In a prelude to their upcoming Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, rock icon Billy Idol and his longtime guitar virtuoso Steve Stevens were honored on Tuesday, June 23, at the legendary Hollywood Rockwalk. The ceremony, held at Guitar Center’s historic Sunset Boulevard flagship, saw the duo immortalized with a traditional handprint dedication.
Presided over by radio host Richard Blade, the event welcomed the pair into an elite fraternity of over 150 musical pioneers honored by the Rockwalk since its 1985 inception. They now stand alongside industry giants such as Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, Aerosmith, and Johnny Cash.
“I’ve had a remarkable journey with Steve; he has a unique gift for bringing my most ambitious creative visions to life,” Idol remarked during the festivities. “Sharing this honor with him at the Rockwalk is truly special.”
Stevens echoed these sentiments, noting the depth of their creative partnership: “It is incredibly humbling to join the ranks of such legendary musicians. More than anything, this is a tribute to over 45 years of shared laughter, a treasure trove of songs that now belong to the fans, and an enduring friendship.”
Guitar Center CEO Gabe Dalporto highlighted the significance of their contribution, stating, “The Rockwalk exists to celebrate those who fundamentally shift music culture. Billy and Steve have spent decades redefining sound, and it has been our privilege to support their artistic evolution.”
While the Rockwalk went on hiatus for several years due to pandemic-related disruptions and shifting corporate priorities, the program has been revitalized as part of Guitar Center’s renewed commitment to fostering artist-centric experiences. This follows a high-profile resurgence that began with the induction of Gary Clark Jr. in 2014.
This recent accolade follows Idol’s successful Lifetime Achievement recognition at the American Music Awards this past May, where the duo delivered standout performances of “White Wedding” and “Dancing With Myself.”
The pair’s historic year will culminate on November 14, when they will be formally inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater. This inclusion marks a rare milestone, as it is only the second time in history that a primary sideman has been inducted alongside a solo artist, following the inclusion of Neil Giraldo with Pat Benatar four years ago.
