In London during the fall of
1976, Billy Idol (guitar), Tony James (bass & vocal) and John
Towe (drums) perform a few gigs, under the name Chelsea
with Gene October as frontman. Idol and James are also developing a
song writing partnership, the results of which are not performed by Chelsea
due to a lack of fit with the current group.
CHELSEA
(pre GENERATION X)
| 18-Oct-76 |
Concert |
London, Institute for Contemporary Arts. Chelsea (billed as L.S.D) / Throbbing Gristle |
| 10-Nov-76 |
Concert |
Manchester, Electric Circus. Chelsea / Buzzcocks |
| 21-Nov-76 |
Concert |
London, The Nashville. Chelsea / Stranglers
Prove It performed as an encore. |
|
Idol and
James eventually decide to leave Chelsea
so that they can create a group based upon their own vision and songs.
John Towe comes along as well. Gene October eventually recruits
replacements and Chelsea continues on its
own (but that's a different story). Meanwhile, Idol and James name
their new group Generation X, from the
title of a 1960s youth culture novel owned by Billy's mother. On
December 4th Billy finds the missing key to their new line up at the Fulham Arts Centre, when he
sees seventeen year old Bob "Derwood" Andrews playing guitar in the band Paradox. Derwood is quickly
recruited, given a hair cut, and within as little as three weeks after
leaving Chelsea, Generation
X play their first gig.
GENERATION
X (w/John Towe on drums)
| 10-Dec-76 |
Concert |
London, Central College of Art and Design.
Eater / Siouxsie & The Banshees / Generation X
Siouxsie & The Banshees were scheduled, but do not perform. |
| 14-Dec-76 |
Concert |
London, Roxy. Siouxsie & The Banshees /
Generation X |
| 15-Dec-76 | Concert | London, Roxy. Slaughter & The Dogs / Generation X |
| 17-Dec-76 |
Concert |
Manchester, Houldsworth Hall. Martin Ellis / Generation X /
The Drones |
| 22-Dec-77 | Concert | London, Hope & Anchor. | | 11-Jan-77 | Concert | London, Hope & Anchor. |
| 15-Jan-77 |
Concert |
London, Roxy. The Adverts / Generation
X |
| 16-Jan-77 |
Concert |
London, Greenwich Theatre. The Zips / Squeeze /
Generation X
Listen, Trying For Kicks, Youth Youth Youth, Above Love, Prove It, Ready
Steady Go, Too Personal, New Order, Your
Generation |
| 20-Jan-77 | Concert | High Wycombe, Nag's Head. Bumpers / Generation X |
| 22-Jan-77 |
Concert |
Middlesbrough, Rock Garden. Penetration / Generation X / Johnny Thunders
& The Heartbreakers |
| 28-Jan-77 |
Concert |
Liverpool, Eric's. |
| 29-Jan-77 |
Concert |
London, Roxy. Penetration / Generation X / Sham
69 |
| 05-Feb-77 |
Concert |
London, Kings Cross, unknown venue. A tape exists in John Ingham's collection. |
| 11-Feb-77 | Concert | London, Hope & Anchor. | | 02-Mar-77 | Concert | London, Club Noriek. The Adverts / Generation X
The band rent the club for a self promoted gig. In attendance are the staff of Sounds magazine, and members of The Clash. | | 10-Mar-77 | Concert | High Wycombe, Nags Head. Death Wish / Generation X |
| 11-Mar-77 |
Concert |
University of Leicester, Clare Hall Easter Ball. The Boys / Generation X
Halfway through the set, Derwood is hit in the head with
a full can of beer. The show is stopped so that Derwood can be taken
to the hospital for stitches. |
| 12-Mar-77 |
Concert |
London, Harlesden Coliseum. The Slits
/ Generation X / The Clash (cancelled) |
| 24-Mar-77 | Concert | Birmingham, Rebecca's. |
| 28-Mar-77 |
Concert |
France, Paris, Palais des Glaces. Stinky Toys / The Jam / The Police / Wayne County / Generation X |
| 30-Mar-77 |
Concert |
Plymouth, Woods Leisure Centre (cancelled?).
Gwent, Newport, Roundabout. |
| 31-Mar-77 |
Concert |
London, Marquee Club. Gloria Mundi / Generation X
The band is filmed by Don Letts (using a Super 8mm camera) in their dressing room casually singing Listen, as well as on stage performing This Heat and Kleenex. This footage appears in The Punk Rock Movie. |
| 01-Apr-77 | Concert | Liverpool, Eric's. | | 02-Apr-77 | Concert | Leeds, Forde Green Hotel. | | 06-Apr-77 | Concert | Swindon, an unknown tiny venue | | 09-Apr-77 | Concert | London, Roxy. Penetration / Generation X |
| 10-Apr-77 |
Concert |
London, Roundhouse. The Boys / Subway Sect / Generation X / John Cale
Listen,
Kleenex, Trying For Kicks, This Heat, Prove It, Above Love, Ready
Steady Go, No No No, New Order, Too Personal, Day By Day, Your
Generation, Youth Youth Youth, Ready Steady Go, Day By Day |
| 11-Apr-77 |
Concert |
London, Roundhouse. The Boys / Subway Sect / Generation X / John
Cale |
| 12-Apr-77 |
Recording
Session |
London,
BBC Maida Vale 4 Studio. Recorded for radio broadcast on the John Peel Show on 20-Apr-77.
