’80s Rock Star Discovered He Had Adult Son in His 60s

Billy Idol, the iconic ’80s rock legend, led a life filled with music, fame, and family. For decades, he proudly embraced his role as a father to a son and a daughter, cherishing the joys of parenthood. However, in his 60s, he discovered a surprising revelation that altered his family dynamics. Idol learned that he was not just a father of two, but actually had a third child – an adult son named Brant.

This unexpected discovery came to light a few years ago, rocking Idol’s world and reshaping his understanding of his family. The revelation was captured in the documentary “Billy Idol Should Be Dead,” which made its debut at the Tribeca Festival on June 10. In the film, Idol candidly shared his shock and realization about fathering a son he never knew he had during the Rebel Yell tour. He humorously remarked, “I actually had a son that I didn’t realize, who I fathered on the Rebel Yell tour without knowing it. So I somehow finagled this as well.”

The documentary sheds light on how Brant’s existence came to be known. Idol’s daughter, Bonnie, decided to gift her mother a 23andMe DNA test, which inadvertently led to the discovery of Brant. After receiving the test results, Bonnie was puzzled by the appearance of this unknown individual named Brant, born in New York in 1985, seeking his biological father. This revelation sparked a journey of intertwining family connections and a newfound paternal relationship.

Brant, who had believed another man to be his biological father, found himself questioning his parentage when DNA test results didn’t match. Delving into the past with his mother, Brant uncovered a surprising truth – his biological father was none other than Billy Idol. The rock legend’s response to this revelation was heartwarming, as he openly welcomed Brant into the fold of his family. Their first meeting at Idol’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony in 2023 was a pivotal moment where the bond between father and son began to solidify. Idol reflected on how Brant’s resemblance to him and his quirky sense of humor made it evident that they shared a familial connection.

As Brant navigated this newfound relationship with his father, he came to appreciate Idol as a loving family man. This unexpected twist in their lives brought them closer together, bridging the gap that had unknowingly separated them for years. In addition to Brant, Idol shares his life with his son Willem, born to his ex-girlfriend Perri Lister, and his daughter Bonnie, born to Linda Mathis.

This revelation serves as a reminder that life’s surprises can lead to heartfelt reunions and unexpected connections. Despite the twists and turns, family ties endure, and love transcends all boundaries. Idol’s journey of discovering a long-lost son at a later stage in life is a testament to the enduring power of family bonds and the capacity for love to triumph over the passage of time.