Buzzcocks – In Session for John Peel – May 21, 1979 – BBC Radio 1 –
Buzzcocks in session tonight. Part of that initial wave of Punk bands from the Uk who struck a successful chord with American audiences and who went on to rack up an impressive string of hits in the process.
As Punk began to gain popularity and airplay on American radios, and with the advent of MTV, bands like Buzzcocks were a shoe-in with critics and audiences. They had fused Pop Craftsmanship with rapid fire Punk energy and it proved to be a winning combination.
Formed in 1976 by guitarist/song-writer Pete Shelley and singer-songwriter Howard Devoto. After a few fits and starts, a band was formed and Buzzcocks made their debut, opening for The Sex Pistols in September of that year. They were the first Punk band to form an independent record label, New Hormones and released their first ep Spiral Scratch to enthusiastic audiences and Press.
Shortly after, Howard Devoto would leave the band, dissatisfied with the direction Punk was taking, and formed Magazine, who went on to record a string of well-regarded hit singles and albums.
By 1977 they had signed with a major label, United Artists, and ironically signed their contract the day Elvis Presley died, on August 16th.
Buzzocks went on to enjoy a considerable popularity until their final breakup in 1981. Shelley went off to a solo career, and the remaining members of the band formed Flag Of Convenience, while Shelley rode up the charts again with his debut solo single Homosapien which, despite being banned by the BBC, was an enormous hit in both the U.S. and throughout Europe.
But tonight it’s Buzzcocks around the time of the release of their third album, the landmark A different Kind Of Tension , and this session, for early supporter John Peel was the second appearance by the band at the BBC.
So, if you don’t remember them, or are just getting acquainted – here is a session produced on May 21, 1979 featuring Buzzcocks for John Peel.
