Billy Idol Releases New Original Song “Dying to Live” for Upcoming Documentary

Rock legend Billy Idol has released a powerful new original song. The track, titled “Dying to Live,” was co-written with composer J. Ralph. It serves as the emotional finale for his forthcoming documentary, Billy Idol Should Be Dead.

The song arrived on Friday alongside an exclusive music video. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the video beautifully intercuts childhood photos, career highlights, and vintage artwork. This release marks a significant and personal new chapter for the iconic singer.

Collaborative Effort Fuels Cinematic Soundtrack

Idol and J. Ralph co-wrote the song with several longtime collaborators. They worked with Steve Stevens, Tommy English, and Joe Janiak. The team aims for the song to be considered for Best Original Song at the upcoming Academy Awards.

The documentary premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival this summer. It is scheduled for a streaming release in early 2026. This project adds to a resurgent period for the artist.

A Reflective Moment for a Rock Icon

The song’s creation was directly inspired by the documentary’s narrative. Idol stated that seeing his life story compiled motivated him to write a fitting conclusion. He described the collaboration with J. Ralph as thrilling and essential for capturing the film’s emotional climax.

J. Ralph emphasized the goal was to create a cinematic finale. He wanted to showcase a vulnerability in Idol’s voice not fully heard in his previous work. He praised Idol’s rebellious spirit and fearless energy during the process.

This new song underscores Billy Idol’s enduring creative spirit. “Dying to Live” offers a poignant and symphonic look into the artist’s life. The track solidifies his legacy while pushing his musical boundaries forward.

Thought you’d like to know-

What is the new Billy Idol song called?

The new song is titled “Dying to Live.” It is an original piece created for his documentary. The track was released with an accompanying music video.

Who did Billy Idol collaborate with on the song?

He worked with composer J. Ralph as a co-writer. They were also joined by his frequent collaborators Steve Stevens and Tommy English. Joe Janiak also contributed to the writing process.

When will the documentary be released?

*Billy Idol Should Be Dead* is expected to hit streaming services in early 2026. It had its initial premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in the summer. A specific streaming platform has not yet been announced.

What is the musical style of “Dying to Live”?

The song features a symphonic and cinematic sound. It includes warm vocals from Idol set against swelling strings and light piano. This represents a stylistic departure from his classic rock anthems.

Is Billy Idol touring right now?

Yes, he is currently on his It’s a Nice Day to…Tour Again! The tour includes a scheduled performance in Buenos Aires. This follows the release of his first new album in over a decade.