Synopsis
Billy Idol performs "Speed" with Steve Stevens and a full band in a dark, high-energy club setting, while rapid cuts bring in key scenes from the 1994 action film Speed. Images of buses, explosions, police pursuit and frantic driving give the performance a cinematic sense of urgency. The video works as both a conventional rock performance clip and a soundtrack trailer, connecting Idol's aggressive delivery with the movie's central theme of motion, danger and split-second decisions.
Factoids & Trivia
- "Speed" was written by Billy Idol and Steve Stevens specifically for the soundtrack of the 1994 film Speed.
- The video uses a hybrid format: Idol's staged band performance is intercut with footage from the movie rather than presenting a separate narrative.
- The soundtrack was assembled as a collection of songs "from and inspired by" the film. Idol's track served as its principal promotional song.
- The single was released in 1994 through Arista Records internationally and Chrysalis in the United States.
- "Speed" reached No. 38 on Billboard's Album Rock Tracks chart and No. 47 on the UK Singles Chart.
- It became Billy Idol's last single to appear on the UK chart.
- The UK CD single included several versions of "Speed," as well as a previously unreleased live acoustic version of "Rebel Yell."
- The music video was later included as a bonus feature on a two-disc DVD edition of Speed.