MVD Entertainment Group Tags Nov. 3 For The Physical Media Launch Of Director Jonas Akerlund's Billy Idol Should Be Dead

MVD Entertainment Group has tabbed Nov. 3 as the physical media release date — both DVD and Blu-ray selections — for documentary filmmaker and music video directing icon Jonas Akerlund’s Billy Idol Should be Dead.

Akerlund is no stranger to the rock scene, having directed countless music videos over the years for the likes of Madonna, Roxette, Metallica, Paul McCartney, U2 and many, many more.   Starting in 2005 he had enough material and street-creds to start telling rock-scene stories, beginning with I'm Going to Tell You a Secret (a look at Madonna’s 2004 “Re-Invention” world tour) … Paul McCartney's Live Kisses, Taylor Swift: The 1989 World Tour Live and Metallica Saved My Life all followed. 

He’s even ventured into feature-length films, including the rock-horror tale, Lords of Chaos. 

In short, Akerlund knows music and the artists.   In April of last year, when the Tribeca Film Festival announced its preview line-up for the June gathering, the music-scene took notice at the news that rock legend Billy Idol would be doing a live music intro to the festival screening of Akerlund’s playfully-titled film, Billy Idol Should be Dead.

On the eve of the screening, USA Today’s Melissa Ruggieri had a sit-down with Idol to discuss the movie.   He revealed, “I’m lucky to be here” … “If I was doing today what I was doing in the ‘80s I’d be dead.” 

If you are a Billy Idol fan (or just curious) Akerlund’s documentary (entertaining as hell) lays it all out there.   The good and the really ugly.   He blends in animation to make points about the rise and near-destruction of this pretty-boy rock legend who really lived the live of sex, drugs (did we says DRUGS) and rock’n’roll!!

The post-festival reviews were solid and the savvy Laemmle Theatre circuit followed by opening up its doors for a limited theatrical showcase of Akerlund’s documentary in October of 2025.   Just for record, that yields an ARR of 375 days for the Nov. 3 DVD and Blu-ray releases.

Also of note, MVD Entertainment Group’s physical media support for the film is not the first time that the company has embraced Billy Idol’s physical media ventures.  In December of 2023 they released both DVD and Blu-ray editions of Idol’s spectacular live concert (also a theatrical release) titled Billy Idol: State Line - Live at Hoover Dam.   Be sure to check that out if you are a Billy Idol fan (included were “Rebel Yell,” “White Wedding,” “Dancing with Myself” and more.