Legendary English Punks first live show in Hong Kong: BuzzcocksThe Side Burns

In a darkening musical landscape where viral fads and AI-generated fakery share chart-space with the self-absorbed products of the nation’s 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 band’s never-better live shows, meanwhile, are electrifying reminders of rock music’s power to inspire, educate and inform. All delivered with an energy and conviction of a band half their age. “It’s 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.

While most of their punk peers are content to traverse the globe in jukebox-style revue shows, Buzzcocks continue to move with the times, attracting new fans wherever they go.

Buzzcocks have always been about innovation, experimentation and taking risks. In 1977, the band’s self-financed debut ‘Spiral Scratch’ EP gave birth to the independent sector. A primary influence on everyone from Orange Juice to Green Day, the string of timelessly melodic hit singles which followed brought radical ideas to a Top Of The Pops audience.

While punk is widely considered as rock’s Year Zero, the truth is that Buzzcocks were simultaneously tapping into a far older tradition, stretching back via Chuck Berry and Little Richard to the Delta Blues. Another Music in a Different Kitchen, Love Bites and A Different Kind Of Tension — in quick succession, the band imploded in 1981. A successful reunion of the classic line-up in 1989 led to a non-stop touring schedule prior to Shelley’s death in 2018. However, the band’s next chapter promises to be they’re most exciting yet. “I’m halfway through the new record, which is going to be called Attitude Adjustment,” says Steve in conclusion. “We’re the holiest church in rock ’n’ roll.”

With Steve Diggle as High Priest, Buzzcocks are still the band to believe in.

Live in Hong Kong for the very first time on November 12th, 2024 at The Wanch