System (from Latin ''systēma'', in turn from Greek '''' systēma, "whole compounded of several parts or members, system", literary "composition") is a set of interacting or interdependent components forming an integrated whole.

A system is a set of elements and relationships which are different from relationships of the set or its elements to other elements or sets.

Fields that study the general properties of systems include systems theory, cybernetics, dynamical systems, thermodynamics and complex systems. They investigate the abstract properties of systems' matter and organization, looking for concepts and principles that are independent of domain, substance, type, or temporal scale.

Most systems share common characteristics, including:

Systems have structure, defined by components and their composition;

Systems have behavior, which involves inputs, processing and outputs of material, energy, information, or data;

Systems have interconnectivity: the various parts of a system have functional as well as structural relationships to each other.

Systems may have some functions or groups of functions

The term ''system'' may also refer to a set of rules that governs structure and/or behavior.

History

The word ''system'' in its meaning here, has a long history which can be traced back to Plato (''Philebus''), Aristotle (''Politics'') and Euclid (''Elements''). It had meant "total", "crowd" or "union" in even more ancient times, as it derives from the verb ''sunìstemi'', uniting, putting together.

In the 19th century the first to develop the concept of a "system" in the natural sciences was the French physicist Nicolas Léonard Sadi Carnot who studied thermodynamics. In 1824 he studied the system which he called the ''working substance'', i.e. typically a body of water vapor, in steam engines, in regards to the system's ability to do work when heat is applied to it. The working substance could be put in contact with either a boiler, a cold reservoir (a stream of cold water), or a piston (to which the working body could do work by pushing on it). In 1850, the German physicist Rudolf Clausius generalized this picture to include the concept of the surroundings and began to use the term "working body" when referring to the system.

One of the pioneers of the general systems theory was the biologist Ludwig von Bertalanffy. In 1945 he introduced ''models, principles, and laws that apply to generalized systems or their subclasses, irrespective of their particular kind, the nature of their component elements, and the relation or 'forces' between them.''

Significant development to the concept of a ''system'' was done by Norbert Wiener and Ross Ashby who pioneered the use of mathematics to study systems.

In the 1980s the term complex adaptive system was coined at the interdisciplinary Santa Fe Institute by John H. Holland, Murray Gell-Mann and others.

System concepts

;Environment and boundaries :Systems theory views the world as a complex system of interconnected parts. We scope a system by defining its boundary; this means choosing which entities are inside the system and which are outside - part of the environment. We then make simplified representations (models) of the system in order to understand it and to predict or impact its future behavior. These models may define the structure and/or the behavior of the system.

;Natural and man-made systems :There are natural and man-made (designed) systems. Natural systems may not have an apparent objective but their outputs can be interpreted as purposes. Man-made systems are made with purposes that are achieved by the delivery of outputs. Their parts must be related; they must be “designed to work as a coherent entity” - else they would be two or more distinct systems.

;Theoretical Framework :An open system exchanges matter and energy with its surroundings. Most systems are open systems; like a car, coffeemaker, or computer. A closed system exchanges energy, but not matter, with its environment; like Earth or the project Biosphere2 or 3. An isolated system exchanges neither matter nor energy with its environment. A theoretical example of such system is the Universe.

;Process and transformation process :A system can also be viewed as a bounded transformation process, that is, a process or collection of processes that transforms inputs into outputs. Inputs are consumed; outputs are produced. The concept of input and output here is very broad. E.g., an output of a passenger ship is the movement of people from departure to destination.

;Subsystem :A ''subsystem'' is a set of elements, which is a system itself, and a component of a larger system.

;System Model :A system comprises multiple views. For the man-made systems it may be such views as planning, requirement (analysis), design, implementation, deployment, structure, behavior, input data, and output data views. A system model is required to describe and represent all these multiple views.

;System Architecture :A system architecture, using one single integrated model for the description of multiple views such as planning, requirement (analysis), design, implementation, deployment, structure, behavior, input data, and output data views, is a kind of system model.

Elements of System

Following are considered as the elements of a system in terms of Information systems: -

# Inputs and Outputs # Processor # Control # Environment # Feedback # Boundaries and Interface

Types of systems

Systems are classified in different ways: # Physical or Abstract systems # Open or Closed systems # 'Man-made' Information systems # Formal Information systems # Informal Information systems # Computer Based Information systems

Physical systems are tangible entities that may be static or dynamic in operation. For Example, the physical parts of the computer center are the offices , desk and chairs that facilitate operation of the computer. They can be seen and counted as they are static. In contrast, a programmed computer is a dynamic demands or the priority of the information requested changes. Abstract systems are conceptual or non physical entities.

An open system has many interfaces with its environment. i.e. system that interacts freely with its environment, taking input and returning output. It permits interaction across its boundary; it receives inputs from and delivers outputs to the outside. A closed system does not interact with the environment; changes in the environment and adaptability are not issues for closed system. -------------------------------------------------------------------------A$- Evidently, there are many types of systems that can be analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. For example, with an analysis of urban systems dynamics, [A.W. Steiss] defines five intersecting systems, including the physical subsystem and behavioral system. For sociological models influenced by systems theory, where Kenneth D. Bailey defines systems in terms of conceptual, concrete and abstract systems; either isolated, closed, or open, Walter F. Buckley defines social systems in sociology in terms of mechanical, organic, and process models. Bela H. Banathy cautions that with any inquiry into a system that understanding the type of system is crucial and defines Natural and Designed systems.

