Pete Shelley Biography

Buzzcocks record and released a four-track EP, Spiral Scratch on their own New Hormones label, making them perhaps the first punk group to establish an independent record label

The Buzzcocks are formed by guitarist/singer Pete Shelley (real name Peter McNeish) and singer Howard Devoto (real name Howard Trafford), both students at Bolton Institute of Technology (now the University of Bolton).

The name "Buzzcocks" partially comes from the Manchester slang term cock meaning youngster.

and its use in the 1970s ITV drama serial Rock Follies which included the catch phrases "thats the buzz, cocks" and "give me a buzz, cock!".

Buzzcocks record and released a four-track EP, Spiral Scratch on their own New Hormones label, making them perhaps the first punk group to establish an independent record label

Once the Buzzcocks had recruited bass guitarist Steve Diggle and drummer John Maher, they made their debut opening for the Sex Pistols' second Manchester concert

Becomes Buzzcocks' principal singer after Howard Devoto leaves, while continuing as a central songwriter.

Buzzcocks independently release the Spiral Scratch EP, an influential example of punk's do-it-yourself approach.

The Buzzcocks release "Another Music in a Different Kitchen"

The Buzzcocks release "What Do I Get"

What Do I Get becomes Buzzcocks' first Official Singles Chart hit and reaches the UK Top Forty.

Buzzcocks' debut album Another Music in a Different Kitchen enters the UK chart and peaks at number fifteen.

I Don't Mind enters the Official Singles Chart as Buzzcocks continue their rapid run of releases.

The Buzzcocks release "Ever Fallen in Love?"

Ever Fallen in Love enters the Official Singles Chart and becomes Buzzcocks' best-known 1970s hit.

Buzzcocks' second album Love Bites enters the UK albums chart and peaks at number thirteen.

The Buzzcocks release "A Different Kind of Tension"

Buzzcocks' third album A Different Kind of Tension enters the UK albums chart.

Shelley and Devoto teamed up for the first time since 1976, producing the album Buzzkunst, a play on the German word for "Art"

Shelley re-records "Ever Fallen In Love" with an all-star group, including Roger Daltrey, David Gilmour, Peter Hook, Elton John, Robert Plant and several contemporary bands, as a tribute to John Peel