British rocker Billy Idol has been honoured for a music career spanning 50 years that he thought would only last six months.
The Rebel Yell singer received the lifetime achievement accolade to a standing ovation at the American Music Awards (AMAs), held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Monday night.
The 70-year-old closed the glitzy star-studded ceremony with Eyes Without a Face, followed by Dancing with Myself, his first breakout solo hit back in 1981 after leaving his punk band Generation X.
"I've been able to live my dream, and it's really all because of you," he said, thanking fans after being presented with his award.
"When I started out in punk rock back in 1976, we thought it may only last about six months, let alone 50 years.
