Generation X were an English pop-influenced punk rock band, formed on 21 November 1976 by Billy Idol, Tony James and John Towe.
Originally formed as Chelsea along with the 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[1]). Idol switched from guitar to vocal duties, and Bob "Derwood" Andrews joined as lead guitarist. They played their first live show on 21 December 1976 at The Roxy (becoming the very first band to play at the venue[2]).
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).
Generation X were one of the first punk bands to appear on the popular BBC...
Created by dipity
on Jan 24, 2008
Last updated: 03/04/10 at 07:13 AM
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