Tony James and Billy Idol on Jonesy's Jukebox 5/21/18

Tony James and Billy Idol of Generation X, reunited on Jonesy's Jukebox!

[@6Jillybeans]

Looking at Tony James now I couldn't believe he's in his late 60s or that he was in Sigue Sigue Sputnik in the 80s! He's so sartorially elegant here!

[@tpe1511]

I tell you what, Tony James, what a lovely bloke. Wow. Who knew?

[@Spookje09]

Every time I think I've seen the best clip of Jonesys Jukebox, along comes another banger such as this! Cheers, boys!

[@michaelsalazar9787]

Can't believe that Tony James and billy idol together

[@mjb0183]

Saw Billy a couple times in Chicago back around 2001. He was touring with Slash’s Snake Pit. Billy hasn’t aged a bit. He looks great.

[@brettbanta2100]

You're right, dude never ages

[@synthvault]

Billy Idol is the man. He is still just amazing in concert. Go see him if he comes around.

[@scottharrisohn6972]

the coolest man on the planet

[@GEricG]

Steve must have known Billy for almost 50 years. Mind blowing.

[@bobcurtis3958]

Great interview with Tony James, articulate, intelligent, and interesting. Never would have guessed he played bass guitar in a punk rock band!

[@hollyvanvoast7140]

he's such a visionary.

[@DaveyRamone9th]

Just hearing them talk about early days punk. Great. Interview

[@user-hv5uy7ct6g]

Tony James rules .... always

[@louiscalabrese9945]

I met Jonsey once in LA 1988 where he was working on a Harley Davidson. Also, between 88-89', I used hang with Billy in the studio and his home twisting joints, smoking together, talking stuff, doing X every Friday night and having great times watching the wheels go round behind the console of Keith Forsey. Cool memories,..thanx 4ever Billy.

[@Decimator-jh4gu]

Damn cool.

[@willieluncheonette5843]

that first Gen X album is my all time fav punk album---the British version, like the band intended it. It is SO musical!! Still play it regularly and still in awe of it

[@ianc1001]

willie luncheonette Agreed. There is anthem after anthem. So many great “first albums” from different bands from ‘77-81.

[@Aurora2097]

I really loved kmd sweet revenge... it was definitely my start into punk rock music...

[@davepritchard283]

Gen-X started as Generation-X originally mate.

[@izzy_6283]

Billy's laugh though!! Gotta love him!

[@jkitty1089]

how did I survive without Jonesy's Interviews? I learn so much and it makes me laugh-help's make it through another day-love it!

[@phelixjefford6647]

Jorney

[@DiSCOKiNGZ]

Tony looks fantastic! - glowing with health & vitality at a good old year. One of the only clean-cut Rock 'n' Roll legends! And man, I loved that flat in Pindock Mews, a sight to behold adorned with neon-tech & TV monitors!

[@caroljackson1019]

Yeah - Tony looks great. All of these Jonesy interviews are keeping me sane while I work. He's fantastic.

[@filipematias5127]

Three punk rock legends!

[@benhughes4668]

It’s so great watching this interview 5 years later and having seen Generation Sex in Manchester. Was an incredible gig, the guys were all brilliant and looked like they had the best time

[@gazdon6793]

Takes me back to the good old days. Where have they gone? Best era of music by far with some great bands.

[@job77]

Planck length not infinity

[@desertprincessuk1856]

Excellent interview. Ah bless Steve he is a diamond geezer. x

[@terrythekittie]

No airs, no graces, no flies on Steve, what you see is what you get.

[@desertprincessuk1856]

If only I could get ha! woops did I really say that out loud.

[@filipematias5127]

Generation X, GEN-X, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Billy Idol... The Sex Pistols, The Professionals... EPIC punk rock icons!

[@l8tapex]

lovem all

[@MrFloppy131]

You forgot the BUZZCOCKS

[@RighteousBrother]

@@MrFloppy131 well......he's listing groups that Steve Jones, Billy Idol and Tony James were involved with, it's not a list of every punk band, you tool.

[@wallybingbang7359]

@@RighteousBrother There’s alway one abuser to spoil the party. Sad 😞

[@philipholmes5884]

Hey Steve Jones/Pistol & Gen X fans ! Check out a gig my old band did w/Steve playing "Dancing with myself" the VHS tape was found after 37 years in storage ! Type in "The Nothings & Steve Jones" if interested ! Cheers !