In offering these more global definitions, the author maintains that it is important not to confuse one for the other. The theorist explains that natural systems include sub-atomic systems, living systems, the solar system, the galactic system and the Universe. Designed systems are our creations, our physical structures, hybrid systems which include natural and designed systems, and our conceptual knowledge. The human element of organization and activities are emphasized with their relevant abstract systems and representations. A key consideration in making distinctions among various types of systems is to determine how much freedom the system has to select purpose, goals, methods, tools, etc. and how widely is the freedom to select itself distributed (or concentrated) in the system.

George J. Klir maintains that no "classification is complete and perfect for all purposes," and defines systems in terms of abstract, real, and conceptual physical systems, bounded and unbounded systems, discrete to continuous, pulse to hybrid systems, et cetera. The interaction between systems and their environments are categorized in terms of relatively closed, and open systems. It seems most unlikely that an absolutely closed system can exist or, if it did, that it could be known by us. Important distinctions have also been made between hard and soft systems. Hard systems are associated with areas such as systems engineering, operations research and quantitative systems analysis. Soft systems are commonly associated with concepts developed by Peter Checkland and Brian Wilson through Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) involving methods such as action research and emphasizing participatory designs. Where hard systems might be identified as more "scientific," the distinction between them is actually often hard to define.

Cultural system

A cultural system may be defined as the interaction of different elements of culture. While a cultural system is quite different from a social system, sometimes both systems together are referred to as the sociocultural system. A major concern in the social sciences is the problem of order. One way that social order has been theorized is according to the degree of integration of cultural and social factors.

Economic system

An economic system is a mechanism (social institution) which deals with the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services in a particular society. The economic system is composed of people, institutions and their relationships to resources, such as the convention of property. It addresses the problems of economics, like the allocation and scarcity of resources.

Application of the system concept

Systems modeling is generally a basic principle in engineering and in social sciences. The system is the representation of the entities under concern. Hence inclusion to or exclusion from system context is dependent of the intention of the modeler.

No model of a system will include all features of the real system of concern, and no model of a system must include all entities belonging to a real system of concern.

Systems in information and computer science

In computer science and information science, system is a software system which has components as its structure and observable Inter-process communications as its behavior. Again, an example will illustrate: There are systems of counting, as with Roman numerals, and various systems for filing papers, or catalogues, and various library systems, of which the Dewey Decimal System is an example. This still fits with the definition of components which are connected together (in this case in order to facilitate the flow of information).

System can also be used referring to a framework, be it software or hardware, designed to allow software programs to run, see platform.

Systems in engineering and physics

In engineering and physics, a physical system is the portion of the universe that is being studied (of which a thermodynamic system is one major example). Engineering also has the concept of a system that refers to all of the parts and interactions between parts of a complex project. Systems engineering refers to the branch of engineering that studies how this type of system should be planned, designed, implemented, built, and maintained.

Systems in social and cognitive sciences and management research

Social and cognitive sciences recognize systems in human person models and in human societies. They include human brain functions and human mental processes as well as normative ethics systems and social/cultural behavioral patterns.

In management science, operations research and organizational development (OD), human organizations are viewed as systems (conceptual systems) of interacting components such as subsystems or system aggregates, which are carriers of numerous complex business processes (organizational behaviors) and organizational structures. Organizational development theorist Peter Senge developed the notion of organizations as systems in his book ''The Fifth Discipline''.

Systems thinking is a style of thinking/reasoning and problem solving. It starts from the recognition of system properties in a given problem. It can be a leadership competency. Some people can ''think globally while acting locally''. Such people consider the potential consequences of their decisions on other parts of larger systems. This is also a basis of systemic coaching in psychology.

Organizational theorists such as Margaret Wheatley have also described the workings of organizational systems in new metaphoric contexts, such as quantum physics, chaos theory, and the self-organization of systems.

Systems applied to strategic thinking

In 1988, military strategist, John A. Warden III introduced his Five Ring System model in his book, ''The Air Campaign'' contending that any complex system could be broken down into five concentric rings. Each ring—Leadership, Processes, Infrastructure, Population and Action Units—could be used to isolate key elements of any system that needed change. The model was used effectively by Air Force planners in the First Gulf War. In the late 1990s, Warden applied this five ring model to business strategy.

See also

;Examples of systems

List of systems (WikiProject)

physical system

conceptual system

Complex system

Formal system

Information system

Meta-system

Solar System

Systems in human anatomy

Market

;Theories about systems

Chaos theory

Cybernetics

Systems ecology

Systems engineering

Systems psychology

Systems theory

Thermodynamic systems

;Related topics

Glossary of systems theory

Complexity theory and organizations

Network (disambiguation)

System of systems (engineering)

Systems art

References

Further reading

Alexander Backlund (2000). "The definition of system". In: ''Kybernetes'' Vol. 29 nr. 4, pp. 444–451.

Kenneth D. Bailey (1994). ''Sociology and the New Systems Theory: Toward a Theoretical Synthesis''. New York: State of New York Press.

Bela H. Banathy (1997). "A Taste of Systemics", ISSS The Primer Project.

Walter F. Buckley (1967). '' Sociology and Modern Systems Theory'', New Jersey: Englewood Cliffs.

Peter Checkland (1997). ''Systems Thinking, Systems Practice''. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Robert L. Flood (1999). ''Rethinking the Fifth Discipline: Learning within the unknowable''. London: Routledge.