Day By Day, Listen, Youth
Youth Youth, Your Generation |
|
In mid April, Generation
X decide that the weak link in their line-up is drummer
John Towe, and he is asked to leave. After auditioning over twenty
different drummers, they decide upon eighteen year old Mark Laff
(a.k.a. Mark Laffoley). He was drumming for Subway Sect,
and upon completion of their lengthy tour with the Clash, leaves to join up with Generation X. With Mark Laff now on-board, the "classic" line-up of Generation
X is complete.
1977:
The classic line-up is off and running...
| 31-May-77 | Rehearsal | London, Wardour St., rehearsal room at Anchor Records. Mark Laff's first day in the band. | 01-Jun-77 to
03-Jun-77 | Rehearsal | London, Wardour St., rehearsal room at Anchor Records (thanks to A&R man Dave Hill). | | 06-Jun-77 | Photo Session | London. | | 08-Jun-77 to 10-Jun-77 | Rehearsal | London, Wardour St., rehearsal room at Anchor Records. | | 11-Jun-77 to 12-Jun-77 | Rehearsal | London, Fulham Road, rehearsal room at Beggar's Banquet (in the basement below the record shop). | | 14-Jun-77 | Concert | Cardiff, Top Rank. 350 in attendance. Steve Strange acts as the band's roadie. | | 15-Jun-77 | Photo Session | London, Chelsea. Photographed by Jane Ashley (Laura's daughter). |
| 16-Jun-77 |
Concert |
High
Wycombe, Nags Head. |
| 20-Jun-77 |
Concert |
Edmonton, Cook's Ferry Inn. |
| 21-Jun-77 |
Concert |
London,
Dingwalls. |
| 23-Jun-77 | Photo Session | London. Photo shoot and interview for Record Mirror magazine. | | 27-Jun-77 | Concert | Bristol,
Chutes Club. The Pigs / Generation X
Steve Strange again acts as the band's roadie, and
afterwards comes to London (via the band's van) to live permenantly. | | 28-Jun-77 | Concert | London, Enfield Polytechnic |
| 29-Jun-77 |
Concert |
London, Twickenham,
The Winning Post. Mark Laff passes out due to the extreme heat generated by the stage lights. |
| 30-Jun-77 |
Concert |
Manchester,
Rafters. The Worst (or Fast Breeder) / Warsaw / Generation X
Originally announced to take place at The Oaks, Chorlton but the venue was changed to "Archies" (a.k.a. Rafters). |
| 06-Jul-77 | Concert | London,
Marquee. Heavy Metal Kids / Generation X John Peel is in attendance. | | 07-Jul-77 | Photo Session | London, AIR Studios, Oxford St. Photographed by Ray Stevenson. | | 07-Jul-77 to 09-Jul-77 | Rehearsal | London, Fulham Road, rehearsal room at Beggar's Banquet (in the basement below the record shop). |
| 10-Jul-77 |
Recording
Session |
London,
Highbury, Wessex Sound Studios. Produced by Bill Price.
Your Generation, From The Heart (the band are not pleased with the end results) |
| 12-Jul-77 | Recording
Session | London,
BBC Maida Vale Studio 4. Recorded for radio broadcast on the John Peel Show on 21-Jul-77.
Rock On,
No No No, Gimme Some Truth, From The Heart |
| 13-Jul-77 |
News
&
Photo
Session |
Generation
X sign a long term, world-wide recording contract with Chrysalis
Records.
Chrysalis organizes
a photo session with the band and photographer Péter Kodick.
Resulting photos are featured on a proposed (but ultimately rejected)
sleeve for the band's debut single Your Generation, as well as import sleeves for Your Generation. |
| 17-Jul-77 to 19-Jul-77 | Rehearsal | London,
Fulham Road, rehearsal room at Beggar's Banquet. On the 18th, in
addition to rehearsing, the band also grant numerious press interviews. | | 20-Jul-77 | Concert | London, Marquee Club. The Lurkers / Generation X
Essentially a coming out party in celebration of being signed with
Chrysalis Records. The sides of the stage are filled with
heavy lighting so Chrysalis can videotape the event.
Rock On,
From The Heart, This Heat, Above Love, New Order, Listen, Wild Youth,
Ready Steady Go, Day By Day, and several others. |
| 21-Jul-77 | Photo Session | London. Photo shoot and Chrysalis signing promotion. |
| 22-Jul-77 | Rehearsal | London, Fulham Road, rehearsal room at Beggar's Banquet. | | 24-Jul-77 | Recording
Session | London,
Fulham Broadway, La Maison Rouge Studios. | | 25-Jul-77 to 26-Jul-77 | Rehearsal | London,
Chalk Farm, Utopia Studios. Producer Phil Wainman attends. | | 27-Jul-77 to 28-Jul-77 | Recording
Session | London,
Willesden, Morgan Studios. Produced by Phil Wainman.
Day by Day, No No No, Ready Steady Go, Your Generation (recorded on the 27th).
No No No, Ready Steady Go (superior takes recorded on the 28th).
| | 29-Jul-77 | Concert | Huddersfield Poly. Due to three support bands on the bill, Generation X go on at 12:30 AM. | | 01-Aug-77 | News | London,
Chrysalis Records. The band and Phil Wainman meet to review
recordings made at Morgan Studios (see 27-Jul-77 to 28-Jul-77). | | 01-Aug-77 | Concert | London, The Vortex. Steel Pulse / Art Attacks / Lurkers / Generation X |
| 02-Aug-77 |
Concert |
London,
The Vortex. Johnny Curious & Strangers / Skrewdriver / Penetration / Generation X |
| 04-Aug-77 | Concert | Cleethorpes, Winter Gardens. | | 06-Aug-77 | Concert | Worcestershire, Redditch, Tracey's.
The evening consisted of a DJ playing disco music, then the Generation X set, followed by more DJ spun disco music. | | 09-Aug-77 | Photo Session | London W1. Photographed by Ray Stevenson.
Locations
include posing at the Eros statue in Piccadilly Circus, and in
front of the K.West shop on Heddon Street (which is the location of
David Bowie's iconic Ziggy Stardust album cover).
Inspired after seeing "Youth" spray painted on a wall, the band stop at a cafe, and compose Wild Youth on the spot (scribbling the lyrics on the back of a napkin). |
| 10-Aug-77 |
Concert |
Essex, Southend, Westcliffe on Sea, Queens Hotel. Diamond Jack Band / Generation X
First gig supporting the Rock Against Racism (RAR) campaign. |
| 11-Aug-77 |
Concert |
High Wycombe, Nags Head. Pink Parts / Generation X |
| 12-Aug-77 | TV Appearance | London,
Chrysalis Records office. Filming an interview for US TV. |
| 12-Aug-77 |
Concert |
London,
The Marquee. Victim / Ian Fleming / Generation X
This evening sets a new attendance record for the Marquee Club. The band are filmed during their performance of Your Generation,
as well as a brief interview backstage. Additional footage (probably
from the next day) is shot of them on stage performing Your Generation in front of a small crowed of journalists. This footage is featured in the documentary Raw Energy (a.k.a. Punk - The Early Years). |
15-Aug-77 to
16-Aug-77 | Rehearsal | London,
Chalk Farm, Utopia Studios. Producer Phil Wainman attends.
Tracks rehearsed: From The Heart and Kleenex. |
| 17-Aug-77 |
Concert |
Falkirk,
Maniqui. |
| 18-Aug-77 |
Concert |
Glasgow, Dreamland Cinema (cancelled).
Glasgow, Zhivago's (cancelled).
Paisley, Silver Thread Hotel (where the gig finally did
occur).
The venue changes were due to a punk rock ban by the
Glasgow City Council. |
| 19-Aug-77 |
Concert |
Edinburgh,
The Clouds (cancelled due to a punk rock band by the Edinburgh City Council).
West Linton, Pantiles Hotel (gig did occur). Generation X / Johnny & The Self Abusers |
| 20-Aug-77 | Concert | London,
Hackney Town Hall. Generation X / Cimarrons (a Rock Against Racism gig). |
| 22-Aug-77 |
Rehearsal |
London,
Chalk Farm, Utopia Studios |
| 25-Aug-77 | Rehearsal | London, Hollywood Studios (cancelled; the band arrive to find construction of the studio is not yet complete). |
| 26-Aug-77 |
Concert |
Swindon,
Brunel Rooms. Art Attacks / Generation X |
| 27-Aug-77 |
Concert |
Liverpool,
Eric's. London (the band) / Generation X |
| 28-Aug-77 |
Concert |
London, Sundown Club (cancelled).
|
| 29-Aug-77 |
Concert |
Plymouth,
Castaway's (cancelled). |
| 31-Aug-77 | Rehearsal | London, Fulham Road, rehearsal room at Beggar's Banquet. |
| 01-Sep-77 |
Record
Release |
Single: Your
Generation b/w Day By Day (Chrysalis CHS-2165) |
| 01-Sep-77 | Recording Session | London,
Chalk Farm, Utopia Studios. Produced by Phil Wainman.
Wild Youth, Too Personal, Kleenex |
| 05-Sep-77 |
Concert |
Stafford, Top of the World. Prefects / Rich Kids / Killjoys / Generation X |
| 06-Sep-77 |
Concert |
London, Marquee Club. The Jolt / Generation X |
| 07-Sep-77 | TV
Appearance | Manchester, ITV Granada Studios. Video taping Your Generation for Marc Bolan's TV show Marc.
Derwood
plays on Bolan's guitar. The rest of the band use borrowed Granada
equipment. The drum kit is not returned, and Granada issues
a 10 year ban against the group. This episode is broadcast over the ITV network on Sept 28th. | | 08-Sept-77 | Concert | Rotherham,
Windmill. |
| 09-Sep-77 | Concert | Birmingham,
Barbarella's. |
| 10-Sep-77 | Concert | Birmingham,
Barbarella's. |
| 11-Sep-77 | Concert | Barrow-In-Furness,
Maxim's. |
| 12-Sep-77 | Recording Session | London, Primrose Hill, Mayfair Studios. Recording a unique backing track of Your Generation for forthcoming use during a lip synch performance on Top of The Pops (see 14-Sep-77). Produced by Phil Wainman. |
| 13-Sep-77 | Concert | London,
Marquee Club. Steel Pulse / Generation X |
| 14-Sep-77 | TV Appearance | London, Lime Grove Studios. Video taping a lip
synch performance of Your
Generation on Top of The Pops. This episode is broadcast the following day (15-Sep-77) on BBC One. | | 15-Sep-77 | TV Appearance | Leeds, Yorkshire Television studios. Lip
synch performance of Day by Day and Your
Generation on the Calendar Kids TV show. This is most likely broadcast on 17-Sep-77, |
| 16-Sep-77 |
Concert |
Wolverhampton,
Lafayette. |
| 17-Sep-77 | Concert | Chelmsford, Stadium (Generation X and The Jam pull out of the City Rock festival due to poor ticket sales). | | 18-Sep-77 | Concert | Plymouth, Fiesta Club. |
| 20-Sep-77 |
Concert |
London, Marquee Club. Black Slate / Generation X |
| 22-Sep-77 |
Concert |
Coventry,
Mr. George's (cancelled). |
| 23-Sep-77 |
Concert |
Manchester, Rafters. The Crabs / Generation X
The show is temporarily interrupted due to a bomb threat. |
| 26-Sep-77 | Recording Session | London,
Chalk Farm, Utopia Studios. Produced by Phil Wainman.
| | 27-Sep-77 | Concert | London, Marquee Club. Johnny Curious & The Strangers / Generation X.
