Podcast: Billy Idol recalls MTV’s star-making days

Without MTV, the cable network that celebrated its 36th birthday Tuesday, it would be difficult to predict Billy Idol's fate.

Idol talks about his early struggles to build a solo career in the fifth episode of “Dave’s Old Interview Tapes,” a podcast that revisits IndyStar musical conversations between 1998 and 2004.

"When I first put records out in America as Billy Idol, the radio wouldn't play my songs because of my spiky hair," said the singer who first made recordings as a member of Generation X. "They said, 'Well, punk rock doesn't sell advertising.' ... Thank God you could make videos and attract a young audience."

Idol talked to IndyStar before he headlined the 2001 edition of WZPL's "Uncle Sam Jam" at Klipsch Music Center. In addition to audio from that chat, the podcast episode features commentary by Will Pfaffenberger — a "Smiley Morning Show" cast member and founder of the Three Dollar Bill comedy troupe.

Episode three:B.B. King treated every gig with care

Episode four:Slash regrets nights GNR didn't answer bell

You can listen to the Billy Idol episode at:

>> iTunes
>> SoundCloud
>> Google Play
>> Stitcher
>> TuneIn Radio

On "Dave's Old Interview Tapes," Pfaffenberger talks about dancing with himself while listening to Idol's version of "Mony Mony" as a youngster.

Elsewhere in the episode, Idol talks about his interest in acting as well as a massive hit song he had a chance to record ... but didn't. 

The eight-episode first season of "Dave's Interview Tapes" includes episodes devoted to Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash, Foo Fighters leader Dave Grohl and Dead & Company members John Mayer and Mickey Hart.

Episode one:Dave Grohl’s bond with Howard Stern, David Letterman

Episode two:John Mayer, Mickey Hart and the Dead's legacy

Call IndyStar reporter David Lindquist at (317) 444-6404. Follow him on Twitter: @317Lindquist.