Marc Bell, formerly with Wayne County, approached Hell at Max's Kansas City right about the same time. A Village Voice ad recruited Ivan Julian. At the end of 1976, they cut a demo and began to hit CBGB's. They quickly set about recording an album. Blank Generation went through a few incarnations and re-recordings before finally emerging in 1977.
Success is a record company's top priority.
A 1977 interview with Lester Bangs reveals a pretty tormented individual who really only wants to escape this life. He was doing his best to do just that, as well. Hell's drug habit had only gotten worse. Being booked onto a late 1977 UK tour, as the opening act for The Clash did nothing to help matters. The harder core of Clash fans, looking for loud rock, had little patience with The Voidoids more sensual songs.