[@roxannemoser]

Tony looks normal. He has always been just as handsome as Billy, and an underrated musician. I loved Tony when he had pink hair. Great to see Tony and Billy together.

[@HonRevPTB]

MY GOD IN HEAVEN PLEASE LET THIS HAPPEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU COULD EASILY FILL 2 HOURS EASILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@twinkle3026]

Great banter, between the 3 legends! Jonesy's ultra soothing voice, is like melted chocolate!

[@ELECTRICEYEMEDIA]

Never forget the first time hearing Generation X in 1983. It was the song One Hundred Punks and I was immediately hooked. Was already into punk rock at the time but the older punks that went to my school at the time were constantly turning me on to the older UK bands that pioneered the wave we got in the U.S.. Sex Pistols, The Varukers, The Exploited and many more greats. Just recently picked up the limited yellow vinyl Generation X LP that was released on Record Day 2023. My music room has a Pro-Ject X8 turntable, McIntosh MA5300 amp and a set of Bowers & Wilkins towers and OMFG.... I have never heard such clarity in my life, and with these new re-issues of these classic punk albums back on vinyl it only enhances the listening experience. Fantastic!

[@niks7348]

What a crooner voice Billy Idol!

[@katastrophenschutzwa]

What a great interview. Didn’t want it to end.

[@bodoono]

This is absolutely great!

[@gallopingglen1]

damn fine interview....man, total gold, and we are all so lucky to have these top blokes still having a blast. somebody else mentioned about tony publishing those early journals, and that would be aweosme!. total respect, i fell hard in the same dangerous hole for decades, and for him to have the insight and memory he does is really pricesless honestly. i wish that i had written journals, and that is the moral of the story, people when you become ancient, you will really appreciate, and people will want to hear it, no matter what do or where youve been, just a short couple lines of what happened that day, will be priceless when your ancient

[@betaville72]

This interview pleased me. Good, random range of topics touched upon. The Idol/James/ Jones/Cooke line up is a work of genius. I really hope they tour it, some more shows and they will be sounding tighter.

[@realsinisterminister]

I seen a few songs just on youtube and it was great Paul Cook didn't like it that much cause all the early Gen X stuff is flat out and thats not his style but they were having fun which is the main thing

[@thesentinel5523]

Goddamn, Billy still looks like Billy!

[@michaelmccartney8506]

And sounds like billy !!! Lol

[@revjimbob]

With unfeasibly unwrinkled brow...

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

revjimbob as long as it wasn’t unfeasibly large testicles like that Buster fella?! 😆

[@rumpraisin]

And Tony James looks like Eric Idle.

[@scottcrosby-art5490]

Tony seems like he breezed past the 80s like it didn’t happen 😂

[@hemelhempsteadherts]

Loved this episode, fantastic reminiscing about times, places and music. Fab

[@rinkrat55]

You guys have to get it together. PLEASE !!!! I’ll never forget riding the bus to school with my Sony Walkman. All your tunes getting me through my school days. Seeing Billy in the 80’s in Toronto with the Cult. Twice!!

[@terry10tnj]

Pretty crazy that their “generation sex” idea actually happened!!

[@MarkWolfeDesign]

This was epic! Cheers!

[@theamericancurmudgeon]

Amazing interview, dropping names and talking about the early days of punk. I could listen to the three of them talk for days.

[@theodoregriffin3565]

This is a great interview.

[@garse70]

Amazing these guys are alive. Love ‘em. Gen-X brings back some memories. I don’t get star struck, but that’s Billy Fucking Idol! Jones plays good tunes too. Great hearing about their scene and all the amazing artists they hung out with. “Wasn’t Siousxie at your house?” LOL!

[@ianc1001]

First albums from The Sex Pistols and Generation X were mighty recordings - melodic and powerful.

[@rickmceachern3686]

Now it all came true Thank you

[@andrewfrancis7272]

Tony, Billy, Jonesy and Cookie playing together live - - - that would be a gig to see :)

[@skullfacestudios7421]

Billy Idol is the BEST. Anyone who appreciates Gene Vincent is PURE Rock N' Roll.

[@nazznomad]

Ok that’s it, best Jukebox interview ever!

[@10kamala]

Tony Visconti said when he was on, Steve Jones was the best guitar player he ever worked with! Some credit from a producer who worked with everyone who was anyone!!!

