Generation X (band)

Generation X

Generation X, 1977. L-R: Billy Idol, Tony James, Bob Andrews, and Mark Laff.
Background information
Also known as Gen X
Origin Chelsea, London, United Kingdom
Genres Punk rock, dance-punk,[1] pop punk[2][3][4]
Years active 1976–81, 1993
Labels Chrysalis
Associated acts London SS, Chelsea, Subway Sect, The Clash, Paradox, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Cowboys International, Empire, Twenty Flight Rockers, Carbon/Silicon
Past members Billy Idol
Tony James
John Towe
Bob Andrews
Mark Laff
Terry Chimes
James Stevenson

Generation X (also known as Gen X) were an English punk rock band, formed on 21 November 1976 by Billy Idol, Tony James and John Towe.[1]

Career

Three members of Generation X were previously in Chelsea, along with lead singer Gene October. They soon broke away from October and selected the name Generation X (after Jane Deverson's 1965 sociology book, a copy of which was owned by Idol's mother).[1] Idol switched from guitar to vocal duties, and Bob "Derwood" Andrews joined as lead guitarist after leaving the Fulham band Paradox. Generation X played their first concert on 14 December 1976 at The Roxy (becoming the first band to play at the venue).[1][5]

Towe was later replaced on drums by Mark Laff (ex-Subway Sect), to complete the 'official' line-up, before the band signed to Chrysalis Records and released their first single, "Your Generation" in September 1977.[6] They played this song on Marc Bolan's afternoon variety show, Marc, that same month. This line-up of the band would remain through their first two albums, the self-titled, Generation X (1978), followed by Valley of the Dolls (1979).[6]

Rise to stardom

Generation X were one of the first punk bands to appear on the BBC Television music programme Top of the Pops.[7] Unlike other punk bands, Generation X ignored some of the 'rules' and 'ideals' adopted by UK punk rock bands, taking inspiration from British pop of the 1960s.[8] In 1977, they covered John Lennon's "Gimme Some Truth", and in 1979 they teamed up with Ian Hunter who produced their second album, Valley of the Dolls.[7]

There were differences in the group's musical direction that they struggled to resolve.[7] They wanted to remain true to their punk roots while pursuing a heavier rock sound.[7] Internal disagreements came to a head in late 1979 during the recording of what was to have been the third Generation X album. This was released decades later as part of the Anthology boxed set under the title Sweet Revenge.

Personnel changes and break-up

In 1980, Andrews and Laff left the band (subsequently forming the post-punk band, Empire), to be replaced in Generation X by the Clash and Cowboys International's former drummer Terry Chimes, and former Chelsea guitarist James Stevenson.[6]

Generation X made a last stand, re-recording some of the Sweet Revenge material, as well as several new songs. With this final release, Kiss Me Deadly (1981), the band abbreviated its name to Gen X.[6] Kiss Me Deadly included a version of "Dancing with Myself", first recorded as part of Sweet Revenge with Andrews and Laff, and which Idol would later include on his first EP as a solo artist to kick-start his own career with a hit.

Idol went on to pursue a solo career in New York, where he became a substantial pop star.[9] James later formed Sigue Sigue Sputnik[7] and performed with bands including the Sisters of Mercy and, much later on, Carbon/Silicon. Stevenson later joined Gene Loves Jezebel, the Cult and, more latterly, the Alarm and the International Swingers.[6] Chimes rejoined the Clash.[6]

On 20 September 1993, during Billy Idol's No Religion Tour, Generation X had a one-time reunion performance at the Astoria Theatre in London.

Discography

Studio albums

[6][10]

Compilation albums

Live albums

7" singles

[6] [10]

12" singles/EPs

[6]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Generation X – A Punk Rock History with Pictures". Punk77.co.uk. Retrieved 2013-03-19.
  2. ↑ "Generation X – A Punk Rock History with Pictures". Punk77.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-01-15.
  3. ↑ Pop Punk Image via Wikipedia (5 December 2010). "Pop Punk". Musicbase.org. Retrieved 2012-01-15.
  4. ↑ "IDOL LINKS – Popular Musicians". Idollinks.bravepages.com. 30 November 1955. Retrieved 2012-01-15.
  5. ↑ The band's early performance at The Roxy and offstage interactions were included as part of The Punk Rock Movie (1978), a compilation of punk band performances at The Roxy during this period.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Strong, Martin C. (2000). The Great Rock Discography (5th ed.). Edinburgh: Mojo Books. p. 472. ISBN 1-84195-017-3.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 "Biography by Greg Prato". Allmusic.com. Retrieved 29 April 2009.
  8. ↑ "King Rocker by Generation X Songfacts". Songfacts.com. 24 July 2008. Retrieved 2013-03-19.
  9. ↑ Billy Idol: the return of Billy the kid The Telegraph (London). Retrieved 30 November 2011
  10. 1 2 Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). The Moon: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 224. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.

External links

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