Gig Journal: Aberdeen & Dundee Weekend with XGenerationX by David Deliquent

Plus XGenX news from Mark Laff at the end…

One of the most talked-about tours of the autumn, in punk circles, was the one by the band billed as XGenerationX. Original Generation X drummer Mark Laff – and friends, Steve Norman (Spandau Ballet)  Elizabeth Westwood (Westworld) Michael Giaquinto (Vice Squad) and James Stevenson (Chelsea).

David Delinquent & The I.O.U’s, one of the best retro-punk rock’n’roll bands around (no gimmicks, just great songs) managed to get support slots on two of the Scottish dates as they released their new single.

As none of the tour dates stopped in Ged Babey’s neck of the woods he invited David Delinquent to share his two-day Gig Journal. 

(Online chat)
DD -Could you give our single a wee plug?
GB -Only if you tell me all about the XGenX gigs.
DD – Deal.
GB – how did you get the support slots?
DD – Renegade Communications – run by my pal Ewan McNaught, who’s become a good friend over the last few months, he has been booking a handful of shows for us in Edinburgh and Dundee. He’s a great guy and genuinely brilliant to work with. Together we managed to land the two dates supporting XGenerationX in Aberdeen and Dundee.  I guess they must’ve liked our music…

David Delinquents Tour Journal  – Aberdeen – Friday

I finished work early so we could head up to Aberdeen. Normally it’s about an hour and a half, but a crash and a series of road closures meant we spent half the journey trying to outsmart Google maps that hadn’t updated the roads in Aberdeen in the last ten years.

By the time we finally got to the venue and hauled the gear in, we had about eight minutes before doors opened. Chaos.

We got everything plugged in, tuned up, sound done and suddenly it was, “Oh shit, we’re on in six minutes.”

We’d just released our single Everybody Loves You on the Monday and had been riding a mega-high all week, so even with the rush, we were buzzing. Didn’t really get time to chat much to the other guys before anyone went on, but once we hit the stage, it all fell into place.

The turnout early doors was cracking, better than we expected, and the crowd were right into it. Sold loads of merch too.

Michael (bassist) mentioned he’d heard of us before. I think it might’ve been through a Vice Squad gig in a previous life, but whether he was in the line-up back then… who knows. Punk timelines blur.

Steve Norman came in after our set to say hello. Just the loveliest guy to be honest. He was full of compliments about our energy and the songs.

Hearing that from someone like him? A very cool moment.

XGenerationX set – Aberdeen
It took the crowd (and the band, I think) a couple of songs to settle into the groove, but once they did, they were flying.

Steve mentioned they hadn’t rehearsed as much as he’d have liked, but honestly? It’s rock and roll. A bit of looseness is part of the magic.

By mid-set, everyone was hooked. Our guitarist JP absolutely lost it when they kicked into Into the Valley. He’s from Fife and worships The Skids – so to him, that was basically a religious event. Personally, that’s one of the only songs I never want covered (the original is far too precious), but they gave it gusto regardless.

Kiss Me, Deadly was a highlight. Elizabeth’s voice sat beautifully on it, and Mark Laff’s drumming… that snare could make your balls drop. Steve looked like he was having the time of his life up there, and the whole band felt genuinely alive and went down a storm. Job done.

Dundee – Saturday
A completely different vibe for us. We spent most of the day day-drinking, just excited because it was the last show of the year. We were unfortunately up against the Scotland game, so we knew crowd numbers might take a hit. Plenty of people bought tickets but didn’t show but it didn’t dampen our mood one bit. We were ready.

Special shout-out to Zoe, the tour manager. She was a star all night – helpful, friendly, even ran our merch table for us. Had a great chat with Mark too; he was incredibly down-to-earth and spoke with our drummer for ages. Said it had been a busy week but he was loving getting back into it.

Bonnie and Steve bonded instantly – sax players’ union and all that.

I honestly felt like we played better Saturday than we did in Aberdeen. Totally loosened up, totally in it. Michael and Steve both said they loved the set, and I’m pretty sure Elizabeth yelled “rock and roll, man!” at us which I’m happily taking as approval.

XGenerationX – Dundee
Same as Friday: it took a couple of songs to warm up, but once the switch flipped, they were unstoppable.

The pop nerd in me adored their takes on ‘To Cut a Long Story Short’ and ‘Sonic Boom Boy’, plus a roaring ‘King Rocker’ and ‘Valley of the Dolls’. You could feel the band growing in confidence with each tune. These songs aren’t easy, and they were really finding their stride.

Friends who saw them in Edinburgh later said those shows were even better than Aberdeen and Dundee so they’re clearly on an upward curve.

For me, rock and roll isn’t meant to be pristine or polished. It should have danger in it. And with the line-up they’ve got so much talent individually. For me, it’s the unpredictability that makes it exciting.

Aftermath
We had such an amazing time playing these shows. End of the night, we found out we’d completely sold out of our merch. Then we saw Steve Norman walking around with one of our t-shirts and our CD. Mark Laff grabbed a shirt too. And Michael? He wore his at the 100 Club during the week. Absolutely mint.

An incredible weekend with a genuinely special group of musicians and really kind people. Treated as equals and honestly, what more can you ask for a wee DIY band like us, just here for the ride?

Catch them soon, next time they tour. You won’t regret it.
David

Music | David Delinquent & The I.O.U’S

David Delinquent & The I.O.U’S | Spotify

via a friend I asked Mark Laff for his feelings about the tour and what next?

It was great to see how well the songs were received, some of which hadn’t been played since 1978!  I was humbled by the appreciation of everyone who came to see us. I am truly grateful. Their support was magnificent. I still love playing drums and to play the songs that made me part of Punk Rock Folklore was a tremendous buzz as I got to choose them. Songs like Kleenex, Trying for Kicks, Promises Promises were great fun to play live again. But I won’t shy away from the fact they are tough to do if you want to do them justice.

The support bands were amazing to have and a special shout to all those who helped me out in Scotland. They know who they are and I look forward to seeing them next year. Mr. Delinquent deserves a special thank you.

There will be a new X Generation X line up for 2026 with a date already in place on Friday 18th September to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Punk Rock Festival at the iconic 100 Club.  A US and Canadian tour is under discussion – as is Rebellion Festival who are keen. My aim is to take the new line up to everywhere that wants to see it, meet the fans and tell the stories, record new songs, cover great songs that meant a lot to me growing up, have fun and enjoy playing drums while I still can. 

Mark Laff, XGenerationX 2/12/2025

Put together by Ged Babey with thanks to DD, Mark Laff, Andy Blade and Bearded Punk Photography for the pics.