Buzzcocks

Buzzcocks are an English punk band from Bolton, Greater Manchester, formed in 1976 and active since then. The group is associated with punk rock, new wave, indie rock, pop punk, pop rock, post-punk and power pop. Its line-up has included Howard Devoto, John Maher, Pete Shelley, Steve Diggle, Garth Smith, Mike Joyce, Tony Barber and Chris Remington.

Formation and early years

Buzzcocks are founded in Bolton by Pete Shelley and Howard Devoto in the wake of the first wave of British punk. Shelley leads the band for most of its history as singer-songwriter and guitarist. Devoto leaves soon after the release of the Spiral Scratch EP, which the band issues on its own independent label. Shelley then takes over lead vocals. Devoto later forms Magazine.

The group rehearses in a friend’s kitchen and plays the all-day 100 Club punk event in London. Their name partly comes from Manchester slang, where “cock” means youngster, and from a catchphrase used in the ITV drama serial Rock Follies: “that’s the buzz, cocks” and “give me a buzz, cock!”

Singles, albums and sound

Buzzcocks build their reputation on singles that combine pop song structure with fast punk energy. Among their early releases are “Orgasm Addict” and “What Do I Get?”, the latter becoming a UK chart hit. Their best-known songs include “Ever Fallen in Love?”, which is widely covered and remains one of their signature tracks.

The single releases are collected on Singles Going Steady, which is described by critic Ned Raggett as a punk masterpiece. The band’s early albums include Another Music in a Different Kitchen, which is issued with a carrier bag labelled “Product”, Love Bites, and A Different Kind of Tension. Steve Diggle takes over lyric writing on Love Bites.

After the original run, Buzzcocks release Trade Test Transmissions in 1993, All Set in 1996, Modern in 1999, and Flat Pack Philosophy in 2007. The Way follows in 2014. The compilation Product, issued as a five-album/CD set in 1989, gathers the albums to date, Singles Going Steady, later non-album singles and B-sides. Chronology, issued in 1997, collects outtakes from the three United Artists albums. Inventory appears in 2003 and includes every single to that point, while 30 marks 30 years of performing in 2005.

Breakups, reunions and later work

The band splits in early 1981 after musical differences. Shelley then pursues a solo career, releasing the dance- and electronic-influenced albums Homosapien, XL1 and Heaven and the Sea. Steve Diggle forms Flag of Convenience, a power pop group, and tours with it. Shelley also works with Howard Devoto on Buzzkunst, a collaboration released in 2000.

Buzzcocks reform in 1992, without original drummer John Maher and bassist Steve Garvey. Later activity includes tours, anniversary shows and festival appearances, including headlining the first night of The Rhythm Festival in Bedfordshire in 2011, two reunion shows in Manchester and Brixton in 2012, a headline slot at the Rebellion Festival in Blackpool, and performances at Riot Fest in Chicago and on a UK tour with The Dollyrots in 2014. The band also plays a 40th-anniversary tour in 2016.

Influence

Buzzcocks are widely regarded as a major influence on the Manchester music scene, the independent record label movement, and punk rock, power pop and pop punk more broadly. Their mix of melody, speed and Shelley’s lyrics about love helps define their place in British punk. Pete Shelley dies in 2018.