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Buzzcocks

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Group. Formed 1976.

Photo of Buzzcocks Supergrass

Biography

Buzzcocks are an English rock band formed in Bolton in 1976, led by singer–songwriter–guitarist Pete Shelley.

They are regarded as an important influence on the Manchester music scene, the independent record label movement, punk rock, power pop, pop punk and indie rock. They achieved commercial success with singles that fused pop craftsmanship with rapid-fire punk energy. These singles were collected on Singles Going Steady, described by critic Ned Raggett as a "punk masterpiece". The widely covered "Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)" remains one of their best-known songs.

The name "Buzzcocks" was chosen by Howard Devoto and Pete Shelley after reading the headline "it's the buzz, cocks!" in a review of the TV series Rock Follies in Time Out magazine. The "buzz" is the excitement of playing on stage; "cock" is Manchester slang meaning "youngster". They thought it captured the excitement of the Sex Pistols and nascent punk scene.

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Links & Information

Links

BBC Reviews Really Simple Syndication

  1. 30 2008

    30

    Reviewed by Ian Wade

    An essential addition to any fan's collection.
  2. Love Bites 1988

    Love Bites

    Reviewed by Chris Jones

    An essential purchase for anyone remotely interested in punk's history.
  3. Singles Going Steady 1979

    Singles Going Steady

    Reviewed by Daryl Easlea

  4. Time's Up 1976

    Time's Up

    Reviewed by Chris Jones

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