Various members of The Heartbreakers, The Jam, and The Clash are in attendance. |
| 28-Sep-77 |
Concert |
Isle
of Wight, La Babalu. |
| 01-Oct-77 |
Concert |
London,
North-East Polytechnic. Pirates / Generation X / Soft Boys |
| 02-Oct-77 |
Concert |
Croydon, Greyhound.
Art Attax / Generation X |
| 04-Oct-77 | TV Appearance | Billy films a 22 minute interview with Ian "Molly"
Meldrum for Australia's Countdown TV show. The interview is broadcast
30-Nov-77 over the Australian Broadcasting Corporation network. | | 04-Oct-77 | Recording Session | London,
Chalk Farm, Utopia Studios. | | 05-Oct-77 | Rehearsal | London,
Chalk Farm, Utopia Studios. |
| 07-Oct-77 |
Concert |
Colchester,
Institue of Higher Education. Art Attax / Generation X |
| 08-Oct-77 | Concert | Halifax, Good Mood Club. |
| 09-Oct-77 |
Concert |
Chelmsford,
Chancellor Hall. The Crabs / Generation X |
| 10-Oct-77 to 13-Oct-77 | Recording Session | London,
Chalk Farm, Utopia Studios. Produced by Phil Wainman.
From the Heart (recorded on the 10th), Promises Promises (on the 11th), Too Personal (on the 12th), Gimme Some Truth (on the 12th), Listen (on the 12th), Wild Youth (on the 13th).
| | 16-Oct-77 | Concert | London,
Charing Cross Road, Sundown Club. Art Attax / Steel Pulse / Generation X | | 18-Oct-77 to 22-Oct-77 | Concert | France, Paris, Gibus Club. A residency for five nights in a row. Set list from 19-Oct-77:
From
The Heart, Trying for Kicks, Rock On, This Heat, Your Generation,
Promises Promises, Kleenex, Listen, Day by Day, Too Personal, Wild
Youth, Ready Steady Go, Youth Youth Youth |
| 28-Oct-77 |
Concert |
London,
Kings College (re-scheduled to 04-Nov-77). |
| 04-Nov-77 |
Concert |
London,
Kings College. Adam and the Ants / Generation X
Set list for Adam and the Ants:
Plastic
Surgery, Beacon, B-Side Baby, Deutscher Girls, Dirk Wears White Sox,
Fat Fun, Fall In, It Doesn't Matter, Hampstead, Beat My Guest, Whip In
My Valise, Lou, Jordan |
| 09-Nov-77 |
Rehearsal |
London, Chalk Farm Road, Atlanta Rehearsal Studios.
|
| 09-Nov-77 | Concert | London,
Roxy. Enemies of the World / Kassels / Generation X (as "Wild Youth")
A surprise performance during "audition night" at the Roxy. The following week, the Roxy advert in Sounds reads, "Thank you Generation X for your jam session last Wednesday, and by the way you did not pass the audition." | | 10-Nov-77 | Rehearsal | London, Chalk Farm Road, Atlanta Rehearsal Studios.
| | 11-Nov-77 | TV Appearance | West Yorkshire, Dewsbury. Video
taping a lip synch performance of Wild Youth, as well as live performances of Your Generation and Wild Youth. All of this is for a TV music special, hosted by Mike Mansfield, originally titled Best of British and later changed to Impact. The special also features The Adverts, The
Rich Kids and
The Damned (some of whom are video taped later on 21-Dec-77). Intended for broadcast in early 1978 but never did air.
Fortunately, video of the complete show is still in existence.
| | 14-Nov-77 to 17-Nov-77 | Rehearsal | London, Chalk Farm Road, Atlanta Rehearsal Studios.
On Nov 17th, Keith Moon and Graham Chapman stop by. Keith joins in on drums for performances of I Can't Explain, My Generation and I Can See For Miles. The jam session ends when Keith breaks the bass drum pedal.
|
| 18-Nov-77 |
Record
Release |
Single:
Wild Youth
b/w Wild Dub (Chrysalis CHS-2189) |
| 21-Nov-77 | News | Billy and Tony are part of Keith Moon's entourage which escorts journalist Chris Welch around London for a Melody Maker article on punk rock. Among their stops are the Marquee Club and the Vortex Club. | | 28-Nov-77 | Rehearsal | London, Chalk Farm Road, Atlanta Rehearsal Studios.
| | 29-Nov-77 | Recording Session | London,
Fulham Road, TW Studios.
