Billy Idol, Rock Hall Bring Music Education to California School

Billy Idol was on hand as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Save the Music teamed to provide a California middle school with a music education program.

Idol, a 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, was in attendance Thursday at Downey, California’s Griffiths Middle School for the event, where the rocker performed his “Rebel Yell” backed by the school band as well as participated in a Q&A with students.

“Rock & roll gave me a place to belong and a way to express myself.  It’s fantastic to see these kids playing music and getting the chance to experience that same excitement,” Idol said in a statement to Rolling Stone. “Music opens up a whole world of possibilities, and every kid deserves the opportunity to find that out for themselves.”

Save The Music and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation previously announced an initiative to fund at least 25 new music programs over the next three years while bringing Rock Hall inductees into the classrooms to further inspire future musicians. 

While Thursday’s event was held at Griffiths Middle School, neighboring Doty Middle School — another school within the Downey Unified School District — will be the recipient of a $55,000 music education grant in 2027 that will provide new instruments to the school.

“When I was in school, picking up an instrument changed everything for me,” Idol added. “Save The Music and The Rock Hall are making sure these students have the same shot, and I’m proud to be part of that.”