Buzzcocks

Formed in Manchester in 1976 by Pete Shelley and Howard Devoto, Buzzcocks are pivotal figures in the punk rock scene. Their sound, a potent blend of punk, power pop, and pop-punk, propelled them to success with a string of singles. These tracks, renowned for their infectious melodies and breakneck energy, culminated in the critically acclaimed compilation Singles Going Steady, which music journalist Ned Raggett hailed as a "punk masterpiece."

Devoto`s departure in 1977 to form Magazine left Shelley as the principal songwriter and frontman. The classic lineup – Shelley, Steve Diggle (guitar), Steve Garvey (bass), and John Maher (drums) – recorded their first three albums before a 1981 breakup stemming from label disputes.

Reuniting in 1989, Buzzcocks released six more albums, featuring key members like Tony Barber (bass) and Phil Barker (drums), before Shelleys death in 2018. The band perseveres, anchored by the enduring Steve Diggle, who now handles lead vocals. Their current lineup, including Danny Farrant (drums), Chris Remington (bass), and touring guitarist Mani Perazzoli, released their tenth studio album, *Sonics in the Soul*, in 2022, demonstrating the bands continued relevance and enduring legacy.