Billy Idol Has a Son He Didn’t Know He Had

The revelation of a long-lost son has brought a new chapter in the life of iconic punk rocker Billy Idol. Idol, known for his rebellious hits like “White Wedding” and “Rebel Yell,” recently discovered he has an additional child, Brant Northridge, through a DNA test undertaken by his daughter, Bonnie Blue Broad. This unexpected familial connection unfolded publicly through Idol’s documentary *Billy Idol Should Be Dead*, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival in June 2025.

Billy Idol, whose real name is William Michael Albert Broad, has been a prominent figure in the music industry since the 1980s. Despite his high-profile career, his personal life largely remained out of the limelight until recent discoveries unraveled the previously untold stories about his family. Billie Idol has been known as the father of two children – son Willem Wolfe Broad, shared with his former partner, Perri Lister, and daughter Bonnie Blue Broad, with Linda Mathis. The dynamics shifted dramatically when Bonnie, inspired by curiosity about her ancestry, used a 23andMe test, revealing Brant as a half-sibling unknown to her family.

The discovery of Brant Northridge, who now carries Idol’s surname, has added depth to Billy Idol’s family narrative. Brant’s existence traces back to an unanticipated consequence of Idol’s Rockstar lifestyle during his *Rebel Yell* tour in 1985. The young man was initially unaware of his connection to Idol, having been raised by another father he believed to be biological. A familial inquiry that led to DNA testing revealed otherwise, initiating a new phase of familial integration with Billy Idol.

Describing the moment she received the DNA results, Bonnie recollects the surprise upon seeing a match with Brant. It indicated his origins in New York, 1985, and he was actively seeking his biological father. Her initiative eventually paved the way for their family to incorporate Brant into their lives seamlessly. Billy Idol, already embraced by his two children and grandchildren, was quick to welcome Brant into their fold, further cementing their shared family ties at public gatherings like the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2023.

Brant’s story, as embellished by the DNA test revelation, is a poignant account of identity and familial bonds reshaped by modern technology. Idol expressed that Brant seamlessly fit into the family, sharing similar humor traits with his other children. Idol acknowledges Brant as one of them, saying, “He’s my son, really.” This acceptance advocates Idol’s affectionate and inclusive approach towards family, showing that even the most unexpected relationships can evolve into cherished connections.

The documentary *Billy Idol Should Be Dead*, directed by Jonas Åkerlund, offers a comprehensive look at Idol’s career, from his early days with the punk band Generation X to his tumultuous rides through addiction and near-fatal incidents. Besides tracing his professional ups and downs, the film delves into Idol’s personal life, showcasing intimate interviews and never-before-seen archival footage. Featured prominently in the film are narratives about Idol’s discovery of Brant and the subsequent joyous union of their lives.

In integrating Brant into his family life, Billy Idol not only expanded his parental portfolio but also embraced his role as a grandfather. He now cherishes the company of his grandchildren, fostering loving relationships as seen through shared moments at family gatherings and concerts. His acceptance and dedication to family affairs align with his personal evolution over the years from a high-octane rocker to a devoted family man.