High Wycombe favourites Generation X returned to the Town Hall on Friday 14th April 1978 for a riotous performance with Scottish band The Jolt as support.
The Billy Idol fronted band had previously appeared in High Wycombe on four occasions – all at The Nag’s Head but were invited back by promoter Ron Watts for their first appearance at the much larger capacity Town Hall.
By the time of this appearance, Generation X were well established – releasing their self-titled debut album in March 1978 – reaching No.29 in the UK album charts. Their third single, ‘Ready, Steady, Go’ was released at the same time, with a Top of the Pops appearance following just a few weeks before their Town Hall show.
Their local reputation meant that the gig was played out before a full-house and an intense atmosphere. My friend Buzz recalls being at the gig as a teenager – having already seen them at The Nag’s Head the previous year. He was keeping a diary at the time and wrote: “The whole gig was incredible, absolutely fantastic! [The gig] had everything.”. He went on to say: “When Gen X came on everything was great. Suddenly the place was jam-packed and their set was superb. The group really enjoyed it.” The crowd reaction prompted Billy Idol to thank the audience for such a great reception. Describing the crowd, Buzz added: “Masses of pogoing in the front, behind were the skinheads looking for trouble, throwing bog rolls at Gen X and even beer cans, but the excitement was such that no-one cared about them.”
For your listening and viewing pleasure
Ready, Steady, Go -Generation X – Top of the Pops -March 1978
Generation X returned to the Town Hall in November 1978 with support from The Cure, who had just released “Killing an Arab” and local band, The Vents.
Thanks again. There are some great Cure stories from that gig – published in a couple of Cure related books – that I plan to summarise in a post closer to the 40th anniversary of the gig.