When such names as Pearl Jam, Nirvana and R.E.M have all named a band as having huge influence on them, that band is sure to be something special. And if a band has been called “the Beatles of Punk” on top of that, that band is nothing if not legendary.
That band is Buzzcocks. Led by their frontman Pete Shelley, the band brought a true blast from the past to YleX Stage. Despite the band’s age (they were founded in 1976), the years seemed to have been kind to Buzzcocks, so fresh and vivid was their performance. Line-up has changed many times over the years, but never mind that as long as things work and the music never stops.
The soul-seeking punk pop songs with their catchy choruses guaranteed that those same tunes certainly stick to people’s heads, whether they want it or not. With eight albums and over twenty singles and EPs, Buzzcocks is a giant in its genre. Their songs have been covered over and over again during the years, but now it was the real McCoy that stirred things up at the YleX Stage. And hey, what’s not to like: “Stick it to the man” never ceases to be appropriate.
Text: Veli-Matti Varis
Translation: Jari Rytkönen
Photo: Tomi Palsa