George J. Klir (1969). Approach to General Systems Theory, 1969.

Brian Wilson (1980). ''Systems: Concepts, methodologies and Applications'', John Wiley

Brian Wilson (2001). ''Soft Systems Methodology—Conceptual model building and its contribution'', J.H.Wiley.

Beynon-Davies P. (2009). ''Business Information + Systems''. Palgrave, Basingstoke. ISBN 978-0-230-20368-6

External links

''Definitions of Systems and Models'' by Michael Pidwirny, 1999-2007.

''Definitionen von "System" (1572-2002)'' by Roland Müller, 2001-2007 (most in German).

Theory and Practical Exercises of System Dynamics by Juan Martin (also in Spanish)

Category:Cybernetics Category:Systems theory Category:Systems science Category:Greek loanwords

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Coordinates	34°03′″N118°15′″N
name	Chester Bennington
birth name	Chester Charles Bennington
birth date	March 20, 1976
origin	Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
instrument	Vocals, guitar, keyboard, drums
genre	Alternative rock, nu metal, alternative metal, alternative hip hop, hard rock, rap rock, rap metal, electronic rock, post-grunge
occupation	Musician, singer-songwriter, actor
years active	1993–present
label	Warner Bros.
website	www.cbennington.com
associated acts	Linkin Park, Dead by Sunrise, Grey Daze
background	solo_singer }}

Chester Charles Bennington (born March 20, 1976) is an American musician, singer-songwriter and actor. He is best known as the lead vocalist and songwriter of the rock band Linkin Park.

Bennington became known as a vocalist with Linkin Park's debut album, ''Hybrid Theory'', in 2000, which was a massive commercial success. The album was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2005, making it the best-selling debut album of the decade. Linkin Park's following studio albums, ''Meteora'', ''Minutes to Midnight'', and ''A Thousand Suns'', released in , 2003, 2007, and 2010 respectively, continued the band's success. Bennington formed his own band, Dead by Sunrise as a side-project in 2005. The band's debut album, ''Out of Ashes'' was released on October 13, 2009. In 2007, Bennington was placed at #46 on'' Hit Parader''s list of "Heavy Metal's All-Time Top 100 Vocalists".

Early life

Bennington was born in Phoenix, Arizona. He attended Greenway High school. He took interest in music at a young age, citing Depeche Mode and Stone Temple Pilots as early inspirations. Bennington's parents separated in the late 1980s. He later struggled with cocaine and methamphetamine addictions. Bennington eventually overcame his drug addiction, and would go on to denounce drug use in future interviews. He worked at a Burger King restaurant before starting his career as a professional musician.

Before joining Linkin Park, Bennington was a vocalist in Grey Daze, a grunge band from Phoenix, Arizona. He left Grey Daze in 1998, but struggled to find another band to sing in. After nearly quitting his musical career altogether, Jeff Blue, the vice president of A&R; at Zomba Music in Los Angeles, offered Bennington an audition with the future members of Linkin Park. Bennington quit his day job, and took his family to California, where he had a successful audition with Linkin Park, who were then called "Xero". Bennington and Mike Shinoda, the band’s other vocalist, made significant progress together, but failed to find a record deal. After facing numerous rejections, Jeff Blue, now a vice president of A&R; at Warner Bros., intervened again to help the band sign with Warner Bros. Records.

Linkin Park

On October 24, 2000 Linkin Park released their debut album through Warner Bros. Records. Bennington and Shinoda wrote the lyrics to ''Hybrid Theory'' based on some early material. Shinoda characterized the lyrics as interpretations of universal feelings, emotions, and experiences, and as “everyday emotions you talk about and think about.” Bennington later described the songwriting experience to ''Rolling Stone'' magazine in early 2002:

''Hybrid Theory'' was released in the United States on October 24, 2000 following the debut of "One Step Closer" on the radio. It entered the U.S. Billboard 200 charts at #16 in late 2000, and was certified gold by the RIAA five weeks after its release. In 2001, ''Hybrid Theory'' sold 4.8 million copies in the United States, making it the best-selling album of the year, and it was estimated that the album continued selling 100,000 copies per week in early 2002. Throughout the following years, the album continued to sell at a fast pace and was certified diamond by the RIAA in 2005 for selling 10 million copies in the U.S. It has sold 24 million copies worldwide as of 2009, including over 10 million in the U.S. which makes it the band's best-selling album and the best-selling debut album of the 21st century.

The follow-up to ''Hybrid Theory'' would ultimately become ''Meteora''. The band began to work on new material amidst their saturated schedule, spending a sliver of their free time in their tour bus' studio. The band officially announced the production of a new studio album in December 2002, revealing their new work was inspired by the rocky region of Meteora in Greece, where numerous monasteries have been built on top of the rocks. ''Meteora'' featured a mixture of the band's previous nu metal and rapcore styles with newer innovative effects, including the induction of a shakuhachi (a Japanese flute made of bamboo) and other instruments. Linkin Park's second album debuted on March 25, 2003 and instantly earned worldwide recognition, going to #1 in the US and UK, and #2 in Australia.

