Iconic British punk band THE BUZZCOCKS are the next group to be celebrated in RAINMAN RECORDS’ acclaimed “British Live Performance Series” with a CD set for release March 25

Iconic British punk band THE BUZZCOCKS are the next group to be celebrated in RAINMAN RECORDS’ acclaimed “British Live Performance Series” with a CD set for release March 25. Recorded in London in December 1989 for a “Central TV” performance, the set includes some of their best-known cuts and deep album tracks.

The “British Live Performance Series” is an eclectic collection of international artists, all recorded at various venues and TV studios across England. Concerts released so far include Glen Campbell, Belinda Carlisle, Joe Jackson, Uriah Heep and Rick Wakeman, with dozens more being planned for throughout the next 18 months.

There are hardly any bands performing today that genuinely deserve the adjective “legendary.”   Buzzcocks–formed in Manchester, England in 1976–are one of those very few. Their achievements are staggering: one of the original holy trinity of British punk (with the Sex Pistols and the Clash), innovators of the independent record scene and genuine punk rock superstars who have been cited as inspirational by bands as diverse as REM, Nirvana and Green Day. Nine studio albums, over 20 singles and EPs, a constellation of compilations, covers by other bands and songs on film soundtracks and advertisements have put Buzzcocks among the top echelons of British recording artists. A “Mojo Inspiration Award” in 2006 is just one of the many accolades they have received for their work.

Founded by singer-songwriter guitarist Pete Shelley and singer-songwriter Howard Devoto, the band were influenced very early on by the Sex Pistols and soon began performing in London. Devoto soon left and was replaced by longtime member Steve Diggle. The early incarnation of the band released three acclaimed LPs before disbanding in 1981. They have re-grouped at various times since 1989, when they re-convened for a U.S. tour and recorded an hour-long set for the new show “Bedrock” on U.K.’s Central TV. The set includes “Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t Have),” their biggest hit. Other standouts include the poppy “Fast Cars,” early hit “Moving Away From The Pulsebeat” and the Kraut-rock inspired “Autonomy.” The line-up on this collection features guitarists/vocalists Pete Shelly and Steve Diggle, bassist Steve Garvey and drummer John Maher.

The reunited band is on tour in 2016, with plans so far to hit the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, France and the U.S. Check out www.buzzcocks.com for more details.

Buzzcocks’ British Live Performance Series track listing:

–Nothing Left

–Autonomy

–Moving Away From The Pulsebeat

–Noise Annoys

–You Say You Don’t Love Me

–E.S.P.

–Walking Distance

–Why Can’t I Touch It

–Everybody’s Happy Nowadays

–Harmony In My Head

–Fast Cars

–Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t Have)

–I Believe

Here’s the entire lineup of Rainman Records’ in-progress “British Live Performance Series,” with more to be announced in the near future.

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