[@ladnercr1]

when did Visconti work with Jones?

[@vajolet1]

Finally an interview different from the others, not based on the usual four or five questions that we all know by heart. I love this man, I love his style, his laugh, his way of telling himself, his experiences, I love his charm and obviously, first of all, his music! What a man, what an artist, what a class, what a charm !!! ps.s.that I love this man, did I say that?

[@A.BondGirl]

Wow, brilliant! Love this interview and hearing all about their early days!

[@qpouvtmvoelxjtu458]

RIP Magenta Devine. Alive for another year when this was recorded.

[@djmylesmatisse]

Fantastic! One of the best interviews ever!!! I love Billy, Tony & Steve. I hope they get Paul Cook and form that Sex Generation or Generation Sex band! That would be epic!

[@Underhills]

Facking great to see these chaps together. Billy Idol was my muse back in the day. The Rebel Yell days were fantastic!!

[@bluestate69]

Billy Idol, the best head of hair in rock.

[@folkrocksage9666]

Billy Idol sounds like Jack Sparrow's long lost punk rock brother.

[@denisebarker1146]

Folkrocksage that would be a million dollar movie

[@noserialkiller3596]

Generation X, Sigue Sigue Sputnik & The Sex Pistols were brilliant bands. They inspired us to make our own quadruple-album. I used to email Tony years ago. No Serial Killer.

[@markjohnston3790]

Very interesting interview love the Punk stories, Billy never seems to age he looks amazing! 😉😘😂 LOL

[@gmantramp404]

He's been under the knife..

[@marklechman2225]

This is unbelievably cool. Pistols. Gen X. Sputnik. Damn.

[@LeroyKinkade]

YEEEaaahh Billy Fxxxxx Idol yeahhh yay nay way.

[@froorocks1000]

The mews house they mention where Sid and the others stayed at was Pindock Mews in Maida Vale W9. It's a really expensive area now. No plaque on the wall. I know this because I lived on Warwick Avenue, just next to Pindock Mews 😎

[@brianstubberfield2116]

Tony James ... legend in his own lunchtime.

[@845callaway]

I want more of this interview!!!

[@briancrainakacain9780]

I caught Billy on his Rebel Yell Tour...He opened with a couple of Gen X tunes! When i saw The Sisters of Mercy Tony was playing bass...Both living punk rock legends...

[@briancrainakacain9780]

Billy came into my work in 1993...i wish i would have had a chance to talk with him...no such luck...the guys that helped him said he was very nice and very cool...i remember he had dreads back then...

[@stevenmorellojr]

GENERATION SEX????? FUCKIN'HELL! This is like Neptune, Apollo, and Jupiter sitting around and having a chat. This made my day.

[@Kkidzz]

Was at the 2009 Mott reunion. Had a nice seat at the front of the Hammersmith Apollo. During 'Saturday Gigs' most people were standing singing along. My seat was on the aisle and standing next to me was Mick Jones belting along; at that moment he was 15 again. ;)

[@alabastersmidge4692]

That documentary about the Source Family is great.Saw their band YaHoWha 13 back in the 70s. Great show.

[@HonRevPTB]

This is so awesome to see!!!!!!! Has been wondering what Tony was up to!!!!!!! Seems like a cool cat, bet he's got some great stories & because he was mostly sober, he'd remember shit proper!!!!!!!

[@steveriggs8421]

Spent time getting "new" hair by the looks of it

[@freya8133]

​@@steveriggs8421At least it isn't that hideous SSS wig.....

[@cosmicdrifter287]

billy still looks really cool.

[@youjoker9647]

The cosmetic procedures help

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

You Joker oh he’s had the dark glasses cosmetically attached then?! 😆

[@ohcrikey9560]

And hes such a nice guy too

[@cosmicdrifter287]

@@ohcrikey9560 r u sure?

[@ohcrikey9560]

@@cosmicdrifter287 well, i've never met him. But i've seen him interviewed shit loads of times and he always comes across as a really good bloke. But no, obviously i can't be sure.

[@fasthracing]

Three Punk legends

[@ryanmcbride5764]

Billy is the best... what a great guy

[@mw844]

Played Gen X first album tunes on a show the other day. Great Pop tunes!

[@Itelkner]

Great, Steve's old mates. Now I know why I've had a yen for hearing Billy's first album these past few days after not hearing it since the eighties.

