X to Bid Farewell this Summer

X to Release Final Album and Set Final Tour

By Ace Hartmann | Racketeer Broadcast Association  | 

After a remarkable 47-year career, Los Angeles punk icons X are poised to release their final album, “Smoke & Fiction,” on August 2 via Fat Possum Records. This long-anticipated release will be followed by a comprehensive national tour, offering fans a final chance to see the band live.

Formed in 1977, X quickly became one of America’s most original and influential punk bands, releasing seven seminal albums between 1980 and 1993. Their fusion of rockabilly and raw punk energy set them apart from their contemporaries and cemented their legacy in the punk rock pantheon.

The announcement of “Smoke & Fiction” comes on the heels of their 2020 comeback album, “Alphabetland,” which was their first LP in 35 years. Much like “Alphabetland,” “Smoke & Fiction” promises to deliver the fury and fun that fans have come to expect from X. The album’s lead single, “Big Black X,” has now been released, offering a nostalgic yet fiery reflection on the band’s storied journey. The track, produced by Rob Schnapf, is a sonic blast from the past, blending rockabilly threads with X’s unvarnished punk rock sensibilities.

In their farewell message, lead singer Exene Cervenka reminisced about the band’s early days in Los Angeles, a time she describes as a “carnival of weirdness” filled with silent movie stars, hippies, bikers, and self-defined punks. “X is a great band name; also a bad idea sometimes when it gets lost in print or on the marquee,” Exene noted with her characteristic humor. “We all did in the early days. Los Angeles was a carnival of weirdness back then, with leftover traces of silent movie stars, long-haired hippies, bikers, and brand new self-defined punks doing anything we wanted. When we started touring the country we found like-minded people everywhere, and somehow they all found us. Even if the X was lost on the old marquee.”

“Smoke & Fiction” not only serves as a valedictory lap but also as a celebration of the band’s enduring impact on the punk scene. The album reflects on their journey, encapsulating the essence of what has made X a beloved fixture in the music world for nearly five decades.

The forthcoming tour promises to be a fitting send-off, allowing X to connect with fans one last time and celebrate their legacy. The tour will traverse the country, hitting major cities and smaller venues alike, ensuring that fans from all walks of life have the chance to bid farewell to the band that has meant so much to them.

As the release date for “Smoke & Fiction” approaches, anticipation is building among fans and critics alike. The album is expected to be a poignant and powerful final chapter in the band’s illustrious career. For those who have followed X from their gritty beginnings to their final bow, “Smoke & Fiction” represents the culmination of a musical journey that has spanned generations and influenced countless artists.

In the ever-changing landscape of music, few bands have managed to remain as relevant and revered as X. Their unwavering commitment to their craft, combined with their ability to evolve while staying true to their punk roots, has ensured their place in the annals of rock history. As X prepares to take their final curtain call, their music and legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and resonate with fans old and new.

Mark your calendars for August 2 and get ready to experience “Smoke & Fiction,” the final chapter in the extraordinary saga of X. And if you have the chance, catch them on their farewell tour – it’s a piece of punk history you won’t want to miss!