First session with producer Martin Rushent. | | 03-Dec-77 | Concert | London, The
Nashville. Generation X (billed as "Wild Youth") / The Lurkers
Essentially a warm-up gig for their appearance the following night at The Roundhouse. |
| 04-Dec-77 |
Concert |
London, The
Roundhouse. The Valves / The Lurkers / The Saints / Generation X
Derwood and Laff smash their instruments during the encore of Youth Youth Youth. |
| 07-Dec-77 |
TV Appearance |
London, Lime Grove Studios. Video taping a lip
synch performance of Wild Youth on Top of The Pops. This episode is broadcast the following day (08-Dec-77) on BBC One. |
| 17-Dec-77 | TV Appearance | London. A video taped performance
of Wild Youth (perhaps filmed on 11-Nov-77) is presented on Our Show hosted by Susan Tully. Broadcast on the London Weekend Television (LWT) network. |
| 18-Dec-77 |
Concert |
Croydon,
Greyhound Hotel. Metal Urbain / Generation X |
| 31-Dec-77 |
Concert |
London, Rainbow Theatre. The Rezillos / Generation X / The Ramones |
|
1978
| 01-Jan-78 | Concert | London, Rainbow Theatre. The Rezillos / Generation X / The Ramones | | 04-Feb-78 | TV Appearance | London. Live performances
of Ready Steady Go and Promises Promises on Our Show hosted by Susan Tully. Broadcast on the London Weekend Television (LWT) network. |
| 07-Feb-78 |
Record
Release |
Single:
Ready
Steady Go b/w No No No (Chrysalis CHS-2207). The cover design by Jonh Ingham is based upon one of Billy Idol's handmade t-shirts. |
| 08-Mar-78 | TV Appearance | London, Lime Grove Studios. Video taping a lip synch performance
of Ready Steady Go on Top of The Pops. This episode is broadcast the following day (09-Mar-78) on BBC One. |
| 08-Mar-78 |
Concert |
Norwich, University of East Anglia (cancelled). |
| 09-Mar-78 |
Concert |
Leeds,
Polytechnic (cancelled). |
| 10-Mar-78 |
Concert |
Liverpool,
Eric's. |
| 11-Mar-78 |
Concert |
Prior to this evening's gig, the group make an in-store promotional appearance at Virgin Records, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Newcastle, Newcastle University. Blitzkrieg Bop / Generation X |
| 12-Mar-78 |
Concert |
Middlesbrough,
Town Hall Crypt. Blitzkrieg Bop / Generation X |
| 13-Mar-78 |
Concert |
Doncaster, Outlook. |
| 14-Mar-78 |
Concert |
Keighley,
Victoria Hall. |
| 16-Mar-78 |
Concert |
Manchester,
Rafters. Blitzkrieg Bop / Generation X |
| 17-Mar-78 |
Record
Release |
LP: Generation
X (Chrysalis CHR-1169),
U.K. version.
From
The Heart, One Hundred Punks, Listen, Ready Steady Go, Kleenex,
Promises Promises, Day By Day, The Invisible Man, Kiss Me Deadly, Too
Personal, Youth Youth Youth |
| 17-Mar-78 |
Concert |
Derby,
King's Hall. The Killjoys / Generation X |
| 18-Mar-78 |
Concert |
Huddersfield,
Polytechnic. |
| 19-Mar-78 |
Concert |
Coventry,
Locarno (cancelled). |
| 20-Mar-78 |
Concert |
Birmingham,
Mayfair Ballroom. The Killjoys / Generation X |
| 21-Mar-78 |
Concert |
Oxford,
Elm Court. Last Resort / Generation X |
| 22-Mar-78 | Concert | Brighton, Top Rank (cancelled). |
| 23-Mar-78 |
Concert |
Yate (near Bristol), Stars
& Stripes. Joe Public / Generation X |
| 25-Mar-78 |
Concert |
St.
Albans, City Hall. Back Alley Princes / Generation X |
| 26-Mar-78 |
Concert |
Croydon,
Greyhound Hotel. The Jolt / Generation X
Your
Generation, From
The Heart, Trying for Kicks, Kiss Me Deadly, Invisible Man, Promises Promises,
Wild Youth, 100 Punks, Kleenex, Listen, Too Personal, Day by Day, No No
No, Ready Steady Go, Gimme Some Truth, Youth Youth Youth, Your
Generation |
| 30-Mar-78 | Concert | Reading, Bones Club. |
| 31-Mar-78 |
Concert |
Margate,
Dreamland, Sunshine Rooms. The Jolt / Generation X
Your
Generation, From
The Heart, Trying for Kicks, Invisible Man, Kiss Me Deadly, Promises Promises,
Wild Youth, 100 Punks, Kleenex, Listen, Too Personal, Day by Day, No No
No, Ready Steady Go, Gimme Some Truth, Youth Youth Youth, Your
Generation |
| 01-Apr-78 |
Concert |
Dartford,
YMCA Hall (cancelled). |
| 02-Apr-78 |
Concert |
Chelmsford,
Chancellor Hall. The Jolt / Generation X |
| 03-Apr-78 |
Concert |
Bournemouth,
Village Bowl. (re-scheduled to 07-Apr-78) |
| 04-Apr-78 |
Concert |
Newport,
Stowaway. |
| 05-Apr-78 |
Concert |
Plymouth,
Woods Centre. The Jolt / Generation X |
| 06-Apr-78 |
Concert |
Penzance, Winter Gardens. The Jolt / Generation X |
| 07-Apr-78 | Concert | Bournemouth,
Village Bowl. Strate Jacket / The Jolt / Generation X | | 08-Apr-78 | Concert | Bishops Stotford, Triad Centre. |
| 09-Apr-78 |
Concert |
London,
Roundhouse. The Jolt / Reggae Regular / Generation X |
| 11-Apr-78 | Concert | Coventry, Locarno (nearly cancelled due to a ban by Mecca org, but did take place). | | 12-Apr-78 | Concert | Brighton, Top Rank (nearly cancelled due to a ban by Mecca org, but did take place).
The Jolt / Generation X |
| 14-Apr-78 |
Concert |
High
Wycombe, Town Hall. The Jolt / Generation X |
| 15-Apr-78 | Concert | Northampton, Northamptonshire County Cricket Ground. The Jolt / Generation X |
| ?-78 |
Film Appearance |
Filming
appearance in DOA, lip synching to Kiss Me Deadly. |
| 11-May-78 |
Concert |
London, Paris Theatre. Recorded
live and later broadcast on BBC Radio on 27-May-78.
