BUZZCOCKS

Buzzcocks are an English punk rock band formed in Bolton in 1976 by singer-songwriter and guitarist Pete Shelley and singer-songwriter Howard Devoto. They achieved commercial success with singles that combined pop melodies with fast-paced punk energy, influencing the power pop and pop punk genres. These singles were later compiled on the album Singles Going Steady, which music critic Ned Raggett described as a "punk masterpiece." Devoto left the band in 1977 to form Magazine, after which Shelley became the primary singer-songwriter. The classic lineup, consisting of Shelley, Steve Diggle (guitar), Steve Garvey (bass), and John Maher (drums), recorded the band's first three albums. The band disbanded in 1981 following a dispute with their record label. They reunited in 1989 and released six additional albums, including four between 1993 and 2006 with Shelley, Diggle, Tony Barber (bass), and Phil Barker (drums). Pete Shelley died in 2018. The band has remained active, with Steve Diggle, a long-time member, also taking on lead vocal duties.