Idol and Lavigne’s Performance
Billy Idol and Avril Lavigne made their American television debut with their new joint single “77” this week. Check it out below.
- Read more: Avril Lavigne Live in Glastonbury 2024: Pop-Punk Star is Low
The song, influenced by a pop-punk style, is featured on Idol’s first studio album in over a decade, titled Dream Into It, which was released last Friday (April 25).
Meaning Behind the Song
On Monday evening (April 28), the 69-year-old singer-songwriter performed on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! alongside Lavigne.
The duo, both dressed in black leather, exchanged verses and energetically performed ‘77’. The performance included a guitar solo by Idol’s guitarist Steve Stevens.
Before the performance, Idol shared a video on social media explaining the significance of the collaboration.
“The song ’77’ draws parallels between England in 1977 and the USA today,” he wrote in the caption. “Having @AvrilLavigne on the track elevates it 3X better.”
In the video, he added, “The song itself contains echoes of the past, but I believe it’s still relevant today. The first verse makes one reflect on societal outsiders, reminiscent of my youth when we were starting with punk rock in England.”
Lavigne expressed her connection to the song’s meaning, stating, “Thank you so much for including me. It’s a blessing—I love this! When I first heard it, I thought: ‘This is a banger.’ You are a legend. I’m thrilled to be part of this, and the song is incredible.”
Watch their performance below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgsygycpo_8
The song “77” relies on parallels between England in 1977 and the USA today. Having @AvrilLavigne on the track elevated the song 3X better.
Join us as we perform “77” tomorrow night on @JimmyKimmelLive. Check your local listings. pic.twitter.com/lvzlvoectk
– Billy Idol (@billyidol) April 27, 2025
Dream Into It, Idol’s first solo album since 2014’s Kings & Queens of the Underground, also features collaborations with Joan Jett and Alison Mosshart of The Kills.
This summer, Idol will perform his only headline show in the UK in 2025. On Tuesday, June 24, he will take the stage at Wembley Arena, following his performance at the Forever Now Festival in Milton Keynes on June 22. Find remaining tickets here.
“Every time we play Wembley, it’s an absolute blast, and this summer will be no exception!” Idol stated in a press release. Special guests and legendary punk acts will join them at the concert.
Tonight (April 30), Idol begins a joint North American tour with Joan Jett. You can Find remaining tickets here.
Earlier this year, Idol was on the long list for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2025. However, it was announced this week that he did not make it onto this year’s nominees list.
https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-billy-idol-and-avril-lavigne-perform-pop-punk-collab-77-on-kimmel-3859463?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=watch-billy-idol-and-avril-lavigne-perform-pop-punk-collab-77-on-kimmel