TORONTO - Hundreds of fans gathered on Yonge St. yesterday to hear the rebel yell. Clutching old vinyl records, T-shirts and teddy bears, Billy Idol fans waited patiently outside Sam The Record Man for a chance to meet the singer in the city to promote his new album, Devil's Playground.

"It's a beautiful day," Idol, 49, said as he walked down Yonge St., chatting amiably with fans on his way to a live radio performance. There was the occasional toot of a horn and yells from drivers who recognized the singer with the famous mussed blond hair.

"I've been getting a lot of requests for Rebel Yell," said Idol, who was scheduled to play last night at Kool Haus.

Steve Stevens, Idol's long-time guitarist, also mingled with the crowd. "I want to thank the Canadian fans for keeping rock 'n' roll alive," Stevens said.

Susan Aizzo, 36, called into work sick yesterday and brought with her a weathered scrapbook filled with Idol pictures and newspaper clippings in the hopes of securing an autograph.

"I've worn sparkles on my feet for Billy," said Aizzo, doing a little pirouette.

It was a great day for Melody Irwin, 27, who waited more than three hours in order to get Idol's autograph.

After shaking his hand, she got Idol's autograph and a photo taken with him. "I wanted to babble so many things, but I was totally tongue-tied," she said.

Chris Mark, 35, of Huntsville, was window shopping when he noticed all the excitement around him. "I have been waiting for 20 years to meet this guy," he said.