Linkin Park returned to the recording studios in 2006 to work on new material. To produce the album, the band chose Rick Rubin. Despite initially stating the record would debut sometime in 2006, it was delayed until 2007. The band had recorded thirty to fifty songs in August 2006, when Shinoda stated the album was halfway completed. Bennington later added that the new album would stray away from their previous nu metal sound. Warner Bros. Records officially announced that the band’s third studio album, entitled ''Minutes to Midnight'', would be released on May 15, 2007 in the United States. After spending fourteen months working on the album, the band opted to further refine their album by removing five of the original seventeen tracks. The album’s title, a reference to the Doomsday Clock, foreshadowed the band's new lyrical themes. ''Minutes to Midnight'' sold over 600,000 copies in its first week, making it one of the most successful debut week albums in recent years. The album also took the top spot on the Billboard Charts. Linkin Park's newest album, ''A Thousand Suns'', was also co-produced with Rick Rubin and was released on September 14, 2010, with its first single, "The Catalyst", a success. In June Chester Bennington was at the LPU summit in Hamburg in which he did a cover of Adele's version of Rolling in the Deep with Mike Shinoda playing the piano.

Personal life

Chester Bennington has two children from a previous relationship with Elka Brand; Jamie and Isaiah. Bennington married his first wife, Samantha Marie Olit, on October 31, 1996. They have one child together, Draven Sebastian Bennington, who was born on April 19, 2002. Bennington’s relationship with his first wife declined during his early years with Linkin Park, and they divorced in 2005. After divorcing his first wife, Bennington married Talinda Ann Bentley, a former Playboy model, with whom he has had a child, Tyler Lee Bennington. The wedding ceremony was custom designed and performed by Mary Jean Valente of "A Ceremony of the Heart". Bennington and his family live in a house in Gilbert, Arizona when he is not on tour.

Chester and Talinda were harassed by a cyberstalker, Devon Townsend, for almost a year. Townsend was found guilty of tampering with the couple's email, as well as sending threatening messages, and was sentenced to two years in prison.

Bennington is a tattoo enthusiast. Bennington has done work and promotions with Club Tattoo, a recognized tattoo parlor in Tempe, Arizona.

In a June 2011 interview with ''Kerrang!'' magazine, Bennington has stated that he believes in God and prays frequently.

Health

Despite having success in the early 2000s, Bennington has had medical issues outside of the limelight. He suffered a severe bite from a recluse spider while touring with the OzzFest in 2001. Bennington was plagued with poor health during the making of ''Meteora'', and struggled to attend some of the album’s recording sessions. He fell ill during the summer of 2003, and eventually underwent surgery. Bennington sustained a wrist injury in October 2007 while attempting to jump off a platform during a show in Melbourne, Australia at the Rod Laver Arena. Despite the injury, he continued to perform the entire show with a broken wrist, before heading to the emergency room. Soon after breaking his wrist he hit himself in the face with a tennis racket. He received 5 stitches. Bennington also injured his back once, while performing a live show.

Recently, in 2011, Bennington fell ill again, and Linkin Park were forced to cancel three shows and reschedule two from the ''A Thousand Suns World Tour''.

Bands

Grey Daze – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1993–1998)

Linkin Park – lead vocals, percussion (1998–present)

Dead by Sunrise – lead vocals, guitar, keyboard (2005–present)

Julien-K – production (2003–present)

Solo work

Bennington joined Z-Trip in 2005 for the single "Walking Dead", released on Z-Trip's major label album ''Shifting Gears''. "Walking Dead" was a Top Ten Single in the US. Bennington also made a surprise appearance during Z-Trip's performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2005.

Bennington teamed up with original Orgy guitarists Ryan Shuck and Amir Derakh, who perform together as Julien-K, for a solo project. Chester's band is called Dead By Sunrise, formerly known as Snow White Tan. Dead By Sunrise has since released their debut album Out of Ashes on October 13, 2009. Chester also worked on Julien-Ks debut album 'Death To Analog' and is credited as the executive Producer. In 2009, Ryan Shuck said:

"Both bands are the same. The one where Chester sings and writes is Dead By Sunrise, but when I sing, and Amir and I are the primary writers, it becomes Julien-K and it's more electro and much darker... Julien-K and Dead by Sunrise are basically a creative collective, we're sort of a Warhol-style factory in that sense... Dead by Sunrise is Chester's Julien-K if that makes any sense"

Featured vocals

Album contributions

Chester Bennington Handsome Boy Modeling School feat. Chester Bennington & Mike Shinoda DJ Z-TripYoung Buck feat. Chester Bennington Carlos Santana feat. Chester Bennington Korn feat. Chester Bennington

Year !! Artist !! Song !! Release
2001	Stone Temple Pilots feat. Chester Bennington	"Wonderful"
rowspan="3"	2002	|	"System"	Queen of the Damned (soundtrack)>Queen of the Damned'' soundtrack
Cyclefly feat. Chester Bennington
DJ Lethal feat. Chester Bennington	"State of the Art"
2004	|	"Rock 'N' Roll (Could Never Hip-Hop Like This) Part 2"	''White People''
rowspan="2"	2005	Z-Trip feat. Chester Bennington ||	Walking Dead (song)>Walking Dead"	Shifting Gears (DJ Z-Trip album)>Shifting Gears''
Mötley Crüe feat. Chester Bennington	Home Sweet Home (Mötley Crüe song)>Home Sweet Home" (remake)
2007	|	"Slow Ya Roll"	''Buck the World''
2010	|	"Riders on the Storm" (The Doors cover)	''Guitar Heaven: Santana Performs the Greatest Guitar Classics of All Time''
TBA	|	"Head Like a Hole" (Nine Inch Nails cover)	''Korn Kovers''

Music producer

Chester Bennington executive produced the E.P for Los Angeles, Tripduster band Hellflower, which is fronted by his long time friend and Director of Activities (D.O.A), Church.

