Chelsea was an early punk band, formed in London in 1977. A group of punks at a music festival. ... London is the capital city of England and of the United Kingdom, and is the most populous city in the European Union. ...

The original line-up was front-man Gene October, guitarist Billy Idol, Tony James (bass) and John Towe (drums, who had come from London SS along with James). Billy Idol (born William Michael Albert Broad on 30 November 1955 in Middlesex, England) is an English hard rock musician. ... Tony James on stage with Carbon/Silicon Tony James (born on 12 April 1958) was originally the bassist for the British punk band London SS, along with Rat Scabies, (later of The Damned), and Mick Jones plus Terry Chimes (both future members of The Clash). ... London SS was Mick Jones and Paul Simonons band prior to joining up with Joe Strummer and Terry Chimes to form The Clash. ...

After a few gigs, the other three left October to form Generation X (with Idol later becoming a major star). October then recruited Carey Fortune (drums), Martin Stacy (guitar) and Bob Jessie (bass), with the last two soon replaced by Henry Daze and James Stevenson (who later joined Generation X). This rapid turnover of band-members was characteristic throughout Chelsea's existence. Generation X was a punk rock band that was formed in 1976 by Billy Idol, Tony James and John Towe. ... James Stevenson is a UK punk / rock guitarist currently with The Alarm, Gene Loves Jezebel and Chelsea. ...

Chelsea were noted for the raw emotion of their early live gigs. Their first single, "Right To Work", dealing with unemployment, was their most popular song. After spending 1977-78 touring in the UK and overseas, they released their first LP, Chelsea, in 1979. Their second LP, Alternative Hits, was released in 1980. Their last recording was in 1989, though they performed reunion gigs in 1996-97.