Your
Generation, From The Heart, Shakin'
All Over, Kiss Me Deadly, King
Rocker, Kleenex, The
Invisible Man, One Hundred Punks,
Youth Youth Youth |
| 19-May-78 | Concert | Birmingham,
Barbarella's. | | 20-May-78 | TV Appearance | London, ATV Studios. Revolver hosted by Peter Cook (cancelled due to technical problems). | | 2?-May-78 | News | Billy
flies to the USA for a two week visit. He spends time in New
York, Los Angeles and San Francisco promoting the American
release of Generation X's debut LP. |
| 26-May-78 | Concert | California, San Francisco, Mabuhay Gardens.
Billy performs with The Offs (a local punk/ska band). |
| 03-Jun-78 |
Concert |
France,
Paris, Hippodrome. |
| 12-Jun-78 | Recording
Session | London,
BBC Studios. Intended for radio broadcast.
Shakin' All Over, King Rocker, One Hundred Punks | | 27-Jun-78 | Radio
Broadcast | BBC
Radio, Kid Jensen Radio Show. Broadcast of songs recorded on 12-Jun-78. |
| 08-Aug-78 |
Concert |
Stowaway,
Newport. |
| 09-Aug-78 | Concert | Leeds, Fan Club. |
| 10-Aug-78 |
Concert |
Edinburgh,
The Astoria. Simple Minds / Generation X |
| 11-Aug-78 |
Concert |
Retford,
Nottinghamshire, The Porterhouse. |
| 12-Aug-78 |
Concert |
Sheffield,
The Limit Club. |
| ??-Sep-78 | Concert | Central London Polytechnic
Tony
James makes a solo appearance joining Sham 69 on stage during their encore. Together they perform The Israelites along with Misty in Roots. |
| ??-Oct-78 |
Recording
Session |
With Ian Hunter as producer, the band record their
second LP Valley of the Dolls (released in the UK on 26-Jan-79). Wessex Sound Studio, 106 Highbury New Park, North London N5. |
| 16-Nov-78 | Concert | Liverpool, Eric's. A matinee show at 5pm for ages 18 and under, and then a standard evening show at 8pm. |
| 24-Nov-78 |
Concert |
High Wycombe,
Town Hall. The Cure / Generation X |
| 25-Nov-78 |
Concert |
Northampton,
County Cricket Club. The Cure / Generation X |
| 26-Nov-78 |
Concert |
Croydon,
Greyhound Hotel. The Cure / Generation X |
| 28-Nov-78 |
Concert |
Cardiff,
Top Rank. The Cure / Generation X |
| 29-Nov-78 |
Concert |
London,
Wembley Arena. Slade / Bernie Torme / Pirates / Generation X / The Jam |
| 30-Nov-78 |
Concert |
Cheltenham,
Town Hall. The Rotovators / Generation X |
| 01-Dec-78 |
Concert |
Birmingham,
Aston University. The Cure / Generation X |
| 02-Dec-78 |
Concert |
West Runton,
West Runton Pavillion. The Cure / Generation X (cancelled) |
| 03-Dec-78 |
Concert |
Bristol,
Locarno. The Cure / Generation X |
| 05-Dec-78 |
Concert |
Hertford,
Castle Hall (cancelled).
Dunstable, California Ballroom. The Cure / Generation X (occurred). Originally announced for 12-Dec-78. |
| 06-Dec-78 |
Concert |
Newport,
Stowaway Club. |
| 07-Dec-78 |
Concert |
Birkenhead, Hamilton Club (cancelled)
Nottingham,
Boat Club (occurred). |
| 08-Dec-78 |
Concert |
Sheffield, Polytechnic.
Ready Steady Go, From The
Heart, The English Dream, Night of the Cadillacs, Paradise West One, No
No No, Love Like Fire, King Rocker, Kiss Me Deadly, Promises Promises,
Day By Day, 100 Punks, Kleenex, 100 Punks, Your Generation, Shakin' All
Over |
| 10-Dec-78 | Concert | Redcar, Coatham Bowl. | | 11-Dec-78 | Concert | Leeds, Fan Club at Brannigans. | | 12-Dec-78 | Concert | Dunstable, California Ballroom (re-scheduled to 05-Dec-78).
York, Grey Hall (cancelled when the stage is deemed unsafe by the band). | | 13-Dec-78 | Concert | Colchester, Woods Centre. |
| 15-Dec-78 |
Concert |
Manchester,
Mayflower (re-scheduled to 22-Dec-78 at The Factory).
Brighton, Top Rank (cancelled due to a punk ban introduced after a recent Buzzcocks gig). |
| 16-Dec-78 |
Concert |
Liverpool,
Eric's Stevie & The Stopouts / Generation X
Two shows: 5pm matinee (for under 18s) and 8pm. |
| 20-Dec-78 |
Concert |
London,
Electric Ballroom. The Edge / Chelsea / Generation X
Ready
Steady Go, From The Heart, English Dream, Night of the Cadillacs,
Paradise West, No No No, Love Like Fire, King Rocker, Kiss Me Deadly,
Promises Promises, Day By Day, 100 Punks, Wild Youth, 100 Punks |
| 22-Dec-78 | Concert | Manchester, The Factory. |
|
1979
| 03-Jan-79 | TV Appearance | London, Lime Grove Studios. Video taping a lip synch performance of King
Rocker on Top of The Pops. This episode is broadcast the following day (04-Jan-79) on BBC One. |
| 05-Jan-79 |
Record Release |
Single: King
Rocker b/w Gimme Some Truth (Chrysalis CHS-2261). Released with four
different colors of vinyl and picture sleeves: red = Idol, pink =
James, orange = Derwood, yellow = Laff. This single proves to be
Generation X's greatest UK chart success topping out at #11. |
| 15-Jan-79 |
Recording Session |
London, BBC
Maida Vale Studio 4. Recording session for broadcast on the John Peel Show.
