Billy Idol gives rare piece of advice as he receives major honor at 2026 AMAs

​Billy Idol, the lead singer of Generation X, is honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 American Music Awards.

While receiving the major honor at the 52nd AMAs held on Monday, May 25, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, the 70-year-old punk rocker took a moment to share his two cents with the young generation looking forward to starting a career in music.

​As the English rock singer was presented with the award by Leon Thomas, Idol expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Leon. I remember the Black Rock Coalition. It really did a lot for a lot of people. Thank you to the American Music Awards for this honor. And most importantly, thank you to all the fans. I've been able to live my dream and it's really all because of you."

​Idol recalled his early music journey, noting. "When I started out in punk rock, back in 1976, we thought it may only last about 6 months, let alone 50 years. But we were doing it for the love and because music was the only thing that gave us a sort of feeling of freedom, a sense of freedom."

​"We believed in what we were doing, and we thought maybe if we just dreamed into this life and gave it everything we had, it would give it all back to us in spades. And that's exactly what happened," he continued.

​The Eyes Without a Face hitmaker then shared his wise words for aspiring musicians, saying, "So to any kid out there who loves rock and roll or any music of any kind as much as Leon and I do, and if you're inspired to create that sense of freedom and pursue a life of art, all I can say is pick an instrument. Find out who you are and be it."

​Idol played his hit songs to mark his milestone achievement at the AMAs' stage, which marked his first ever performance at the music award ceremony since 2004.