The core members of Generation Xwere vocalist Billy Idol(whose since maintained a remarkable 25+ year solo career) and bassist Tony James(later of Sigue Sigue Sputnikand for a spell The Sisters of Mercy). Generation X was formed in 1976 after guitarist Billy Idol (aka William Broad) and bassist Tony James decided to go out on their own, leaving Gene October, the leader of their then band Chelsea. In December of 76, they played the first punk gig at mecca club The Roxy in London's Covent Garden neighborhood with friends from "the Bromley contingent" Siouxsie and the Banshees, a band featuring a young Sid Vicious. The blatantly image conscious group soon secured management, fired their first drummer, and auditioned over 50 drummers before settling on of Subway Sect. They were photogenic and signed a worldwide long term deal to Chrysalis (also home of Blondie) and had popsmith Phil Wainman, producer of Bay City Rollersand Sweetmix their debut album.
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Generation X

What's it like to play a part?
What's it like to have a wooden heart?
Every word you say is so rehearsed
You think your clothes and actions control the universe
Listen, what you'd better do
Listen, better change your head
Listen, or there's nothing we can do
Listen to the one who will change your world
You're the face upon a playing card
A coloured painted cold visage
[You're] just a pawn of somebody somewhere
Only trouble is you're gonna get no-where
Listen, what you'd better do
Listen, better change your head
Listen, or there's nothing we can do
Listen to the one who will change your world
What's it like to play a part?
[You] got a wooden heart
[You're] just a puppet on a string
A nothing, a no-one, no style
[You] just play a part
[You're] just a pawn of someone somewhere
And you'll get no-where
Listen what you'd better do
Listen, better change your head
Listen, or there's nothing we can do
Listen to the one who will change your world
Gonna change your world
Gonna change your world