Film and television

Bennington also made a cameo in the 2006 film ''Crank'' as a customer in a pharmacy. He later appeared as a horse-track spectator in the film's 2009 sequel, ''Crank: High Voltage''. Bennington also had a role as the ill-fated Skinhead, Evan, in the 2010 film ''Saw 3D''.

Chester Bennington is working with his long time friend and director of activities, Church, on developing an upcoming television show, ''Mayor of the World'', with executive producers Trip Taylor.

Filmography

+ Film
! Year	! Title	! Role	Notes	Source
2006		Pharmacy Stoner
2009	''Crank: High Voltage''	Hollywood Park Guy
2010	''Saw 3D''	Evan

References

External links

Linkin Park website

Category:1976 births Category:American film actors Category:American rock singers Category:American male singers Category:American musicians Category:American heavy metal singers Category:Musicians from Arizona Category:Dead by Sunrise Category:Julien-K Category:Linkin Park members Category:Living people Category:Nu metal singers Category:English-language singers Category:People from Phoenix, Arizona Category:People self-identifying as substance abusers

ar:تشستر بنينجتون az:Çester Benninqton bs:Chester Bennington bg:Честър Бенингтън ca:Chester Bennington cs:Chester Bennington da:Chester Bennington de:Chester Bennington et:Chester Bennington el:Τσέστερ Μπένινγκτον es:Chester Bennington fa:چستر بنینگتون fr:Chester Bennington gl:Chester Bennington ko:체스터 베닝턴 hi:चेस्टर बेनिंगटन hr:Chester Bennington id:Chester Bennington it:Chester Bennington he:צ'סטר בנינגטון ka:ჩესტერ ბენინგტონი lv:Česters Beningtons lb:Chester Bennington lt:Chester Bennington hu:Chester Bennington ms:Chester Bennington nl:Chester Bennington ja:チェスター・ベニントン no:Chester Bennington uz:Chester Bennington pl:Chester Bennington pt:Chester Bennington ro:Chester Bennington ru:Беннингтон, Честер simple:Chester Bennington sk:Chester Charles Bennington sl:Chester Bennington sr:Честер Бенингтон fi:Chester Bennington sv:Chester Bennington te:చెస్టర్ బెన్నింగ్టన్ th:เชสเตอร์ เบนนิงตัน tr:Chester Bennington uk:Честер Беннінгтон vi:Chester Bennington zh:查斯特·班寧頓

Coordinates	34°03′″N118°15′″N
name	Billy Idol
background	solo_singer
birth name	William Michael Albert Broad
alias	B.I.
born	November 30, 1955Stanmore, Middlesex, England, UK
instrument	Vocals, guitar, bass guitar
genre	Punk rock, New Wave,
occupation	Musician, actor, songwriter, performer
years active	1972–present
label	Chrysalis, EMI, Sanctuary
associated acts	Generation X, Digital Underground, Mister Pusha
website	BillyIdol.net }}

William Michael Albert Broad (born 30 November 1955), better known by his stage name Billy Idol, is an English rock musician. He first achieved fame in the punk rock era as a member of the band Generation X. He then embarked on a successful solo career, aided by a series of stylish music videos, making him one of the first MTV stars. Idol continues to tour with guitarist Steve Stevens and has a worldwide fan base.

Life and career

Early life and Generation X

Idol was born in Stanmore, Middlesex, the son of a salesman. He attended Tideway School in Newhaven, East Sussex. The name ''Billy Idol'' was inspired by a schoolteacher's description of Broad as "idle".

In 1958, when Idol was two years old, his parents moved to Patchogue, New York, on Long Island. The family returned to England four years later with Idol and a younger child Jane (who had been born in the US), settling in Dorking, Surrey. In 1971 the family moved to Bromley, where Idol attended Ravensbourne School for Boys. Idol (rather William Broad) also attended Worthing High School for Boys (later becoming Worthing College). In October 1975, Idol went to Sussex University to pursue an English degree and lived on campus (East Slope) but left after year one (1976). He then went on to join the Bromley Contingent of Sex Pistols fans. Idol first joined the punk rock band Siouxsie and the Banshees (before the band had decided on that name) in 1976, but soon quit and joined Chelsea in 1977 as a guitarist. However, he and Chelsea bandmate Tony James soon quit that group and co-founded Generation X, with Idol switching from guitarist to lead singer. Generation X signed to Chrysalis Records and released three albums and performed in the 1980 film, ''D.O.A.'', before disbanding. Idol moved to New York in 1981 and began working as a solo artist working with Steve Stevens, Phil Feit and Steve Missal, for Idol's debut solo album, "Billy Idol", which was released in July 1982.

Early solo success

Idol's solo career began with the EP titled ''Don't Stop'', which included the Generation X song "Dancing with Myself", originally recorded for their last album ''Kiss Me Deadly'', and a cover of Tommy James & The Shondells' song "Mony Mony". Both songs became his first singles and remain part of his classic live setlists as of 2010. In 1982 Idol instantly became an MTV staple with "White Wedding" and "Dancing with Myself". In 1983, in an effort to introduce Idol to American audiences not yet as familiar with him as those in England, Idol's label released "Dancing with Myself" in the US in conjunction with a music video (directed by Tobe Hooper, produced by Jeffrey Abelson, and conceptualised by Keith Williams) that played in heavy rotation on MTV for six months. That video sparked a new era of feature film directors trying their hand at music videos. Along with "White Wedding", the "Dancing with Myself" and "Eyes Without a Face" videos helped make Idol a household name in America.

