‘Billy Idol Should Be Dead’ Acquired by Evan Saxon Productions for Worldwide Theatrical (EXCLUSIVE)

Evan Saxon Productions has secured worldwide theatrical distribution for the documentary "Billy Idol Should Be Dead." Directed by Jonas Åkerlund and produced by Live Nation Studios, the film is set for a global cinema release later this year. Following its 2023 premiere at New York's Tribeca Festival—an event known for launching acclaimed independent cinema—it had a limited qualifying run for awards. The project chronicles the punk legend's tumultuous journey using a wealth of private archives and intimate interviews with Idol, his inner circle, and family members.

The narrative charts Idol's explosive start fronting the seminal British punk band Generation X during London's late-1970s cultural upheaval. His successful pivot to a solo career in the early 1980s, fueled by the rise of MTV, cemented his status as a global rock star with anthems like "White Wedding" and "Rebel Yell." The film juxtaposes this meteoric commercial rise with the severe personal battles, including near-fatal substance abuse and a devastating motorcycle accident, that threatened to derail it entirely. This stark contrast highlights a central theme of the documentary: the precarious balance between self-destruction and survival that has defined his life.

In a statement, Evan Saxon emphasized the artist's lasting impact. "Billy Idol's influence on music and culture over five decades is profound, and his ability to sell out international tours today proves his enduring appeal. We are excited to partner with Laurence Freedman and Live Nation to bring this raw, personal story to the big screen." Saxon's company, which focuses on music event cinema, has a strong track record of handling films for iconic acts such as The Beatles and Led Zeppelin, positioning it well for this release.

A key artistic element is the original song "Dying to Live," created by Idol with co-writers Steve Stevens, Tommy English, Joe Janiak, and Oscar-nominated composer J. Ralph. The track, which received an Oscar shortlist nomination, scores a poignant final sequence merging historical clips with animated visuals. This cinematic release coincides with a period of renewed creative output for Idol, whose current album "Dream Into It" is available on Dark Horse Records. Founded by Neil Young in 1995, Dark Horse was established as a principled alternative to major labels, making it a fitting home for an artist long associated with a rebellious ethos. This dual focus on new music and retrospective documentary underscores an artist whose career, marked by both peril and perseverance, continues to evolve and resonate.