In a darkening musical landscape where viral fads and AI-generated fakery share chart-space with the self-absorbed products of the nations stage schools, Buzzcocks shine out as a gleaming beacon of hope. A constant, ever-evolving presence over the last 45 years of pop culture, the bands legendary status will be set in stone literally with their inclusion in the Music Walk Of Fame in September, joining an illustrious roll call including David Bowie, The Who, Madness and Amy Winehouse.
The bands never-better live shows, meanwhile, are electrifying reminders of rock musics power to inspire, educate and inform. All delivered with an energy and conviction of a band half their age. Its my lifeblood, says Steve Diggle 68 years young of a non-stop touring schedule which over the summer will see them play to thousands of fans across Europe and the UK. Ive still got the fire in my belly. Some musicians get bored of being on the road, but Im institutionalised. Ive done 50-odd years of staying in hotels. Its what I signed up for. Ever since I saw Bob Dylan in the back of a black taxi in (D.A. Pennebakers 1967 documentary) Dont Look Back, I always wanted to live this kind of life being interviewed in the back of a black taxi on the way to the studio.