''Rebel Yell'' and superstar years

Idol's second LP, ''Rebel Yell'' (1983) was a major success and established Idol's superstar status in the United States with hits like "Eyes Without a Face," "Flesh For Fantasy", and the title cut. Idol also became very popular in Europe thanks to this album and its singles, particularly in Germany, Italy, Switzerland and later in the UK. Tracks from the album featured in the 1988 Hollywood comedy film ''Big'', which starred Tom Hanks.

Idol released ''Whiplash Smile'' in 1986, which sold very well. The album included the hits "To Be a Lover," "Don't Need a Gun" and the country-flavoured "Sweet Sixteen". Idol filmed a video featuring "Sweet Sixteen" (which he also wrote) in Florida's Coral Castle. The song was inspired by the story of Edward Leedskalnin's former love, Agnes Scuffs, who was the main reason Leedskalnin built the structure over a period of decades, starting years after she jilted him the day before their scheduled wedding in their native Latvia. Stevens parted ways with Idol after ''Whiplash Smile''. In 1986, Stevens appeared with Harold Faltermeyer on the ''Top Gun'' soundtrack. Their contribution was the Grammy winning instrumental, "Top Gun Anthem." Stevens decided to go solo, creating his own band, Steve Stevens and the Atomic Playboys. A remix album was released in 1987 called, ''Vital Idol''. The album featured a live rendition of his cover of Tommy James' "Mony Mony" ; as a single it topped the US charts in 1987.

In 1989, Idol appeared on stage with The Who as Cousin Kevin as part of the live version of ''Tommy'', which would be aired as an HBO special and released on home video and later as a DVD. In later years, Idol also stood in as a guest performer with The Who on Bell Boy, a hit from their rock opera album ''Quadrophenia'', and provided the lead vocals that were originally sung by the band's late drummer Keith Moon. On these brief appearances, Idol would dress in a full bell boy's uniform to reflect upon Moon's eccentricity on stage.

Idol was involved in a serious motorcycle accident which nearly cost him a leg in February 1990 in Hollywood. He was hit by a car while driving home from the studio one night when he ran a stop sign, requiring a steel rod to be placed in his leg. Shortly prior to this, film director James Cameron had chosen Idol to play the T-1000 character in ''Terminator 2: Judgment Day'' and had drawn storyboards to resemble him, but the accident prevented Idol from accepting.

The new release, ''Charmed Life'', was due for release and a video for the single, "Cradle of Love" had to be shot. The song had been featured in the Andrew Dice Clay film, ''The Adventures of Ford Fairlane''. Since Idol was unable to walk, he was shot from the waist up. The video would feature video footage of him singing in large frames throughout an apartment while Betsy Lynn George was trying to seduce a businessman. The video was a hit and was placed in heavy rotation on MTV. Idol and Betsy Lynn George recreated the opening of the video for the 1991 American Music Awards. Against his doctors' advice, he also managed to make appearances to promote ''Charmed Life''.

Idol made a cameo appearance in the 1998 film "The Wedding Singer" with Adam Sandler, in which Idol ultimately saved the relationship between characters Robbie Hart (Sandler) and Julia Sullivan (played by Drew Barrymore). Idol also had a small part in the movie ''The Doors'', directed by Oliver Stone. Idol played Jim Morrison's drinking buddy, Cat. Idol also performed at Roger Waters' live concert The Wall Live in Berlin in 1990.

Crisis and resurgence

In 1993, Idol released ''Cyberpunk'', which was largely ignored. Music had changed and many of the bands that were popular in the '80s were being pushed aside. Regarded as experimental, it was recorded in a home studio using a Macintosh computer, which was a fairly new concept at the time. Idol recorded the album with Younger-Smith and producer Robin Hancock. Special editions of the album were issued with a floppy disc which contained a screensaver. It was the first album which listed the e-mail address of the artist (idol@well.sf.ca.us, which is now inactive) in its booklet. The album has become something of a cult favourite today. In 1996, Idol appeared in a live version of The Who's ''Quadrophenia''. He returned to the public eye in 1998, when he played himself in ''The Wedding Singer'', in which "White Wedding" was also the title track. The film was a smash hit worldwide. He was also considered for the role of the villain, Jacob Kell in Highlander: Endgame. Ultimately Bruce Payne was cast. Idol also released three new tracks on Internet - a move which elicited much concern from the RIAA.. He also shared the stage with the band Third Eye Blind.

VH1 aired ''Billy Idol - Behind the Music'' on 16 April 2001. The ''Behind the Music'' series was very popular at the time, and each band or artist that was featured on that program usually gained a resurgence of interest after the show had aired. Idol and Stevens were no exceptions, taking part in a ''VH1 Storytellers'' show three days later. The reunited duo set out to play a series of acoustic/storytellers shows before recording the VH1 special. The acoustic tour was a big success, and Idol eventually started adding new material into the show. Another ''Greatest Hits'' CD was issued in 2001, with Keith Forsey's "Don't You (Forget About Me)" appearing on the compilation. Forsey had originally written it with Idol in mind, but the singer turned it down and eventually the song was given to Simple Minds, who made it a worldwide hit in 1985. The album also includes a live acoustic version of "Rebel Yell" taken from a performance at Los Angeles station KROQ's 1993 Acoustic Christmas concert. The compilation sold about 4,000,000 copies worldwide.

