Billy Idol, the British rock star, says he has discovered the reason people have children. The 69-year-old musician shared this insight while attending the premiere of his new documentary, Billy Idol Should Be Dead, at the 2025 Tribeca Festival.
During an interview with PEOPLE on the red carpet, Idol was asked about his experience as a grandfather. “I’m really enjoying it,” he said. “It’s really good fun. Now I see why you have children: for the grandchildren.”
Idol is a grandfather to four grandchildren. They include McKenzie, 4, the daughter of his son Brant; and Poppy, 4, and MaryJane, 3, who are the daughters of his 35-year-old daughter Bonnie and her son Mason. Idol also has another son, Willem, who is 36.
Last year, Idol spoke to PEOPLE about how he balances his rock and roll career with his family life. “It is really lovely. I’ve got the best of both worlds,” he said. “It’s been wonderful, and it all worked out in an incredible way that I never imagined.”
Though his grandchildren are still young, Idol said that granddaughters Poppy and McKenzie have seen him perform. “McKenzie wanted to come back the next night,” he recalled. “She said, ‘Can we see granddad again tonight?’”
When he is not on stage, Idol enjoys spending time with his grandchildren by painting and playing with them. “Being a granddad is lovely,” he said. “You don’t have to discipline them. You just give advice if they ask for it. It’s very different from being a parent.”
