donahue, executive director of Save The Music, is also expected to attend the event.
The 70-year-old musician, who is among the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 2026 inductees, is taking part in an initiative designed to expand music education opportunities across the country. This multiyear collaboration aims to fund at least 25 new music education programs over three years. A core component of the program involves bringing Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees directly into classrooms to mentor and encourage young musicians, organizers said.
Save The Music has been named the first recipient of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation’s grantmaking initiative, with plans already underway for programs in various communities, including the Los Angeles and Compton areas. The broader partnership intends to equip schools with essential musical instruments, technology, and educational resources, while also fostering connections between students and professional musicians.
Born William Broad in England, Idol rose to prominence in the late 1970s as the frontman of the British punk rock band Generation X. His solo career began in earnest, making him a fixture on MTV throughout the 1980s. His self-titled 1982 album found commercial success, featuring tracks like “White Wedding” and “Hot in the City.” The following year, his 1983 album “Rebel Yell” delivered several of his most recognizable songs, including the title track, “Eyes Without a Face,” and “Flesh for Fantasy.”
Idol's career has also been marked by a decades-long collaboration with guitarist Steve Stevens, who will also be recognized as part of Idol's 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. More recently, in 2025, Idol released “Dream Into It,” his first full-length album of new material in over a decade. That record featured collaborations with artists such as Avril Lavigne, Joan Jett, and Alison Mosshart. His extensive life and career are further explored in the documentary “Billy Idol Should Be Dead,” which chronicles his beginnings in the British punk movement, his ascent to fame, and the challenges he faced throughout his journey.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which will officially welcome Idol and Stevens, is scheduled for November 14 at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles. For now, the focus is on Downey, where Griffiths Middle School, located at 9633 Tweedy Lane, will host the rock star for his outreach to the next generation of musicians.
