Buzzcocks are still buzzing Brighton live! Gig Review

Buzzcocks: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex.

BUZZCOCKS and CITY DOG: LIVE AT CONCORDE 2, BRIGHTON 3.3.2022

Buzzcocks are an English punk rock band formed in Bolton, England in 1976 by singer-songwriter-guitarist Pete Shelley and singer-songwriter Howard Devoto. They are regarded as a seminal influence on the Manchester music scene, the independent record label movement, punk rock, and pop punk. They achieved commercial success with singles that fused pop craftsmanship with rapid-fire punk energy. These singles were collected on Singles Going Steady, an acclaimed compilation album described as a “punk masterpiece”

Buzzcocks: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex.

It was time for the main course on the musical menu tonight. Buzzcocks founding member vocalist/guitarist Steve Diggle took centre stage along with Chris Remington on his thundering bass guitar. On drums tonight was Danny Farrant. On guitars and vocal duties was Mani Perazzoli. The last time I saw Buzzcocks, Pete Shelley was up there. RIP Pete. Buzzcocks, had provided the soundtrack to my life since I was a young punk lover. I remember hooking up with a lovely lady from the BBC Scotland after buying her a copy of “Ever Fallen In Love”. Thanks Buzzcocks!

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After Pete Shelley passed away, Steve Diggle later announced Buzzcocks will continue! There were some who supported Diggle’s decision. Buzzcocks, with the addition of new recruit Mani Perazzoli , honoured their commitment to play at The Boaty Weekender, I had a musician friend playing at that one and it was confirmed that Buzzcocks nailed it. People, and my friend, who were there said Buzzcocks were on fire.

Buzzcocks: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex.

March 3rd 2022. Steve Diggle, Chris Remington, Danny Farrant and Mani Perazzoli take to the stage in Brighton’s Concorde 2. They open proceedings with the class tune What Do I Get. That kicked off the 24 song set. Perfect. Talk about hitting the ground running!

What Do I Get?’ – ‘Senses Out Of Control’ (a new track) – ‘Fast Cars’ – ‘People Are Strange Machines – I Don’t Mind

Buzzcocks: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex.

Firstly, make no mistake, Buzzcocks are tight and loud as they come! Maybe Mr Diggle doesn’t jump around quite like he did back in the day, but Buzzcocks know how to put on a storming, fist pumping, moshing pogo of a show. I got the feeling that the show was maybe geared to please the older members of the audience, and there were a few of us! However we took every opportunity to show younger crowd members how it should be done. It didn’t take long to get the crowd jumping as a whole. Bloody Brilliant to be part of it.

Buzzcocks: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex.

She’s A Girl From The Chainstore – Sick City Sometimes – Autonomy – Bad Dreams – Why Can’t I Touch It? – Moving Away From The Pulsebeat.

A great selection of songs thus far from various released albums and collections. Good to see Steve had written a good many of the songs tonight. Steve didn’t stop, all the while that huge grin lighting up his face and the room. Steve Diggle looks as if he is going to carry on doing his thing forever. Lots of smiles, wind-milling arm and pointing going on. So good to see.

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OK, they they don’t sound quite the same without Shelley’s unique voice singing some of the songs. But they are still fantastic tunes and killer lyrics. I guess they stir up memories and emotions for many but Steve Diggle gives the tunes the utmost of respect and nails it all down tight. The guys were pulling out all the stops to deliver a show that is full of energy and that unique Buzzcocks passion.

Buzzcocks: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex.

Third Dimension – Destination Zero – Promises – Orgasm Addict – Time’s Up – Manchester Rain

Two of the songs on the set included the brilliant Chasing Rainbows and Third Dimension from the applauded 2014 album The Way. Pete gave me a copy of the album when we last met. Its a cracking album and is highly treasured. Now I, and the packed in crowd were out for a good time after the COVID restrictions. You really can’t beat a rockin’, loud and good blast of vintage punk rock on a Thursday night and that is just what  Buzzcocks delivered to their fans in Brighton at Concorde 2.

Buzzcocks: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex.

The Buzzcocks quartet rammed through their set gleaned from their rich songbook at a break neck pace. Astonishing performance. The crowd reaction really is a testament to the enduring legacy and popularity of one of the most influential bands of the punk era. For many of us gathered together it’s a chance to be transported back to a youth spent shouting and singing along to Buzzcocks choruses.

Buzzcocks: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex.

We are reminded of just how many era defining classics Buzzcocks have in their arsenal. I recently acquired the remix vinyl version of The 1979 collection Singles Going Steady. Its a great refection of their song writing standards, as is tonight’s set-list. The guys left the stage for a couple of minutes, they were not quite finished with us! A final classic five song salvo ended the set.

Nothingless World (New Song) – Just Got To Let It Go (New Song) – Chasing Rainbows – Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve) – Harmony In My Head.

Buzzcocks: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex.

Tonight was a night for celebrating the music of Buzzcocks, led by the brilliant Steve Diggle up front. Steve has sung with the band from the start, writing many of their songs, including hits “Promises”, “Fast Cars” and more. Great to see him back with the long-term current line-up of Danny Farrant and Chris Remington and now with guitarist Mani Perazzoli performing all the classic Buzzcocks hits and more. So glad Buzzcocks chose to keep it all going. There is that promise of a release of new material, some of which we were treated to.

“I am going to raise the mast & set the sails for the next voyage of the good ship, Buzzcocks” – Steve Diggle

Keep rockin’ Buzzcocks.

RIP Mr Pete Shelley – Buzzcocks: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex.

And Finally…

If you are a lover of all things 70’s punk then do not miss Buzzcocks on tour. This was a truly great night spending some time down memory lane and I can 100% confirm this night did not disappoint!

Thanks and love to the guys of Buzzcocks, so good to see you all again. Thanks to the staff at Concorde 2.

Words and photos – Ian Bourn, Scene Sussex.

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