Love Like
Fire, English Dream, Night of the Cadillacs, Paradise West |
| 17-Jan-79 |
Concert |
London, Paris Theatre. Live in-concert perfomance recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio.
Ready
Steady Go, Night of the Cadillacs,
Paradise West, King
Rocker, Kiss Me Deadly, English Dream, Your Generation |
| 26-Jan-79 |
Record Release |
LP:
Valley of the Dolls (Chrysalis CHR-1193)
Running with the Boss Sound, Night of the Cadillacs, Paradise West, Friday's
Angels, King Rocker, Valley of the Dolls, English Dream, Love Like
Fire, The Prime Of Kenny Silvers |
| 31-Jan-79 |
TV Appearance |
London, Lime Grove Studios. Video taping a lip synch performance of King
Rocker on Top of The Pops.
This song is making its second appearance with the band (see also
03-Jan-79). This episode is broadcast the following day (01-Feb-79) on
BBC One. |
| 09-Feb-79 |
Concert |
Manchester, Mayflower (cancelled).
Bath, Pavilion (cancelled).
Malvern,
Winter Gardens (occurred). |
| 10-Feb-79 |
Concert |
Leicester, University of Leicester. |
| 11-Feb-79 |
Concert |
Middlesbrough,
Town Hall Crypt. |
| 12-Feb-79 |
Concert |
Wolverhampton,
Civic Hall. Neon Hearts / Bernie Torme / Generation X
Running
with the Boss Sound, English Dream, I Dig Everything, Paradise West,
The Invislible Man, Love Like Fire, The Prime of Kenny Silvers, Kiss Me
Deadly, Ready Steady Go, King Rocker, Valley of the Dolls, Night of
the Cadillacs, Your Generation |
| 13-Feb-79 |
Concert |
Blackburn,
King George's Hall. |
| 14-Feb-79 |
Radio Broadcast |
BBC
Radio, John Peel Show, broadcast of songs recorded on 15-Jan-79 |
| 14-Feb-79 |
Concert |
Bradford University,
Queens Hall. |
| 15-Feb-79 |
Concert |
Falkirk,
Maniqui. The Cuban Heels / The Heat / Generation X |
| 16-Feb-79 |
Concert |
Edinburgh,
Edinburgh University. |
| 17-Feb-79 |
Concert |
Aberdeen,
Aberdeen University. Bernie Torme / Generation X |
| 18-Feb-79 |
Concert |
Dundee,
University (cancelled).
Fife, St. Andrews University. |
| 19-Feb-79 |
Concert |
Ayr,
Pavilion. |
| 20-Feb-79 |
Concert |
Sheffield,
Top Rank. |
| 21-Feb-79 |
Concert |
Hanley,
Victoria Hall. Bernie Torme / Generation X |
| 22-Feb-79 |
Concert |
Manchester,
Mayflower Club (rescheduled to 23-Feb-79).
Coventry, Lanchester Polytechnic. |
| 23-Feb-79 |
Concert |
Bath,
Pavilion (cancelled).
Manchester, Mayflower Club. |
| 24-Feb-79 |
Concert |
Birmingham,
Barbarella's. Bernie Torme / Generation X |
| 25-Feb-79 |
Concert |
London,
Lyceum Ballroom. UK Subs (filling in for The Mekons) / The Fall / Generation X
Generation X are forced off the stage by an onslaught of objects thrown by fans of the UK Subs. |
| 26-Feb-79 |
Concert |
Warrington,
Carlton Club. |
| 27-Feb-79 |
Concert |
London,
Lyceum. The Fall / Generation X |
| 03-Mar-79 | TV Appearance | Broadcast of The Saturday Morning Show, hosted by Elvis Payne, over London Weekend Television (LWT). This episode features a live peformance of King Rocker, an interview with Billy, and then Valley of the Dolls. |
| 23-Mar-79 |
Record
Release |
Single:
Valley of
the Dolls b/w Shakin' All Over (Chrysalis CHS-2310). First editions are
printed on brown-marble colored vinyl. |
| 04-Apr-79 |
TV
Appearance |
London, Lime Grove Studios. Video taping a lip synch performance of Valley of the Dolls on Top
of The Pops. This episode is broadcast the following day (05-Apr-79) on BBC One. |
| 14-Apr-79 | Concert | London, Alexandra Palace
Tony
James joins Tom Robinson (from The Tom Robinson Band) and Jake Burns
(from Stiff Little Fingers) to perform live on stage at the finale of
the Rock Against Racism Red Rhino tour. | | 25-Apr-79 | TV
Appearance | London, Lime Grove Studios. Video taping a lip synch performance of Valley of the Dolls on Top of The Pops.