[@colinrgage]

Haha Tony James is the fuckin memory man for sure

[@rockjam4534]

Great stuff!! 👍

[@chrisfriend1422]

Love this!

[@butch907]

billy idol north london boy what a great lad

[@AppleMan531]

The last time I saw Tony James was with the band Carbon Silicon with Mick Jones of The Clash and Big Audio Dynamite at The Highline Ballroom in New York City!

[@steveriggs8421]

And he was bald then!

[@freya8133]

​@@steveriggs8421They both are.

[@steveriggs8421]

@@freya8133 KOOL to hear from you

[@boris1873]

Great interview

[@deletebilderberg]

Absolutely superb.

[@HighlandMike325]

Watching again after they have just rocked Glastonbury June 2023.

[@pisynth3784]

Now that is a band I would want to see!!

[@adrianclinch9553]

Long may they live great interview

[@paullimon1970]

Damn! Missed this whole show!

[@hollyvanvoast7140]

Tony James is everything.

[@stevemalibu99]

Fantastic!

[@Charlie311Osburn]

I love this show

[@Zero-9000]

Silly thing is a great track

[@ECNIV2000]

Brilliant interview. One of the Originators, interviewing two of the greatest talents who took that influence, and made their own thing out of it, and, one, definitely, took it to top for a bloody decade. Hey, Tony, Billy, and Steve.......if you haven't decided about the "Sex Generation" yet, I already know all Pistols and Gen X tunes, you'll need a rhythm guitar (or solo....I could hang with you, Jonesy), I got it on lock. I have some words too. Will work for a very reasonable fee. Get the tunes together, call Cookie, Matlock, and I got 3 albums worth of material. Holy moly! You just talked about "Slaughter on 10th Ave" by "Uncle" Mick Ronson...... another one of my guitar teachers. Not sure which is better.... "The Rise and Fall" or "Alladin Sane", depending on my mood. Anyways, think about it fellas. We shall conquer. I'm a Yank, I work in construction since the last band broke up, ill take a chance to get out of "The East Coast". Huge football fan, (y'all are gonna have to meet me in who I support every......well, depended now these days......football, which should only be played on Saturdays (barring Cup Ties)...... Thanks fellas, extra thanks, Jonesy. You are the first. No one can ever take that away from you.

[@ezrasprenger2253]

Love this 🖤

[@HonRevPTB]

OMG TONY YOU SHOULD TUTN THOSE DIARIES INTO A BOOK, IT'D BE A SMASH!!!!!!!

[@raymayhew5050]

Respect 2 the pair of ya xxx

[@ian2lorimer]

Fuckin awesome. Billy looks awesome and Steve's tshirt are fuckin awesome every week.

[@sophienolan7013]

Didn't realize Billy Idol wrote the music.

[@bellasue02]

Yes he wrote a lot. He has a book out that tells where his ideas came from

[@mrchappel]

Tony James now and when he was in Sigue Sigue Sputnik is night and day. I interviewed him for a Mag when the world was young, he referred to SSS music as "Elvis Crashed the Space Shuttle and looked what happened". Saw them play in Los Angeles......"Wow".

[@wildrosesfortheexit]

Its fantastic that Billy and Tony show how middle class the Punk movement was.....Jonesy was a rare cockney amongst the rest

[@hugohugo2832]

Sure was. I was a boarding school at the time. We were all punks. In 1978/79 I moved to heavy metal. The others didn’t. I reckon our entire top three years were at The Clash in Brighton.

[@parkviewmo]

I would love those four on tour! I would make a real effort to go see them! Silly thing!

[@vicesquadpunk]

Amazing stuff 💥☠️💥 x

[@johnnysamoka6832]

Legends .... my Times .

[@forgotmyname4971]

Would like to hear Tony talk about his time with the Sisters.

[@richrichie7386]

People forget Tony James was apart of Sisters of Mercy. ( VISION THING)

[@mikemb123]

27:00 awesome mention of B.O.C. one of my all time favorite bands!

[@deanhoulihan4139]

Great to hear these talk so enthusiastically about the punk heydays... Delighted to see Jones, Cookie, Billy Idol and Tony James playing shows as Generation Sex, proper rock n roll legends super group.

[@Xombigod]

James looks very well.

[@dynaman1600]

tony James was Fantastic.