He greets me over Zoom from his cosy French farmhouse. It’s here Mark Laff, this bright, affable drummer, is preparing to resurrect the thunder of GENERATION X with a new line up and tour. Under the name XGENERATIONX, Mark leads a recast supergroup of punk veterans and emerging talent.
As one of punk’s original drumming trailblazers, it’s been decades since Laff has had the opportunity to revive these songs for a public audience. As we begin to speak, it’s clear the quiet rhythms of the countryside haven’t mellowed his spirit.
The group’s upcoming tour will see them revisit the first two seminal Generation X albums: Mark’s drumming still the thunderous pulse at the centre. I’m eager to discover how Mark has recaptured the essence of those original tracks and what it feels like to bring their rebellious energy to audiences, old and new.
Early Punk Days and Subway Sect
Q: You joined Subway Sect right at punk’s ground zero. What do you remember about those days, and was there a single moment when you sensed punk was more than just a fleeting movement, that it would be big?
MARK LAFF: I remember the moment precisely, just before the White Riot Tour with The Clash. Stepping off the coach in Edinburgh, it felt like we were aliens—the crowd literally stared, jaws dropping. There was so much excitement and anticipation around punk at that time, a sense of danger that attracted people. That was when I realized this was going to be huge, and it was always meant to be more than just music. The way Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood approached it guaranteed it would go beyond that.
The Generation X Breakthrough
Q: When you joined Generation X, the band was making a shift in sound and style. There was clearly punk influence, but it was also quite pop-friendly. How did you see yourself as part of that evolution?
MARK LAFF: What appealed to me from the start was that Generation X’s songs were already melodic, even in a punk style. With our deal, there was pressure to become even more commercial, especially to break into the US. We worked with Ian Hunter and managed some strong singles. Unfortunately, management never took us to America, and I think the band would have flourished more if we’d made that leap.
Q Did this clash of styles ever create friction in the band, with members wanting to take the music in different directions?
MARK LAFF: Absolutely. When you’re young, those disagreements feel existential—it’s all about wanting your ideas heard. I was closer to Bob Andrews, the guitarist, who had more of a classic rock and pop sensibility, while Billy Idol came from that pop background and Tony James was more progressive. There was a real mix of influences and, on the second album, I started to feel we were drifting into something less real—lyrically it felt a bit too “dream-like” for me.
Q: The split from Generation X happened during the sessions for what became “K.M.D. – Sweet Revenge.” Looking back, what do you feel was at stake for you artistically during that period, and why did you feel you had to split?
MARK LAFF: After the second album, it was decided we’d try to incorporate everyone’s wishes into new songs, but tensions were high—Bob felt he wasn’t getting proper credit, which Billy even admitted later. We were all young, and age gaps made a difference. Eventually, the atmosphere got uncomfortable, and after Bob left, I knew my days were numbered. I walked in on a label meeting with Billy and Tony—at that point, it was clear I was out. That was it.
Q: Is there a period, project, or song in your career you’re especially proud of, even if it’s not the most commercially celebrated?
MARK LAFF: There are several. Your first record always holds a special place—“Your Generation,” our first single with Generation X, felt like a dream come true. I’d always imagined playing for big crowds, and it happened. I’m also proud of “Valley of the Dolls.” It wasn’t our biggest hit, but I think it showed the band at its creative peak, even if it wasn’t easy to record.
Q: You’re now fronting XGENERATIONX, reviving songs you played as a teenager. What’s it like to revisit that material decades later with a new band and a new perspective?
MARK LAFF: I was unsure if I could recapture the original energy, but playing those songs again—especially with extraordinary young musicians—proved we could. It’s about finding that same enthusiasm and velocity. I wanted this to be more than nostalgia; I needed it to feel vital, not just another reunion.
Q Do the songs mean something different to you now, and do they connect with younger audiences in a new way?
MARK LAFF: Honestly, they feel exactly the same to me. That’s what’s good about them—they don’t need reinterpretation. I’m curious to see how people respond to Elizabeth fronting the band, because she’s a phenomenal performer. For me, it’s about delivering these tracks with all their original force.
Q: How do you see the future of punk evolving, both musically and culturally? Are there elements of the original movement that still resonate, or do you feel punk needs to change to stay meaningful in the modern world?
MARK LAFF: Punk is still incredibly relevant, especially given the current political climate. Just look at new acts like Amyl and the Sniffers—they’ve got the attitude and energy that defined punk’s early days. Fads come and go, but punk’s rebellious spirit stays vital, maybe even more so with the 50th anniversary coming up. Watch this space!
Q: Given the turbulent political landscape of today, do you think punk still plays a role as a vehicle for protest and social change? If not, what do you think that cultural vehicle is today?
MARK LAFF: Yes, punk is still a vehicle for protest, though it’s harder now to get those messages across—people get shut down quickly. The ideals remain as relevant as ever, and bands like The Damned and the Sex Pistols are still out there showing how it’s done. With every generation, things get forgotten, but I hope the punk ethos continues to inspire.
More information and tickets for the tour here – www.xgenerationx.com
Mark Laff is a Counterculture Creative client.