This song is making its second appearance with the band (see also
04-Apr-79). This episode is broadcast the following day (26-Apr-79) on
BBC One. |
| 26-Apr-79 |
News |
Members
of Generation X attend a concert at the Cambridge, North London, to
watch performances by Back To Zero / The Purple Hearts / The Chords. |
| 17-Jun-79 |
Record
Release |
Single: Friday's
Angels b/w Trying for Kicks / This Heat (Chrysalis CHS-2330). The first pressing is
on red vinyl. |
| 20-Jun-79 |
Concert |
London,
Marquee Club. Two shows at 6pm and 9pm. Private Vices / Generation X
Ready
Steady Go, Trying for Kicks, This Heat, English Dream, Triumph, Anna
Smiles, Wild Youth, Revenge, Kiss Me Deadly, Valley of the Dolls, Fridays Angels, Day By Day, King Rocker,
Shakin' All Over |
| 25-Jun-79 |
Concert |
Japan,
Tokyo. |
| 26-Jun-79 |
Concert |
Japan,
Tokyo. |
| 28-Jun-79 |
Concert |
Japan,
Osaka Hall.
Ready
Steady Go, Trying for Kicks, This Heat, English Dream, Triumph, Anna
Smiles, Night of the Cadillacs, No No No, Valley of the Dolls, Revenge,
Kiss Me Deadly, Fridays Angels, Wild Youth, Day By Day, King Rocker,
Your Generation, Rock'n'Roll, Shakin' All Over, Youth Youth Youth,
Outro Jam
All of this concert (except for Trying
for Kicks) was later released as part of Anthology
on 08-Apr-2003.
Note: Trying for Kicks is listed on the packaging
but the song heard on the disc is actually This Heat. |
| ?-Jul-79 |
Recording
Sessions |
Recording
sessions for the aborted third LP at Olympic Studios in south London.
These tapes were eventually issued as
Sweet Revenge
on 14-Apr-1998, and then later as part of Anthology
on 08-Apr-2003. |
| 19-Aug-79 |
Concert |
Isle
of Man, Palace Lido.
Ready
Steady Go, Trying for Kicks, This Heat, English Dream, Triumph, Anna
Smiles, From the Heart, No No No, Valley of the Dolls, Revenge,
Kiss Me Deadly, Fridays Angels, Wild Youth, Day By Day, King Rocker,
Your Generation |
| 25-Aug-79 | TV
Appearance | London Weekend Television (unconfirmed). Promises Promises, plus two other songs. | | 21-Nov-79 | Concert | Bristol, The Granary Vitus Dance / Generation X
| | 24-Nov-79 | Concert | Liverpool, Eric's Algiers / Generation X
A matinee show at 5PM followed by an evening show at 8PM.
| | 27-Nov-79 | Concert | Exeter, Routes. | | 28-Nov-79 | Concert | Totnes, Civic Hall. | | 30-Nov-79 | Concert | Gloucester, Alternative Venue (a.k.a. Jamaican Club) Scream and Scream Again / Generation X | | 02-Dec-79 | Concert | Leeds, Fan Club (cancelled). |
|
In May 1979, Bob "Derwood" Andrews
tells the other band members, that he is quitting the
band. However, his departure is short lived and he soon comes back to
finish the remaining live dates (including a tour of Japan) as
well as recording sessions for the 3rd LP Sweet Revenge.
On December 19th 1979, Derwood again announces to the band that he is
leaving
and this time sticks to his decision. On January 23rd
1980, Billy and Tony ask drummer Mark Laff to leave the band
as well.
Bob
"Derwood" Andrews and Mark Laff go on to form the group Empire
and release one LP Expensive Sound
in 1981, before breaking up.
Billy
Idol and Tony James recruit former Chelsea
guitarist James Stevenson and ex-Clash
drummer Terry Chimes, re-christen the group Gen X,
and go on to release one LP Kiss Me Deadly in
1981, before breaking up.
1993
| 20-Sep-93 |
Concert
|
London, Astoria. Billy Idol / Generation X
Almost 14 years after last playing together,
the classic line up of Generation X perform a one-off reunion
concert. The event is filmed by Chrysalis
Records.
Kleenex, Ready Steady Go, Day By Day, Kiss
Me Deadly, King Rocker, 100 Punks, Your Generation |
|
Is that
all? Well, all four members are still alive so anything is possible.
|
Chelsea in 1976
w/Gene October on vocals
Generation X in 1977
w/John Towe on drums
A flyer for 15-Jan-77.
10-Mar-77
Live at Nags Head.
A flyer for 31-Mar-77.
29-June-77
Live at the Winning Post
Advert for 30-June-77.
 ...and live on 30-June-77.L
20-Jul-77
Live at the Marquee.
 09-Aug-77
Posing with Eros.
Advert for 10-Aug-77
Advert for 26-Aug-77
01-Sept-77
Your Generation b/w Day By Day
 Advert for 06-Sep-77
07-Sep-77
Marc Bolan TV show
23-Sep-77
Live in Manchester
 Advert for 02-Oct-77.
Advert for 07-Oct-77
Oct-77
Gibus Club in Paris
18-Nov-77
Wild Youth b/w Wild Dub
10-Feb-78
Ready Steady Go b/w No No No
17-Mar-1978
The self titled debut LP
A promotional photo from '78
Advert for 02-Apr-78.
A ticket for 09-Apr-78.
Advert for 03-Dec-78.
Ticket from 10-Dec-78.
Poster advert for 20-Dec-78.
Ticket from 09-Feb-79.
Advert for the cancelled Bath, Pavilion gig on 23-Feb-79.
Ticket for 21-Feb-79.
Advert for 25-Feb-79.
14-Apr-79; Tony (on right) makes a guest appearance.
Ticket from 26-Jun-79 in Japan.
Sweet
Revenge the 3rd album recorded in summer of 1979, but
not released until 1998.
21-Nov-79
27 & 28-Nov-79
Advert for 30-Nov-79
20-Sep-93
The reunion concert.
|
