The event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas saw Idol recognized for his incomparable career, body of work, and unparalleled contributions to music, and lasting legacy as a punk icon.
Idol marked the occasion by delivering his first ever AMAs performance with longtime collaborator/guitarist Steve Stevens, playing a medley of his biggest hits including "Eyes Without A Face" and "Dancing With Myself."
"When I started out in punk rock back in 1976, we didn't know if what we were doing would last six months, let alone 50 years. But we were doing it for the love," Idol notes, adding, "to any kid out there who loves rock & roll music-or any kind of music-as much as I do, and if you're inspired to chase that sense of freedom and pursue a life of art, all I can say is, 'pick up an instrument, find out who you are, and be it.'"
This summer, Idol returns to the road for the next leg of his highly successful world tour, It's A Nice Day To...Tour Again!; the run of arenas and amphitheatres kicks off in Scranton, PA on August 7.
Add some Billy Idol to your collection here.