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Buzzcocks

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About

Formed in Manchester, England, in 1975, the Buzzcocks were one of the most influential bands to emerge in the initial wave of punk rock. Performing on the ANOTHER...BITES tour, the band will be performing their first two albums - Another Music In A Different Kitchen and Love Bites - in their entirety + other hits. With their crisp melodies, driving guitars, and guitarist Pete Shelley's biting lyrics, the Buzzcocks were one of the best, most influential punk bands. The Buzzcocks were inspired by the Sex Pistols' energy, yet they didn't copy the Pistols' angry political stance. Instead, they brought that intense, brilliant energy to the three-minute pop song. Shelley's alternately funny and anguished lyrics about adolescence and love were some of the best and smartest of his era; similarly, the Buzzcocks' melodies and hooks were concise and memorable. Over the years, their powerful punk-pop has proven enormously influential, with echoes of their music being apparent in everyone from Hüsker Dü to Nirvana.

The Buzzcocks certainly tested the limits of that artistic control with their debut single, "Orgasm Addict." Released in October of 1977, the single didn't become a hit because its subject matter was too explicit for BBC radio, but it generated good word of mouth. Following its release, Garth Smith was kicked out of the group and was replaced by Steve Garvey. The Buzzcocks' second single, "What Do I Get?," became their first charting single, scraping the bottom of the Top 40. In March, the band released its first album, Another Music in a Different Kitchen. In September of 1978 the Buzzcocks released their second full-length record, Love Bites. The rapid pace of the band's recording and performing schedules quickly had its effects on the group. Not only were the concerts and recordings wearing the band down, the members were consuming alcohol and drugs in high numbers.  The Buzzcocks broke up in 1981. Immediately after the split, Shelley pursued a solo career that initially produced the hit single "Homosapien" but soon went dry. Steve Diggle formed Flag of Convenience with John Maher, who quit the band shortly after its formation. Steve Garvey moved to New York, where he played with Motivation for a few years. In 1989, the group re-formed and toured the United States. The following year, Maher left the band and former Smiths drummer Mike Joyce joined the band on tour. By 1990, the reunion had become permanent; after Joyce's brief tenure with the band, the final lineup of the reunited Buzzcocks featured Shelley, Diggle, bassist Tony Barber, and drummer Phil Barker. The new version of the band released its first album, Trade Test Transmissions, in 1993. After its release, the band toured frequently. In spring of 1996, the Buzzcocks released their fifth studio album, All Set. Modern followed three years later, and a self-titled record for Merge appeared in 2003. Flat-Pack Philosophy arrived in 2006 on the Cooking Vinyl label. An anniversary set simply called 30 was released in 2008 on Cooking Vinyl.

Reviews

Rating: 4.6 out of 5 based on 64 reviews
  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great show

    by freeswilly on 4/19/15Irving Plaza - New York

    The Buzzcocks were awesome. Could have done without the 2 opening bands and the over priced drinks.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Buzzcocks deliver

    by EmBomb on 4/19/15Irving Plaza - New York

    If you're a big fan of seminal Punk bands from the 70's, Buzzcocks stand head and shoulders above those bands still making the rounds. In addition to there cannon of songs that made them famous, Buzzcocks' new material is very entertaining and loaded with great hooks, harmonys and sharp lyrics. Factor in that these guys exhibit the same energy and power that they did in their infancy, and you're rewarded with a fantastic experience by a legendary band. A must for any fan of great, original music!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Buzzcocks still Rocking

    by Iceberg6000 on 6/24/10House of Blues Anaheim - Anaheim

    The Buzzcocks have to be one of the best live bands still after all these years. They play fast, loud and album perfect. What's great about seeing them live is the audience knows all the songs and sings the harmonies along with the band. They don't play very often here in the US so if you see them coming to your town buy tickets ASAP! It will be the most fun you had at a concert in a long time.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    buzzcocks & dollyrots double the fun

    by vinnieboy on 6/11/10House of Blues San Diego - San Diego

    . Thje Buzzcocks ditched their newer releases to play only their songs from the late 70's. Having been to 7 of their shows & knowing all of their early songs, this was the first time that I heard many of my favorites live - no reply, you tear me up, love battery, nostalgia, just lust and an incredible version of moving to the pulsebeat. They possibly sounded better than ever to me and seemed excited to be performing - what a thrill to see Pete Shelley take over on 90% of the lead vocals just like the old days! I came all the way from Phoenix to see this show and surpassed my highest expectations as I was drawn to singing at the top of my lungs, dancing, slamming, pogo-ing & even found time to do some moshing - incredible show!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Buzzcocks Rock Still!

    by mrblhead on 6/10/10Paradise Rock Club - Boston

    Great show!!! As lively as they were thirty years ago!! Pete Shelley is still insane......

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    by Anonymous on 6/8/10CLUB NOKIA - Los Angeles

    this show freakin rocked... amazing time had by all!

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Buzzcocks was bad ass

    by ladyevol on 6/8/10CLUB NOKIA - Los Angeles

    The Nolka Club was nice and small. We had seats and we where real close. They sounded so good. We saw them in the early 80's and they sounded awesome then too. Just took us back......WE LOVE IT....

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    by Anonymous on 6/8/10House of Blues San Diego - San Diego

    The opening bands were awful but the Buzzcocks were amazing. The had so much energy and sounded great for being an older band!

