The Buzzcocks formed in Manchester England in 1976.
The Buzzcocks were one of the key bands that formed the first wave of punk rock in the mid to late 1970s.
Original members: Howard Devoto, Pete Shelley, Steve Diggle, John Maher.First release was an astonishly good E.P. called Spiral Scratch (featuring the classic "Boredom"). With 4 brilliant songs and only one guitar solo (consisting of two notes repeated) this is the record that is widely credited with starting the independent label movement.
With expectations from the E.P. on a high, singer Devoto surprised everyone by leaving the band. (He went on to form Magazine, releasing the one of the most exciting singles ever - "Shot by Both Sides.) Pete Shelley took over lead vocals, and the Buzzcocks went on to record a long string of brilliant songs which combined catchy pop sensibility with great musicianship (by the first album, they had learned to play their instruments) and punk credibility.
Broke up after their third album. Reformed in the 1990's and are still releasing new albums, but haven't managed to recapture the magic of their earlier work.
Plenty of Buzzcocks stuff available below: |
