Formed in 1976 by Billy Idol, Tony James, and John Towe, the band started out as Chelsea with creator Gene October. They broke away from October and created Generation X placing Idol in lead vocals. With the recruitment of guitarist Bob Andrews, they played their first live show on December 21, 1976 at The Roxy.
In early 1977, drummer Mark Laff replaced Towe, thus forming the "official" line-up of the band. In the summer of 1977, they signed with Chrysalis Records and released their debut LP which included such hits as "Ready Steady Go" and "Kiss Me Deadly".
In 1980, drummer Mark Laff was replaced with The Clash's former drummer, Terry Chimes, and Andrews was replaced with ex-Chelsea guitarist, James Stevenson. Soon afterwards, the band shortened their name to Gen X and recorded their 3rd and final album, Kiss Me Deadly which included their biggest hit, "Dancing With Myself" (Which Idol would use later in his Don't Stop EP).
In 1981, the band broke up. Billy Idol went solo, and Tony James performed with Sigue Sigue Sputnik.
