Billy Idol’s “White Wedding” is a timeless classic that has been enjoyed by generations of music fans. Although this song was released over 35 years ago, it remains a popular tune that is frequently heard on the radio, at parties, and on music platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. So, who originally recorded “White Wedding,” and how did it become such a hit? In this post, we will explore the history of this iconic track, and discuss its lasting appeal.
The Origin of “White Wedding”
“White Wedding” was written and recorded by Billy Idol, a British musician, and actor. Idol was born William Michael Albert Broad in November 1955 and grew up in London, England. He began his music career in the 1970s as a member of the punk rock band Generation X, before embarking on a successful solo career in the 1980s.
Idol wrote “White Wedding” while he was in New York City in 1981, during a time when he was struggling with drug addiction and personal issues. The song was influenced by his experiences in love and relationships, and the lyrics described the emotions surrounding a person’s wedding day. The dark and somewhat ominous tone of the song was a reflection of Idol’s feelings at the time, and it resonated with many of his fans.
The Recording of “White Wedding”
“White Wedding” was recorded in 1982 for Idol’s self-titled debut album, “Billy Idol.” The album was produced by Keith Forsey, who had previously worked with artists such as Donna Summer and Blondie. The recording process was relatively straightforward, with Forsey and Idol working closely together to create the sound that they wanted.
The track featured distinctive guitar riffs, a catchy synthesizer hook, and Idol’s trademark vocals. The combination of these elements created a sound that was both edgy and memorable. “White Wedding” was released as the second single from the album, following the success of the first single, “Hot in the City.”
The Success of “White Wedding”
“White Wedding” was an instant hit, and it quickly became one of Idol’s signature songs. In the US, it peaked at No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, while in the UK, it reached No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart. The music video for “White Wedding” was also a hit, and it received heavy rotation on MTV and other music video channels.
The success of “White Wedding” helped to establish Idol as a major force in the music industry. He followed up with several other hits, including “Rebel Yell,” “Eyes Without a Face,” and “Dancing With Myself.” Idol’s success continued throughout the 1980s, and he remains a celebrated artist to this day.
The Legacy of “White Wedding”
“White Wedding” is a classic song that has stood the test of time. Its catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and distinctive sound have ensured its enduring popularity. The song has been covered by several other artists, including Doro Pesch, Sister Machine Gun, and Limp Bizkit, among others. It has also been featured in several movies and TV shows, including “The Wedding Singer” and “The Sopranos.”
The success of “White Wedding” also helped to establish Billy Idol as an influential artist whose music has influenced subsequent generations of musicians. He continues to be a popular and respected figure in the music world, and his music remains an enduring part of popular culture.
Conclusion
“White Wedding” is a classic song that has stood the test of time, and it continues to be enjoyed by music fans around the world. Its catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and distinctive sound have ensured its enduring popularity, and it remains one of Billy Idol’s signature tracks. Although originally recorded over 35 years ago, “White Wedding” remains a timeless classic that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
FAQ
When was White Wedding recorded?
“White Wedding” is a song by British artist Billy Idol. It was recorded in 1982 and was the second single from the album Billy Idol, released the same year. The song was written by Billy Idol and his guitarist Steve Stevens and produced by Keith Forsey, who had previously worked with Billy on his hit song “Dancing With Myself”. The song is widely regarded as one of Billy Idol’s signature songs and is still popular today, over three decades after its release.
“White Wedding” was released in October 1982, following the success of Idol’s previous hit “Dancing With Myself.” The song quickly became an international hit, reaching No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also reached No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart and was certified gold in the UK.
The song features a catchy guitar riff and a driving beat, along with Billy Idol’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics of “White Wedding” tell the story of a wedding that goes horribly wrong, with lines like “It’s a nice day to start again” and “Hey little sister what have you done?” The song has been interpreted in various ways, with some fans believing that it is about drug addiction, while others see it as a commentary on the state of marriage.
Despite the fact that it is over thirty years old, “White Wedding” remains a popular song to this day. It has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials, and continues to be played on classic rock and alternative radio stations around the world. The song’s enduring appeal is a testament to Billy Idol’s talent as a songwriter and performer, as well as the timeless nature of rock music.
Who sang the wedding song?
Julie Rogers, an English pop singer, sang “The Wedding” which is her most popular and well-known song. Born on April 6, 1943, Rogers had a successful music career in the 1960s. “The Wedding”, a romantic ballad, was released in 1964 and quickly became a huge hit. The song was written by Fred Jay and was inspired by the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. The style of the song is reminiscent of classical music and it features the harpsichord as one of the main instruments. “The Wedding” has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and other media. It has also been covered by various artists over the years, including Petula Clark, Connie Francis, and Doris Day. Despite having a few other hit songs, Julie Rogers is mainly remembered for “The Wedding”, which has sold millions of copies worldwide and is still played at weddings to this day.
Where did the idea of white wedding come from?
The idea of a “white wedding” originates from the white colour of the wedding dress, which has evolved over centuries. The wedding dress has been a significant part of the wedding ceremony for centuries, but it was not until the 19th century that the white wedding dress became a popular choice.
One of the earliest recorded examples of a white wedding dress was that of Anne of Brittany during her marriage to Louis XII of France in 1499. Anne wore a white wedding dress as a symbol of her status and wealth, and the practice of wearing a white wedding dress soon spread among the French nobility.
However, it was Queen Victoria who popularized the white wedding dress among the general public. When Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840, she wore a white lace dress, which was an unusual choice at the time. Up until then, brides wore their best dress, regardless of its colour. Victoria’s white dress was seen as a symbol of her purity and innocence, and her wedding set the standard for future weddings.
After Victoria’s wedding, white wedding dresses became increasingly popular among the upper classes. This trend continued into the 20th century, and by the 1920s, the white wedding dress had become the norm for weddings in the Western world.
The idea of a white wedding dress has a long history, stretching back to the Middle Ages. The white wedding dress became popular among the French nobility in the 15th century, but it was Queen Victoria who popularized the tradition among the general public in the 19th century. Today, the white wedding dress is an iconic symbol of the Western wedding ceremony.