Bolton Punk Rockers Buzzcocks heading Down Under
UK punk royalty are returning to Australia this October for a seven-date tour.
Buzzcocks have been regular visitors to Australian shores over the years, with this latest tour shaping up as their best yet. The pop-punk pioneers, formed by singer-guitarist Pete Shelley and singer-songwriter Howard Devoto in 1976, quickly integrated themselves into the 70s UK punk scene and became a big deal. For almost five decades the band has been releasing music and touring the globe, with arguably their best album being the 1979n compilation Singles Going Steady, a collection of the band’s eight 45s released during the previous two years that helped them crossover into the American market.
Playing at everyone’s favourite local venue The Gov, the current line-up consists of Steve Diggle on vocals and guitar, Mani Perazzoli on guitar, Chris Remington on bass and Danny Farrant on drums. Along with general admission tickets, there are a limited number of VIP tickets up for grabs. Not only do they allow you early access to the venue, but they include a photo with the band on your personal phone, a signed tour poster, one additional signed item and a commemorative lanyard. You can grab both types of tickets from Oztix now.
Released in 1976, Buzzcocks’ debut album, Another Music in a Different Kitchen, was a big hit in England and propelled them to stardom. Known for classic tracks 'I Don’t Mind', 'What Do I Get' and 'Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve)', Buzzcocks combine rapid-fire punk riffs with pop sensibilities and could have become much more successful if not for tension within the band. Devoto left in 1977 and Steve Diggle took over as main vocalist before the band eventually called it quits a few years later in 1981.
Reforming in 1989 after EMI re-released the majority of their back catalogue, Buzzcocks continued to tour and release albums with the core line-up of Diggle, Shelley, Tony Barber on bass and Phil Barker behind the kit. Barker left in 2006 and was replaced by Farrant before Shelley sadly died from a suspected heart attack in 2018. That’s when Perazzoli came on board to round out the current line-up.
Presented by David Roy Williams, Buzzcocks Australian tour hits The Gov on Sunday, October 26. Tickets are on sale now through Oztix. You can check out the full tour dates below.
Buzzcocks Australian tour
Thursday, October 24 – Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast QLD
Friday, October 25 – The Triffid, Brisbane QLD
Saturday, October 26 – The Gov, Adelaide SA
Sunday, October 27 – Metro Freo, Fremantle WA
Thursday, October 31 – King Street Bandroom, Newcastle NSW
Friday, November 1 – Metro Theatre, Sydney NSW
Saturday, November 2 – Northcote Theatre, Melbourne VIC
