Billy Idol – Mony Mony (Live/1987)

“Mony Mony” – Single by Billy Idol from the album Don’t Stop
B-side: “Baby Talk”
Released: August 1981
Label: Chrysalis
Songwriters: Tommy James, Bo Gentry, Ritchie Cordell and Bobby Bloom
Producer: Keith Forsey
Charted No.1 in US and No.7 in UK

“Mony Mony” was credited to Tommy James, Bo Gentry, Ritchie Cordell and Bobby Bloom. The song’s title was inspired by Tommy James’ view of the “M.O.N.Y.” sign atop the Mutual of New York Building on the New York City skyline from his Manhattan apartment.

This was a #1 hit for Billy Idol in 1987. It brought the song to a new generation who had never heard the original. When Idol released his version, it became popular for kids to shout “hey, hey, what, get laid, get f–ked” during the instrumental break in the chorus. Anyone who went to a prom when this was popular can verify this, although the origin of the chant remains a mystery.

Idol first released his version as a single in 1981, his first as a solo artist after leaving the band Generation X, and included it on his 4-song EP Don’t Stop the same year. He released a live version in 1987 which became his biggest hit, going to #1 US and #7 UK. When asked why recorded the song, Idol would often tell a story about how it was playing when he lost his virginity in a park. In later years, he implied that it had more to do with publishing rights and financial interests.

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