BBC HomeExplore the BBC
This page was last updated in May 2007We've left it here for reference.More information


Accessibility help
Text only
BBC Homepage

Contact Us

Like this page?
Send it to a friend!
 

The Buzzcocks

Formed 1975

  • Principal Members
  • Howard Devoto
  • Steve Diggle
  • John Maher
  • Pete Shelley

Biography

The Buzzcocks are an English punk rock band formed in Leigh, Manchester in 1975, led by singer/songwriter/guitarist Pete Shelley for nearly their entire existence. They are commonly regarded as an important influence on the Manchester music scene, the independent label movement and punk rock/post punk in general.

They are primarily remembered for their singles, a string of would-be hits that combined a strong grasp of pop song craftsmanship with rapid-fire punk energy...

Read more at Wikipedia

Wikipedia

This entry is from Wikipedia, the user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (more info) and is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. Any changes made to the Wikipedia article will not be immediately reflected here.

Artist Timeline

  • 1975 Band formed by Pete Shelley and Howard Devoto
  • 1976 Arrange for the Sex Pistols to play Manchester
  • 1976 Diggle and Maher join - first gig is supporting the Pistols
  • 1976 Spiral Scratch EP released - the first punk indie record
  • 1977 Devoto leaves, Diggle switches to guitar and Steve Garvey joins on bass
  • 1977 Sign to United Artists
  • 1977 Single 'Orgasm Addict' is banned by the BBC
  • 1981 Group disbands during sessions for their fourth album
  • 1994 Support Nirvana on one of their last tours
  • 2006 8th studio album released
 

Key Releases

  • Time's Up

    1976

    Early recordings featuring Howard Devoto. Angular, spiky and intelligent.

    Review on BBC Music

  • Singles Going Steady

    1979

    All the hits. Perfect pop played with chainsaw intensity.

    Review on BBC Music

Related Pages

 

Fans' Photos

These pictures are photos that have been uploaded by the public to Flickr, the photosharing website. Click on a photo to see the large image there.

View images related to this artist or band on Flickr.com

These pictures are not hosted by the BBC. Please alert us if you spot anything inappropriate. This product uses the Flickr API but is not endorsed or certified by Flickr.

Top 10 Tracks

These are the tracks that are most listened to by users of Last.FM.

Chart from Last.fm

This chart is not created by the BBC and is only reflective of the listening habits of users of Last.FM.

 

Inspired

Influences



About the BBC | Help | Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookies Policy