Writing by himself: Rocker Billy Idol has a book deal

NEW YORK — Billy Idol is writing a memoir — by himself. The bleached-blond punk rocker is promising a story of sex and drugs and 24-hour madness. He's calling his book "Dancing with Myself," in honor of his 1980s smash hit single. The 54-year-old singer says in a statement he's "going out on a limb here — so watch my back." Simon & Schuster division Touchstone announced Thursday that Idol's memoir will come out in late 2011 or early 2012. Idol first found fame in England with the punk band Generation X. He became an international solo star in the early days of MTV with hits including "Rebel Yell" and "Flesh for Fantasy." — AP