Steve Stevens reveals how he created Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell” intro

Steve Stevens Billy Idol

In an interview with Music Radar, Billy Idol’s classic guitarist Steve Stevens revealed how he created “Rebel Yell” intro.

He said:

“Whenever people ask me how I came up with the intro to ‘Rebel Yell,’ I always have to say it came from those Leo Kottke things that had independent bass and treble lines going.

“I couldn’t really play a lot of that stuff, but I started trying on an acoustic guitar. This was at the end of the folk thing that was happening, with James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Crosby Stills & Nash… then Leo came up with this incredible technique rooted in Americana and folk.

“He was like the speed-metal guy of the acoustic 12-string!”

Watch Leo Kottke below:

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Rafael Polcaro: I'm a Brazilian journalist who always loved Classic Rock and Heavy Metal music. That passion inspired me to create Rock and Roll Garage over 6 years ago. Music has always been a part of my life, helping me through tough times and being a support to celebrate the good ones. When I became a journalist, I knew I wanted to write about my passions. After graduating in journalism from the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, I pursued a postgraduate degree in digital communication at the same institution. The studies and experience in the field helped me improve the website and always bring the best of classic rock to the world! MTB: 0021377/MG