Latex Generation is a punk rock band formed during the early 1990s in New York. The band's name was inspired by a news report on STDs, the AIDS epidemic, and the threat it could pose to the current generation of teens.
Over the years, Latex Generation has released 2 full-length CDs, three 7-inch records, a number of compilation album contributions, and has toured extensively throughout North America, Europe, and Australia, most notably on the Van's Warped Tour.
Name
In addition to the news report that inspired it, there have been various theories on the development of Latex Generation's name. The name has been said to be a play on words as the "Late X Generation" because the members all fall age-wise at the tail end of Generation X. Any reference to being late was because Tom and Paul are always late, which often made the entire band late for gigs and commitments. In fact, being late was the first stereotype established by Paul and Tom for Czech people, who otherwise don't have any established stereotypes . The band are also referred to as "L8XG" or just "LG".
The Early Years (1990-1992)
The founding members were:
Paul Fort (guitar) Mike Hobbs (drums) Tommy Rockstar (bass)
At the beginning, the band performed at high school functions. No frontmen were available at this time, so friends and family members took to the stage along with the band. The band soon recruited a guitarist, James Simpson, to fill out the stage with live sound. However, Simpson's role within the band was short lived due to personality clashes with other band members. More specifically, it was reported that he punched Tommy Rockstar in the face after a Battle of the Bands session at Wheatley High School. He was removed from the band after the incident.
Soon after, vocalist Matt Small was recruited. Matt fronted the band for a few shows, including one at Long Island's HammerHedz, the Vault in Queens (NYC), & the Wheatley High's Battle of the Bands. The Wheatley battle of the band's show incited an infamous mosh pit that brought the show to a halt twice and led to the school principal ejecting the band's fans, resulting in a disappointing loss in the contest. The band realized that Matt's singing didn't fit their style and his stint as lead singer ended rather quickly.
After several unsuccessful auditions, the band approached Joseph Nienstedt, guitarist for another local band called "Old Motor Parkway." Joe became the new singer for the band and they immediately began working on original songs. Among the early originals were: "Out on the Run," "Bitch Factory," and "Edicius." The band started to play regular shows throughout Long Island and Queens and even won the Herricks High School Battle of the Bands.
The line-up was as follows:
Paul Fort (guitars) Mike Hobbs (drums) Tommy Rockstar (bass guitars) Joseph Nienstedt (vocals)
Recording Session No. 1
Latex Generation recorded a demo entitled Loser with local producer Steve Ronsen. The six song demo included:
Myself
Funky Green Carpet
Not a Crime
Whore
Grow
FCC
The Middle Years (1993-1996) The band became actively involved in the Long Island/Queens Punk/Hardcore scene which was centered around the popular club "The Angle" (Mineola, New York). These club appearances led to the band signing with indie label Motherbox Records. Motherbox helped fund and distribute the band's first 7-inch record entitled "Bored" (1993).
Recording Session No. 2
The Bored 7-inch was recorded by Steve Ronsen at Buzz Productions. Songs Included:
PB&J
Home
Bored
Two Faces
The song "Two Faces" featured Joe playing guitar alongside Paul for the first time. Impressed with the results of the session, the band decided a role shift would benefit everyone involved and Joe took on the lead guitar role allowing Paul to concentrate on lead vocals.
In an attempt to broaden their fan base, the band purchased a van and worked hard expanding their influence into New Jersey and Pennsylvania. These shows led to strong relationships with bands such as Weston (band), Bouncing Souls, Plow United, Nooner & Grady. During this time, the band tightened up and headed back to the studio.
Recording Session No. 3
The I Killed the President 7-inch was recorded by Steve Ronsen at Buzz Productions. Songs Included: