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,