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Dollyrots Rocked!

    by musethx on 6/8/10House of Blues Anaheim - Anaheim

    The Dollyrots were the main reason I went to the show. Kelly O is a great singer and songwriter . Chris and Luis are solid musicians, and cute. Check em out...they are awesome!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Buzzcocks at HOB Anaheim

    by Duganovichenheimer on 6/7/10House of Blues Anaheim - Anaheim

    Buzzcocks have always been in my top 5 punk bands of all time. I learned how to play guitar listening to them and Ramones back in 1979. Never got the opportunity to see them until now and I was completely blown away. Vocals and music in perfect harmony and the instruments must have been the same ones they used in the 70's as the sound was identical to the vinyl. Great stage presence, incredible precision on the instumentals and well timed breaks in their 90 minute set that rolled over you like a Ramones Steamroller. Biggest mosh pit I have seen since Pistols in 1998. Excellent show. The only bummer of the night was Dollyrot who played waaaaaay too long, drunk guitarist that had as much stage presence as a stoned turtle, and the squeeky vocals we were over a long time ago with Josie Cotten and Cyndi Lauper

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    What a great moment in time.!

    by AlboK on 6/7/10CLUB NOKIA - Los Angeles

    2 warm up bands. I really didn't need 2 warm up bands. One would have been enough. Anyway the first band Images were pretty good. They were so young since i'm a Buzzcocks age. The drummer was awsome. The second band the Dollyrots were lame. I love chick singers but the songs dragged and they were on stage way too long for a warm up band. Then the Buzzcocks came on and blew away both warm up bands. They played all the songs from the first 2 albums and i knew every one of them. I just wish Pete Shelly's voice was miked a little louder. Non stop 3 minute songes one right after another with no breaks. That's the way is should be wit no talking in between songs. Steve Diggles was funny as he has always been and looked in great shape and looked like he was having a great time playing. The 2 other members couldn"t have been older than their early 20s. Drummer did a short drum solo, which was a lot of fun and got the crowd going. Overall a great show by one of my favoirte bands.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    The Buzzcocks

    by LuckyOne2010 on 6/6/10CLUB NOKIA - Los Angeles

    The legendary Buzzcocks played a tight set, what a great, great show from these pop punk veterans! I had not seen them in 20 years, so I did not know what to expect. Wow was I pleasantly surprised! They did not disappoint, and the two opening bands were good, too. I would definitely see them play again!

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Sounded good

    by musethx on 6/6/10CLUB NOKIA - Los Angeles

    I liked the Buzzcocks. Most of all I liked the Dollyrots. The venue didn't have the best sound / acustics , and I think it made a diffrence to the enjoyment of the show.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Amazing show!

    by killernoise on 6/6/10CLUB NOKIA - Los Angeles

    i've been a fan of Buzzcocks since i was teen, and it's amazing to see their live performance in person. The show was solid, playful, fun, energetic, and amazing! opening bands, images and the dollyrots are great and lots of potential to be awesome. venue clue nokia is pretty cool, very clean and nice. it could use more sound volume and heavier base sound. after mosh pit started, there were couple of kids going out of control and there should be a bouncer keep them in order. overall it was fantastic show.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    What do I get?

    by yungG on 6/6/10CLUB NOKIA - Los Angeles

    Very cool renditions of first two albums in order. Not so tedious because the songs are short, but unrelenting. Vocals mixed a little bit down, but all in all superb. Not quite as enthralling as other times I have seen them, but the formula played out to good effect as both albums are classic...A short snippet of "Boredom" separated the 2 albums, and it would have been awesome had they carried through with it or the other songs from "Spiral Scratch". Encore was about 5 songs from "Singles Going Steady" that weren't on the 2 original albums. Missed hearing from "Tension" and "Parts" but since I knew the format going in, that's quite alright.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    The Buzzcocks are AMAZING!!!!!!!!!

    by Mocker123 on 6/6/10CLUB NOKIA - Los Angeles

    The Buzzcocks have never been better!!! They sounded as good as they did on the old top of the pops clips. They were so tight, had sooooooooooo much energy. An almost religious experience. I feel truly blessed to have been there! If you ever have the chance to see the Buzzcocks, run to buy your tickets and see them!!!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    They still bring it home

    by themaravillakid on 6/6/10CLUB NOKIA - Los Angeles

    Wow what a great show. They played it hard for almost 2 hours non stop. I would love to see them again.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Buzzcocks simply amazing

    by juicyjoyce1 on 6/6/10CLUB NOKIA - Los Angeles

    I would go through the torture of sitting through Dollyrots again to see them a second time. They were amazing, tons of energy, they sounded great , lots of fun. They put on a great show - thanks guys- you rocked!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    That was awesome!

    by Andy10D on 6/6/10CLUB NOKIA - Los Angeles

    They have aged a little since their 70s heyday, but that was an amazing show. They played their first two albums and a great encore set. I am glad I got to see one of my favorite bands, and one of the most underrated bands in rock history. Did not like Club Nokia though.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Still Rockin!

    by Maxpiper on 6/6/10CLUB NOKIA - Los Angeles

    Love them, and have since I had the good fortune of being given a Buzzcocks album in 1980. Wonderfully loud, bouncy, whiny, angst-ridden punk/pop, and as tight and fast as ever. These guys clearly love every moment of their performance, and pull us alongon their noisy, joyous ride. I took my wife along with me, who's never seen the Cocks before, and she loved them too! And that really says a lot. And without the Buzzcocks, Greenday would never exist, so we owe them that too. See them, love them, tell a friend!