Pete Shelley – R.I.P.

Massive, massive influence for myself and Neil. I didn’t get to see them live until ’91 or so, but those records were on heavy rotation for so long… still are. – Randy

Was deeply saddened when I saw the news yesterday afternoon. I’m happy to say that the Buzzcocks changed my life. Saturday October 7 1978. I already knew I loved punk music from listening to punk albums that my older brother had brought home. And when I saw that Buzzcocks were playing at the Liverpool Empire on the Beating Hearts tour (for the just released Love Bites album) I decided to venture down to my first gig. The ticket was £2. Subway Sect open up, but for me the show was all about Pete and the boys. And what a show it was. I was scared, exhilarated, thrilled. I was forever altered and for the first time felt part of something bigger than myself. Days after I cut my hair short and bought straight leg jeans. I got Another Music for Xmas that year and bought Love Bites with record vouchers. I loved other bands too, but Buzzcocks were always the first and most important. I’ve seen them countless times since and bought every studio album. And after all these years hearing the intro to Fast Cars gives me the same thrill I had the first time. Miss you Pete. – Neil

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