In 2000, Idol was invited to be a guest vocalist on Tony Iommi's album. His contribution was on the song "Into The Night", which he also co-wrote. That year he voice acted the role of Odin, a mysterious alien character, in the animated fantasy film ''Heavy Metal 2000''. In the 2002 NRL Grand Final in Sydney, Idol entered the playing field for the post-match entertainment on a hovercraft-type stage to the intro of White Wedding, when he managed to sing only two words before a power failure ended the performance. "White Wedding" appeared on popular video game ''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas'', playing on fictional Classic rock radio station, K-DST.

''Devil's Playground'' and beyond

''Devil's Playground'', which came out in March 2005, was Idol's first new studio album in nearly 12 years. It reached #46 on the Billboard 200. The album included a cover of "Plastic Jesus". Idol played a handful of dates on the 2005 Vans Warped Tour and also appeared at the UK's Download Festival at Donington Park and the Voodoo Music Experience in New Orleans. In 2006, as his only UK live date, he appeared headlining the Sunday night of GuilFest. That same year he made an appearance on ''Viva La Bam'' where he helped Bam Margera succeed in "creating" a sunroof for his $250,000 Lamborghini Gallardo and performed live for April Margera for her birthday. In 2006, Idol guested on his keyboardist Derek Sherinian's solo album ''Blood of the Snake'', covering the 1970 Mungo Jerry hit "In the Summertime". A video was made featuring Idol and guitarist Slash. In November 2006, Idol released a Christmas album called ''Happy Holidays''.

In 2008, "Rebel Yell" appeared as a playable track on the video game ''Guitar Hero World Tour'' and "White Wedding" on ''Rock Band 2'', the Rock Band 2 platform later gaining "Mony Mony" and "Rebel Yell" as downloadable tracks. On 24 June 2008 Idol released a new greatest hits album, ''The Very Best of Billy Idol: Idolize Yourself''. The compilation featured two previously unreleased tracks, "John Wayne" and "New Future Weapon". A third track, "Fractured", was available for download on iTunes. He embarked on a successful tour across the world, co-headlining with Def Leppard. In May 2009 Idol donated his time for Music Education in schools by playing along Steve Stevens & Stephen McGrath and the band Venice as backup band and vocals. They were accompanied by a large String & Brass section and chorale group of Santa Monica High School students. The whole event was hosted by AFTA, Artists for the Arts foundation, (aftafoundation.org). The entire event was shot by Touring Video and Post by On the WAVE Productions. Harry Rabin from "On the WAVE" produced the video, which can be seen on billyidol.net and the audio was mixed and Mastered by Steve Miles and Harry Rabin.

In July 2009, Idol performed at the Congress Theater, Chicago for the US TV series ''Soundstage''. This performance was recorded and was released on DVD as ''In Super Overdrive Live'', on 17 November 2009.

Recent events

On 16 February 2010, Idol was announced as one of the acts to play the Download Festival in Donington Park. He was quoted: ''"With all of these great heavyweight and cool bands playing Download this year, I'm going to have to come armed with my punk rock attitude, Steve Stevens, and all of my classic songs plus a couple of way out covers. Should be fun!"'' In March 2010, Idol added Camp Freddy guitarist Billy Morrison and drummer Jeremy Colson to his touring line-up.

In 2010 Billy was working on a new album entitled, "Keep Out of Reach of Children." Billy started debuting new songs like "Kings and Queen of the Underground" "Love Is Strange" "Don't Shoot The Messager" "Cry" and "Scarred For Life" in concert.

Live band

''Billy Idol's current band consists of:''

Steve Stevens - lead guitar(1981–1986, 2001–present)

Stephen McGrath - bass guitar(2001–present)

Derek Sherinian - keyboards(2002–present)

Billy Morrison - rhythm guitar(2010–present)

Jeremy Colson - drums, percussion(2010–present)

Former members

Gregg Gerson - Drums, Percussion(1981–1983)

Steve Missal - Drums, Percussion(1981)

Phil Feit - Bass Guitar(1981–1983)

Thommy Price - Drums, Percussion(1983–1988)

Steve Webster - Bass Guitar(1983–1985)

Judi Dozier - Keyboards(1982–1985)

Kenny Aaronson - Bass Guitar(1986–1988)

Mark Younger-Smith - Lead Guitar(1990–1996)

Mark Schulman - Drums, Percussion(1993–2001)

Brian Tichy - Drums, Percussion(2001–2009)

Tal Bergman - Drums, Percussion(1990–1993)

Danny Sadownik - Drums, Percussion(1993)

Zane Fix - Bass Guitar(1980s)

Jennifer Blakeman - Keyboards(1993)

Julie Greaux - Keyboards(1993)

Discography

''Don't Stop (EP)'' (1981)

''Billy Idol'' (1982)

''Rebel Yell'' (1983)

''Vital Idol'' (1985)

''Whiplash Smile'' (1986)

''Idol Songs: 11 of the Best'' (1988)

''Charmed Life'' (1990)

