The Band Index

X

AmericasUnited StatesPunk Rock
Community

Follow Your Favorite Band Today!

Be the first one to follow X!

Top X Community Posts

Loading posts...
Sponsor content

Band Timeline

1977-1979

Formation and Early Recordings of X

The American punk rock band X was formed in Los Angeles by bassist-singer John Doe and guitarist Billy Zoom. Doe introduced his poetry-writing girlfriend, Exene Cervenka, who joined as a vocalist. Drummer D.J. Bonebrake, formerly of the Eyes and Germs, joined last to complete the lineup. The band started their career by signing with the independent label Dangerhouse, releasing their first single "Adult Books" / "We're Desperate" in 1978. This period captures the raw punk roots of the band, with early recognition in the Los Angeles punk scene, contributing a track "Los Angeles" to a collective compilation that highlighted prominent local punk bands.
1980-1981

Debut Albums and Rising Prominence

X transitioned to Slash Records, a larger independent label, and released their debut album "Los Angeles" in 1980, produced by Ray Manzarek of the Doors. The album featured a distinctive blend of punk with rockabilly influences and poetic lyrics, earning the band significant acclaim within independent music circles. In 1981, they followed up with "Wild Gift," an album characterized by faster, shorter punk songs, solidifying their reputation for stereotypical punk sound. During this time, members of X also participated in other projects, with Doe and Bonebrake contributing to the Flesh Eaters' album, signaling their active engagement in the broader punk community.
1982-1984

Major Label Signing and Musical Evolution

X signed with major label Elektra in 1982, releasing "Under the Big Black Sun," an album that reflected a shift from their pure punk roots to incorporate country and Americana influences. The album was emotionally charged, partly influenced by the death of Cervenka’s sister. The somber themes and experimental sounds marked a significant phase in the band’s evolution. In 1983, they released "More Fun in the New World," which showcased a more polished and eclectic sound with elements of funk and folk influences. This era also saw the band's involvement with side projects like the Knitters, expanding their musical range beyond punk.
1985-1993

Later Albums and Continued Activity

Throughout the mid to late 1980s and early 1990s, X continued to release albums, maintaining their blend of punk rock with other genres. They continued touring and building a loyal fanbase despite limited mainstream commercial success. Their music influenced various genres, including Americana and folk rock, helping to define aspects of the alternative music landscape. By 1993, after releasing seven studio albums, the band entered a period of inactivity in the mid-to-late 1990s as members pursued other projects and interests.
Early 2000s–2024

Reunion, Touring, Legacy, and Farewell

X reunited in the early 2000s to tour extensively, reaffirming their influence on punk and alternative music. They sustained an active presence through live performances while preserving the legacy of their early groundbreaking work. Their first two albums, "Los Angeles" and "Wild Gift," were recognized among the 500 greatest albums of all time by Rolling Stone in 2003, underscoring their enduring impact. In June 2024, the band announced plans for a final album and farewell tour, signaling the conclusion of their influential career and celebrating decades of contributions to punk rock and American music culture.

Albums

x_1st_album
Los Angeles
9 tracks
1980
x_2nd_album
Wild Gift
13 tracks
1981
x_3rd_album
Under the Big Black Sun
11 tracks
1982
x_4th_album
More Fun in the New World
13 tracks
1983
x_5th_album
Ain’t Love Grand
11 tracks
1985
x_6th_album
See How We Are
11 tracks
1987
x_7th_album
Hey Zeus!
11 tracks
1993
x_8th_album
Alphabetland
11 tracks
2020
x_9th_album
Smoke & Fiction
10 tracks
2024
Sponsor content

Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Tony Gilkyson

N/A

John Doe

N/A

DJ Bonebrake

N/A

Exene Cervenka

N/A

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Billy Zoom

1977
1986

Dave Alvin

1986
1987

Story of X

X: A Punk Rock Legacy

X, an iconic American punk rock band hailing from Los Angeles, left an indelible mark on the music scene with their raw energy, poetic lyrics, and unique blend of punk, Americana, and folk rock.

The band's core lineup was a potent force: vocalist Exene Cervenka, bassist/vocalist John Doe, guitarist Billy Zoom, and drummer D.J. Bonebrake. Their seven studio albums, released between 1980 and 1993, cemented their place in punk rock history.

After a hiatus during the mid-to-late 90s, X reunited in the early 2000s, continuing to tour and enthrall audiences with their captivating live performances. In June 2024, they announced their final album and a farewell tour, marking the end of an era for the legendary band.

While achieving limited mainstream success, X exerted a profound influence on various genres of music, inspiring artists across the punk, Americana, and folk rock spectrums. In 1991, renowned music critic Robert Hilburn recognized their status as one of the most influential bands of their time.

X's impact is further solidified by the inclusion of their first two albums, Los Angeles and Wild Gift, in Rolling Stone's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time in 2003. Los Angeles also secured the 91st spot on Pitchfork's Top 100 Albums of the 1980s.

Early Days: 1977-1979

The seeds of X were sown with the meeting of bassist/singer John Doe and guitarist Billy Zoom.

Sponsor content

Learn more about X

Bands you may like