10. “Rebel Yell,” Billy Idol
Thompson: And, of course, I can’t talk about the ’80s without talking about Billy Idol. “Rebel Yell” and “White Wedding” are still such great, sexy songs. He was so amazing … just like the raw craziness of his persona and the way he sang those songs. I still listen to them on the way to work to get myself charged up.
Paste: If you can’t feel confident singing those two songs along with a loud radio, then you might need to be on medication. You’re right … those songs are great confidence builders.
Thompson:They are! And, I recently saw him sing, and he was amazing.
He was still, like, hot! He took his shirt off and everything. It was kinda awesome.
Paste: I can believe that, because a lot of what was so great about his songs was the delivery and the attitude. You can be old and still have that. I just saw Blondie at SXSW, and she was fantastic!
Thompson: Wow! That’s awesome. I sang with her like ten years ago and that was exciting!
Paste: Wow—how did that come about?
Thompson: Well, for ten years I’ve been doing this breast cancer benefit called What a Pair, and that was the first one. And not tomorrow but Saturday, I’m singing for the ten-year anniversary with both of my daughters. We’re going to sing a song from Book of Mormon called “I Believe.” But, the first year I did it with Debbie Harry, and it was super fun and scary.
Paste: That is so cool. Do you know offhand if there is a website that people can go to for that underlying organization? We can link that up in the article, too, and see if we can get them some hits.
Thompson: It’s called What a Pair. Like, a pair of two boobies.
Paste: Exactly. Like those “save the boobies” bumper stickers.
Thompson: Yeah, it’s a great organization and a really fun event. I can’t think of a better way to spend my birthday than singing with my daughters for boobies. What could be better? Everybody loves boobies!
Paste: Everybody loves boobies. That’s absolutely true!
Thompson: At one point in your life or another, you’re gonna love boobies.
Paste: That’s right! Even if it’s just at the beginning. Well, it’s been so great to talk with you again. Congratulations on the movie and on your anniversary that’s upcoming and everything else.
Thompson: Thank you so much. All the best to you.