Generation X formed in November 1976 as Chelsea.
Billy Idol (William Broad) played guitar,
Tony James on bass,
John Towe on drums, and
Gene October was the lead singer. Later, when they changed their name to Generation X, Billy Idol became the lead singer, as they dropped Gene October on November 21st, 1976. The name Generation X was taken after the title of one of Billy's mothers books.
Their first gig as Generation X was at the
Roxy club on December 21st, 1976.
They had many problems with drummers, but that didn't stop them from getting a record deal, as
A&R men were competing for their signatures. They signed with
Chrysalis in the summer of 1977.
"Punk rock seems like my childhood, the glorious naivete of rock'n'roll. Stenguns and guitars seem very idealistic when you're twenty."
Tony James. Punk The Illustrated History Of A Music Revolution.
"This group are important. They are something new, young and exciting. They're f****n great ! "
Mark P. Sniffin Glue 5. November 1976.