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Three bands from the now mythical 1976/77 British punk explosion set the benchmark for everything that was to follow - Sex Pistols, the Clash and Buzzcocks. Practically inventing the independent record scene with their seminal self-financed EP Spiral Scratch, Buzzcocks instantly forged a unique relationship with their public. The band went on to break away from the Pistol's anarchy and the Clash's overt politicism, signing to United Artists on the day Elvis died and producing a string of hit singles that welded high-octane guitar, bass and drum power with heartrending personal statements of love won and lost or dismay at the modern world.
Three classic albums - Another Music in a Different Kitchen, Love Bites, and A Different Kind of Tension - were released in '78/79, charting the progress of a band on top form and not afraid of being constrained by their punk rock roots. In 1981, in the process of preparing their fourth studio album, the Buzzcocks machine went off the rails. The band split.
In 1993, a new line-up, fronted by original songwriters Pete Shelley and Steve Diggle and joined by new rhythm section Tony Barber (bass) and Phil Barker (drums), produced the critically acclaimed Trade Test Transmissions album and the game was on again.
Buzzcocks are the true godfathers of punk-pop and if impact and influence are measures of a band's lasting greatness then they should already be in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. You can check out their past glories by listening to seminal pop treasure Singles Going Steady. This 1979 compilation of their first UK Top 40 hits is a classic album in every sense, an astounding collection of stunning moments such as “Orgasm Addict,” “What Do I Get?” and the anthemic “Harmony In My Head” These songs have been covered by dozens of groups in many styles, a testament to the originals' strengths.
A new album, simply titled ‘Buzzcocks’ will be released on 14th April 2003.
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