''Cyberpunk'' (1993)

''Greatest Hits'' (2001)

''VH1 Storytellers'' (2002)

''Devil's Playground'' (2005)

''Happy Holidays'' (2006)

''The Very Best of Billy Idol: Idolize Yourself'' (2008)

List of Billy Idol awards and nominations

Grammys

|- | align="center"| ||"Rebel Yell"|| Best Male Rock Vocal Performance|| |- | align="center"| ||"To Be A Lover" || Best Male Rock Vocal Performance || |- | align="center"| ||"Cradle of Love" || Best Male Rock Vocal Performance ||

MTV Video Music Awards

The MTV Video Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony established in 1984 by MTV.

|- | align="center"| ||"Dancing With Myself" || Best Art Direction || |- | align="center"| ||"Dancing With Myself" || Best Special Effects || |- | align="center"| ||"Eyes Without a Face" || Best Cinematography || |- | align="center"| ||"Eyes Without a Face" || Best Editing || |- | align="center"| || "Cradle of Love" || Best Video from a Film || |- | align="center"| ||"Cradle of Love" || Best Male Video || |- | align="center"| ||"Cradle of Love" || Best Special Effects || |- | align="center"| ||"Shock To The System" || Best Special Effects || |- | align="center"| ||"Shock To The System" || Best Editing || |-

BRIT Awards

The BRIT Awards are the British Phonographic Industry's annual pop music awards. |- | || Billy Idol || Best British Video || |-

See also

Coral Castle, a stone structure where Idol got his inspiration for his song "Sweet Sixteen".

Bromley Contingent

References

External links

Official Site

Billy Idol MySpace page

Interview @ Legends

Billy Idol at ''Rolling Stone''

Category:1955 births Category:Alumni of the University of Sussex Category:English expatriates in the United States Category:English film actors Category:English male singers Category:English New Wave musicians Category:English punk rock singers Category:English vegetarians Category:Living people Category:Chrysalis Records artists Category:People from Stanmore Category:People from Dorking Category:People from Bromley

bg:Били Айдъл cs:Billy Idol cy:Billy Idol da:Billy Idol de:Billy Idol eml:Billy Idol es:Billy Idol fa:بیلی آیدل fr:Billy Idol hr:Billy Idol id:Billy Idol it:Billy Idol lv:Billijs Aidols hu:Billy Idol nl:Billy Idol ja:ビリー・アイドル no:Billy Idol pl:Billy Idol pt:Billy Idol ro:Billy Idol ru:Билли Айдол sk:Billy Idol sl:Billy Idol sr:Bili Ajdol fi:Billy Idol sv:Billy Idol uk:Біллі Айдол zh:比利·爱多尔

Coordinates	34°03′″N118°15′″N
name	Alexander Perls
background	non_vocal_instrumentalist
birth name	Alexander Perls Rousmaniere
alias	009 Sound SystemAalborg Soundtracks
born	May 11, 1976
genre	Electronic music, trance, Progressive trance, Electro house, house
occupation	MusicianMusic producer
years active	1998–present
label	Track One Recordings
website	Official site
notable instruments	}}

Alexander Perls is a musician and record producer. His notable projects include 009 Sound System, whose songs are entirely written, performed, and produced by Perls.

Perls' songs are known for their mix of electronic, trance and controversial religious related lyrics, which listeners have alternately interpreted as the work of a Christian, or a work of an atheist.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Perls is the grandson of Klaus Perls, the German art dealer, nephew of Nick Perls, the founder of Yazoo Recordings, and nephew of John Rousmaniere, the author, and great-grand-nephew of Albert Hamilton Gordon.

While studying as an exchange student at University College London in 1997, Perls worked with the post-rock collective Piano Magic. Following Perls' graduation from Oberlin College in 1998, he worked briefly for the Barbara Gladstone Gallery, a leading contemporary art dealership in New York, and then settled into a career as songwriter and music producer.

Between 2000 and 2008, Perls primarily wrote and recorded songs for other dance music producers, including well-known artists such as David Guetta, Paul van Dyk, Ian Carey, ATB, and Robert M. first in New York City, and after 2006, in Los Angeles. From 2000 to 2003 he was one of the members of the electronic music duo CIRC, which released one album and several singles and remixes.

In 2011, Track One Recordings opened a remix competition for Perls' well known productions Dreamscape and Born To Be Wasted.

Discography

Annex Trax, Vol. 1

:3. Maximalist (Short Edit) :4. Storm (Short Edit) :11. The Drive (Short Edit) :12. Storm (Short Edit) :14. Storm (Long Edit) :15. Maximalist (Long Edit) :16. Recombination :17. Can't Be Sure :18. Heaven's Never Gonna Be Like This (Short Edit)

009 Sound System (2008)

#Beat of the Moment #Dreamscape #The Dark Empire #The Hero Waits #Database #Holiday (So High) #Sonia #Sweet Mary (Talks to You) #The Pull #Transfiguration #Radio Station #Of Latter Days (Circ) #Maximalist #Storm #The Drive #Solo #Killer with a thousand faces #Space and Time

Singles

Wings and Time (2009)

Trinity (2009)

Within a Single (2009)

When You're Young (2011)

Dream We Knew (2011)

Powerstation (2011)

Wings (extended edit) (2011)

EP

Holy Ghost (2008)

#Holy Ghost #Number Two #Shine On

References

External links

Category:Living people Category:1976 births