Trafford Parsons: Don’t be Idol
Don’t be Idol - one off studio proof
From the REBEL REBEL exhibition running at Zapato until January 2025.
70 x 50 cm
The prints are all hand pulled silk screen prints so each one has its own individual eccentricities that are intrinsic to this process.
Idol’s music is defined by its catchy hooks, driving beats, and a mix of rebellious attitude and romantic undertones. His voice—raspy yet melodic—paired perfectly with the pulsating rhythms and soaring guitar solos that characterized his hits. Songs like "White Wedding," "Rebel Yell," "Eyes Without a Face," and "Flesh for Fantasy" became anthems of the 1980s, with their music videos cementing Idol's status as a visual and cultural icon.
The influence of punk rock is evident in his sound and persona, but Idol softened its edges with a more accessible and theatrical approach, making his music appealing to a wider audience. His collaboration with guitarist Steve Stevens added a dynamic layer to his songs, with Stevens’ intricate and flamboyant guitar work complementing Idol’s raw energy.
Billy Idol's aesthetic was quintessentially 1980s—leather and studs, fingerless gloves, ripped shirts, and an air of defiant cool. His spiked blonde hair became a hallmark of his look, while his trademark snarl conveyed both danger and cheeky charisma. This blend of punk attitude and mainstream appeal made him a standout in an era of over-the-top rock personas
Idol’s music and style influenced generations of musicians and performers, bridging the gap between punk rock’s DIY ethos and the polished, high-energy pop rock that defined the 1980s. He became synonymous with MTV's rise, using the medium to craft a visual identity as memorable as his music. Tracks like "Rebel Yell" and "White Wedding" are still regarded as classics, often featured in films, commercials, and playlists celebrating the era.The prints are all hand pulled silk screen prints so each one has its own individual eccentricities that are intrinsic to this process.
Don’t be Idol - one off studio proof
From the REBEL REBEL exhibition running at Zapato until January 2025.
70 x 50 cm
The prints are all hand pulled silk screen prints so each one has its own individual eccentricities that are intrinsic to this process.
Idol’s music is defined by its catchy hooks, driving beats, and a mix of rebellious attitude and romantic undertones. His voice—raspy yet melodic—paired perfectly with the pulsating rhythms and soaring guitar solos that characterized his hits. Songs like "White Wedding," "Rebel Yell," "Eyes Without a Face," and "Flesh for Fantasy" became anthems of the 1980s, with their music videos cementing Idol's status as a visual and cultural icon.
The influence of punk rock is evident in his sound and persona, but Idol softened its edges with a more accessible and theatrical approach, making his music appealing to a wider audience. His collaboration with guitarist Steve Stevens added a dynamic layer to his songs, with Stevens’ intricate and flamboyant guitar work complementing Idol’s raw energy.
Billy Idol's aesthetic was quintessentially 1980s—leather and studs, fingerless gloves, ripped shirts, and an air of defiant cool. His spiked blonde hair became a hallmark of his look, while his trademark snarl conveyed both danger and cheeky charisma. This blend of punk attitude and mainstream appeal made him a standout in an era of over-the-top rock personas
Idol’s music and style influenced generations of musicians and performers, bridging the gap between punk rock’s DIY ethos and the polished, high-energy pop rock that defined the 1980s. He became synonymous with MTV's rise, using the medium to craft a visual identity as memorable as his music. Tracks like "Rebel Yell" and "White Wedding" are still regarded as classics, often featured in films, commercials, and playlists celebrating the era.The prints are all hand pulled silk screen prints so each one has its own individual eccentricities that are intrinsic to this process.
Don’t be Idol - one off studio proof
From the REBEL REBEL exhibition running at Zapato until January 2025.
70 x 50 cm
The prints are all hand pulled silk screen prints so each one has its own individual eccentricities that are intrinsic to this process.
Idol’s music is defined by its catchy hooks, driving beats, and a mix of rebellious attitude and romantic undertones. His voice—raspy yet melodic—paired perfectly with the pulsating rhythms and soaring guitar solos that characterized his hits. Songs like "White Wedding," "Rebel Yell," "Eyes Without a Face," and "Flesh for Fantasy" became anthems of the 1980s, with their music videos cementing Idol's status as a visual and cultural icon.
The influence of punk rock is evident in his sound and persona, but Idol softened its edges with a more accessible and theatrical approach, making his music appealing to a wider audience. His collaboration with guitarist Steve Stevens added a dynamic layer to his songs, with Stevens’ intricate and flamboyant guitar work complementing Idol’s raw energy.
Billy Idol's aesthetic was quintessentially 1980s—leather and studs, fingerless gloves, ripped shirts, and an air of defiant cool. His spiked blonde hair became a hallmark of his look, while his trademark snarl conveyed both danger and cheeky charisma. This blend of punk attitude and mainstream appeal made him a standout in an era of over-the-top rock personas
Idol’s music and style influenced generations of musicians and performers, bridging the gap between punk rock’s DIY ethos and the polished, high-energy pop rock that defined the 1980s. He became synonymous with MTV's rise, using the medium to craft a visual identity as memorable as his music. Tracks like "Rebel Yell" and "White Wedding" are still regarded as classics, often featured in films, commercials, and playlists celebrating the era.The prints are all hand pulled silk screen prints so each one has its own individual eccentricities that are intrinsic to this process.
