Generation X biography
Generation X (also known as Gen X) was a British punk rock band, formed on 21 November 1976 by Billy Idol, Tony James and John Towe.
History
Three members of Gen 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).
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.
Generation X were one of the first punk bands to appear on the BBC Television music programme Top of the Pops.
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. In 1977, they covered John Lennon's "Gimme Some Truth", and in 1979 they teamed up with veteran old-school rocker Ian Hunter who produced their second album Valley of the Dolls.
There were differences in the group's musical direction that they struggled to resolve. They wanted to remain true to their punk roots while pursuing a heavier rock sound. Internal disagreements came to a head in late 1979 during the recording of what was to have been their third album. This was released decades later as part of the Anthology boxed set under the title, Sweet Revenge.
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.
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. 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. James later formed Sigue Sigue Sputnik and performed with bands including The Sisters of Mercy and, much later on, Carbon/Silicon. Stevenson later joined Gene Loves Jezebel then The Cult then The Alarm. Chimes rejoined The Clash.
Discography
Studio albums
- 1978 - Generation X UK #29
- 1979 - Valley of the Dolls UK #51
- 1979 - Sweet Revenge (Unreleased until 1998, reissued in 2003 as a second disc for the Anthology.)
- 1981 - Kiss Me Deadly (As "Gen X".)
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