X
Formed in Los Angeles, California, USA in 1977, X originally comprised of Exene Cervenka (b. Christine Cervenka, 1 February 1956, Chicago, Illinois, USA; vocals), Billy Zoom (b. Tyson Kindale, Savannah, Illinois, USA; guitar), John Doe (b. John Nommensen, Decatur, Illinois, USA; bass) and Mick Basher (drums), although the last-named was quickly replaced by D.J. (Don) Bonebrake (b. North Hollywood, California, USA). The quartet made its debut with Adult Books/We're Desperate (1978), and achieved a considerable live reputation for their imaginative blend of punk, rockabilly and blues. Major labels were initially wary of the group, but Slash, a leading independent, signed them in 1979. Former Doors’ organist, Ray Manzarek, produced LOS ANGELES and WILD GIFT, the latter of which established X as a major talent. Both the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times voted it Album Of The Year and such acclaim inspired a recording deal with Elektra. UNDER THE BIG BLACK SUN was another fine selection, although reception for MORE FUN IN THE NEW WORLD was more muted, with several commentators deeming it ‘over-commercial’. In the meantime X members were pursuing outside projects. Adulterers Anonymous, a poetry collection by Cervenka and Lydia Lunch, was published in 1982, while the singer joined Doe, Henry Rollins (Black Flag), Dave Alvin (the Blasters) and Jonny Ray Bartel in a part-time country outfit, the Knitters, releasing POOR LITTLE CRITTER ON THE ROAD on the Slash label in 1985. Alvin replaced Billy Zoom following the release of AIN'T LOVE GRAND and X was subsequently augmented by ex-Lone Justice guitarist Tony Gilkyson. However, Alvin left for a solo career on the completion of SEE HOW WE ARE. Despite the release of LIVE AT THE WHISKEY A GO-GO, X was clearly losing momentum and the group was latterly dissolved. Doe and Cervenka have both since recorded as solo acts.