Billy Idol
Generation X
Although not as well as known as some of their peers (the Clash, the Sex Pistols, the Damned, etc.), first wave U.K. punk rockers Generation X burst onto the scene at the same time as the others. And while they enjoyed some moderate success in their homeland, Generation X would become better-known as the launching pad for their singer, Billy Idol, who would go on to achieve great commercial success come the '80s.
Originally formed in 1976, Generation X (which was named after a book that focused on battles between the Mods and the Rockers during the '60s) was comprised of guitarist Bob Andrews, bassist Tony James, drummer Mark Laff, and fronted by Idol.
The group was eventually signed up by Chrysalis Records, resulting in a self-titled debut album in 1978 (the U.S. and U.K. versions contained different track listings), as Generation X became one of the first punk bands to appear on the popular British TV music program Top of the Pops.
Unlike other punk bands, Generation X wasn't afraid to turn a blind eye to the supposed "accepted" ideals by punk rockers as they covered a John Lennon song on their debut ("Gimme Some Truth") and even hooked up with veteran rocker Ian Hunter to handle the production chores for their sophomore effort, 1979's Valley of the Dolls.
Perhaps as a result, however, the group's musical direction became cloudy (some wanting the group to remain true to their punk roots, while others feeling that they should pursue a heavier rock sound) and band members began to leave one by one, until Idol and James were the only remaining original members.
Generation X managed to squeeze out one final album, 1981's Kiss Me Deadly (which contained the original version of a song that Idol would later cover as a solo artist and score a massive hit with, "Dancing With Myself"), before splitting up. After the group's breakup, James later turned up as a member of '80s glam-punkers Sigue Sigue Sputnik, while Idol relocated to New York and embarked on his aforementioned solo career.
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As Idol's solo success created interest in his first band, numerous Generation X best-of and rarity collections began to crop up, including 1985's Perfect Hits: 1975-1981, 1998's Sweet Revenge, and 2000's Original Debut, the latter of which was a reissue of the U.K. version of Generation X's self-titled debut. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide
Source: http://www.artistdirect.com/
Discography:
1978, Generation X
1979, Valley of the Dolls
1979, Sweet Revenge
1981, Kiss Me Deadly
1991, Perfect Hits 1975-81
2002, Radio 1 Sessions
2002, Live at the Paris Theatre '78 & '81
2003, Anthology
2003, Live at Sheffield
2005, Live
This information is provided as a brief overview and not as a definitive guide, there are other sources on the net for that. If however you have a story or information that is not generally known we would love to hear from you. Content@rokpool.com
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BILLY IDOL
Billy Idol started his musical life in the punk rock scene in the 70’s with band Generation X. The band released 3 albums but the English rock star was better known as a solo star, with popular videos played regularly on MTV, such as 'White Wedding' and 'Dancing With Myself'.
Idol, born in Stanmore, Middlesex, in 1955, gained his moniker after a school teacher labelled him idle. Second album, Rebel Yell really set the charts ablaze, born in the UK, and the States where he became a major star. However in 1990, he suffered a setback in the form of a motorcycle accident in Hollywood, nearly losing a leg. In 1994 he overdosed twice, subsequently fully recovering after a stint in rehab.
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By 1996 he was back in The Who live version of Quadrophenia and he played himself in the movie starring Adam Sandler The Wedding Singer, which also featured White Wedding as the title track.
In 2005, Idol released his first studio album in 12 years: Devil's Playground and returned to the live scene at Download Festival.
Idol continues to tour and in 2008 released a greatest hits album: The Very Best Of Billy Idol: Idolize Yourself.
HAVE A LOOK AT THIS GREAT BILLY IDOL MERCHANDISE HERE
For The Record:
Born William Broad on November 30, 1955, in Stanmore, England; son of a salesman; children: Willem Wolf Broad.
Singer, songwriter; formed Chelsea in 1976; started Generation X soon after and released three albums, including seven hit singles; moved to New York in 1981, released mini LP; hooked up with guitarist Steve Stevens and released debut LP, 1982; has since recorded three more and a greatest hits package; released Charmed Life, 1990, and Cyberpunk, 1993; appeared in the Wedding Singer, 1998; performed on VH1, leading to the release of VH1 Storytellers, 2002; reunited with guitarist Steve Stevens and released Devil's Playground, 2005.
Addresses: Record company—Sanctuary Records, Sanctuary House, 45-53 Sinclair Rd., London, W14 0NS, Website—Billy Idol Official Website.
Discography:
Don't Stop (mini LP), Chrysalis.
(With Generation X) Generation X, Chrysalis, 1977.
(With Generation X) Valley of the Dolls, Chrysalis, 1979.
(With Generation X) Kiss Me Deadly, Chrysalis, 1981.
Billy Idol, Chrysalis, 1982.
Rebel Yell, Chrysalis, 1983.
Whiplash Smile, Chrysalis, 1986.
Vital Idol, Chrysalis, 1987.
Charmed Life, Chrysalis, 1990.
Cyberpunk, Capitol, 1993.
VH1 Storytellers, Capital, 2002.
Devil's Playground, Sanctuary, 2005.
Source: Wendy Gabriel, eNotes.
This information is provided as a brief overview and not as a definitive guide, there are other sources on the net for that. If however you have a story or information that is not generally known we would love to hear from you. Content@rokpool.com
