Generation X (band)

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Generation X
Background information
Origin London, England
Genre(s) Punk rock
Years active 1976 - 1981
Label(s) Chrysalis
Former members
Billy Idol (1976-1981)
Tony James (1976-1981)
Bob Andrews (1976-1980)
John Towe (1976-1977)
Mark Laff (1977-1980)
Terry Chimes (1980-1981)
James Stevenson (1980-1981)

Generation X was a punk rock band that was formed on November 21st, 1976[1] by Billy Idol (aka. William Broad), Tony James and John Towe.

Contents

[edit] Career

Originally formed as Chelsea along with singer Gene October, they soon broke away from October and changed their name to Generation X (named after a 1960s paperback novel, by Jane Deverson, which belonged to Idol's mother [2]). Idol switched from guitar to vocal duties, and Bob "Derwood" Andrews joined as lead guitarist. They played their first live show on December 21, 1976 at The Roxy (becoming the very first band to play at the venue[3]).

Towe was later replaced on drums by Mark Laff, to complete the "official" line-up, before the band signed to Chrysalis Records and released their first single, "Your Generation" in September, 1977. This configuration would remain through their first two albums, the self titled, Generation X (1977), followed by Valley Of The Dolls (1979).

When recording what was to have been their third album (released decades later as part of the Anthology boxed set under the title, Sweet Revenge), the band became involved in a legal battle with their management, this dispute delaying the release of any new material. The band eventually gained new representation in then KISS manager, Bill Aucoin.

In 1980, Andrews and Laff departed the band (and subsequently formed the post-punk band, Empire), and were replaced by The Clash's former drummer Terry Chimes and ex-Chelsea guitarist James Stevenson.

The band 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 GenX. When their final single, "Dancing With Myself", failed to chart in the UK, the band split up.

Idol went on to pursue a solo career in America, where he became a substantial pop star. Tony James later formed Sigue Sigue Sputnik and performed with bands including The Sisters of Mercy and Carbon/Silicon.

[edit] Discography

[edit] Albums

[edit] 7" singles

  • "Your Generation" b/w "Day By Day", 1977 UK #36
  • "Wild Youth" b/w "Wild Dub", 1977
  • "Ready Steady Go" b/w "No No No", 1978 UK #47
  • "King Rocker" b/w "Gimme Some Truth", 1978 UK #11
  • "Valley Of The Dolls" b/w "Shakin' All Over", 1979 UK #23
  • "Friday's Angels" b/w "Trying for Kicks"/"This Heat", 1979 UK #62
  • "Dancing With Myself" b/w "Ugly Rash", 1980 (as "Gen X") UK #60

[edit] 12" singles/EPs

  • "Dancing With Myself" b/w "Loopy Dub"/"Ugly Dub", UK, 1980 (as "Gen X")
  • "Dancing With Myself EP", UK, 1981 (as "Gen X")
    • "Dancing With Myself"
    • "Untouchables"
    • "Rock On"
    • "King Rocker"
  • "Dancing With Myself" b/w "Hubble, Bubble, Toil and Dubble", US, 1981 (as "Gen X")

[edit] Compilations

[edit] References

[edit] External links

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