Rewind: Generation X - Generation X (1978)

Generation X - Generation X 

Chrysalis

Produced by Martin Rushent

Released 17th March 1978

UK Album Chart #29

Personnel
    Billy Idol − vocals
    Tony James − bass
    Bob "Derwood" Andrews − guitar
    Mark Laff − drums 

 Generation X (2002 CD Version with Bonus Tracks)

Some folks are a wee bit too snobby when it comes their opinions regarding Generation X. Folks turned their noses up against them because they were the first of the Punk Bands to appear on Top of the Pops or others dismiss them as not being punks at all! I think on the part of a lot of guys it was maybe jealousy because Billy Idol was a darn sight more handsome than most of us!

Generation X were there right there in 1976 when Punk began to explode in the UK. People seem to forget that Tony James, Billy Idol and John Towe were all originally part of Chelsea with Gene October. Derwood joined on guitar and Idol took vocal duties and they played their debut 14th December 1976 at The Roxy (the first of the Punk bands to do so). Towe left the band and Mark Laff (ex-Subway Sect) joined on drums in time for their signing to Chrysalis Records.

I loved the early singles, and the Peel Sessions they did in 1977. The first one in April included Day by Day, Listen!, Youth Youth Youth and Your Generation. John Towe was still drumming for them on that session. The second session from July 1977 included From the Heart, Rock On, Gimmie Some Truth and No No No. Mark Laff was on drums for this session.

As for the album I still think it stands up as great album. Personally I don't think there's a bad track on it. This was basically their live set so I was pretty much aware of most if not all of the songs when it was released. It maybe had a more Punky Pop edge to it that some people didn't like but I loved it the moment it came out and it's still an album that gets an airing.

Early Singles

(Click on the links)

1977

Your Generation / Day By Day

UK Chart #36

Wild Youth / Wild Dub

Didn't Chart

1978

Ready Steady Go / No No No

UK Chart #47

Happy Birthday Billy Idol

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

WILLIAM

BROAD 

Track list:
1. Bitter Pill
2. Can’t Break Me Down
3. Save Me Now
4. One Breath Away
5. Postcards From The Past
6. Kings and Queens Of The Underground
7. Eyes Wide Shut
8. Ghosts In My Guitar
9. Nothing To Fear
10. Love And Glory
11. Whiskey And Pills

The Return of The King Rocker - Billy Idol

Billy Idol is set to release his first album in almost decade in October.  The album is produced by Trevor Horn and is entitled 'Kings and Queens of the Underground'.

 Track list:
1. Bitter Pill
2. Can’t Break Me Down
3. Save Me Now
4. One Breath Away
5. Postcards From The Past
6. Kings and Queens Of The Underground
7. Eyes Wide Shut
8. Ghosts In My Guitar
9. Nothing To Fear
10. Love And Glory
11. Whiskey And Pills

For more information check out Billy's Website.

His last album was in 2006 called 'Happy Holidays' but for the last original material you have to go to 2005's 'Devil's Playground'.

He will at the same time publish his self-penned autobiography 'Dancing With Myself' with Touchstone.

He's also Touring in November Check Out The Dates Here.

Can't Break Me Down - New Single from Billy Idol

More Music

Generation X - John Peel Session April 1977.

Day By Day

Listen

Youth Youth Youth

Your Generation.

Generation X - John Peel Session July 1977.

From The Heart

Rock On

Gimmie Some Truth

No No No.

Generation X - Generation X 1978 (Full Album).

Valley of the Dolls - Generation X 1979 (Full Album).

Kiss Me Deadly - Gen X 1981 (Full Album).

Perfect Hits - Generation 1991 (Full Album).

Generation X Singles

Your Generation (Marc Show 1977).

Wild Youth (Impact 1977).

Ready Steady Go (1978).

King Rocker (Top of the Pops 1979).

Valley of the Dolls (Top of the Pops 1979).

Friday's Angels (1979).

Dancing With Myself (1979 Version).

Dancing With Myself (1980 12" Version).

Billy Idol Solo

The Singles

Dancing With Myself (1981).

Mony Mony (1981).

Hot In The City (1982).

White Wedding Pt1 (1982).

Rebel Yell (1984).

Eyes Without A Face (1984).

Flesh For Fantasy (1984).

Catch My Fall (1984).

To Be A Lover (1986).

Don't Need A Gun (1987).

Sweet Sixteen (1987).

Soul Standing By (1987 Australian Release).

Cradle of Love (1990).

L.A. Woman (1990).

Prodigal Blues (1990).

Heroin (1993).

Shock To The System (1993).

Adam In Chains (1993).

Speed (1994).

Don't You Forget About Me (2001).

Scream (2005).

John Wayne (2008).