57 - Buzzcocks with Steve Diggle (Manchester)

This week we welcome Steve Diggle, original founder member of Buzzcocks, to discuss his memoir 'Autonomy: My Life as a Buzzcock'. The conversation explores Steve's early life in Manchester - growing up in the suburb of Bradford, the influence of music in the 60s, and the formation of Buzzcocks amidst the early UK punk scene. Steve shares personal anecdotes about his childhood, the impact of hearing bands like The Beatles, The Kinks and The Rolling Stones, and the magic of performing live for the first time at the Lesser Free Trade Hall in Manchester. We go into on the early days of the Buzzcocks with Pete Shelley, Howard Devoto & John Maher following their remarkable meeting at the first Sex Pistols gig at the Manchester Free Trade Hall. The recording of their iconic Spiral Scratch EP with Martin Hannett, the impact of Howard Devoto's departure from the band & Steve switching to guitar, the White Riot Tour with the Clash, the Slits & the Jam, the Screen on the Green gig in Islington with the Sex Pistols & signing to United Artists with the guidance of Andrew Lauder & more. It takes anything from 5 to 40 hours to prepare each episode of Music Maps - if you’d like to make a contribution to help us cover the costs & time of producing these episodes for you, you can do so at this link: ko-fi.com/musicmaps It is hugely important for us to get positive reviews & star ratings - if you have enjoyed Music Maps & can spare the time to do either we would hugely appreciate it. You can see our upcoming live events here: https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/live/ Instagram: @rocknrollbookclube17 Blue Sky: @musicmaps.bsky.social X: @simonmusicmaps Facebook: E17rockbookclub Hosted by Mark Hart & Simon Cardwell Written & Produced by Simon Cardwell Edited, mixed & spruced up by Andy Maxwell