Punk rock icon and Buzzcocks’ leader Steve Diggle is always looking ahead with his music, continuously writing songs and planning the future of the band. At the same time, he’s reflecting on the past with the upcoming release of his autobiography, “Autonomy: Portrait of a Buzzcock,” a title inspired by an early Buzzcocks song he penned.
“It’s a book of inspiration, really,” Diggle shared in a recent interview. “When you’re backed into a corner with nothing, not knowing what’s next, and suddenly, everything happens—punk rock happened.”
Diggle mentioned there has been some film interest in his book, which he describes as “the story of my life—growing up, meeting Pete [Shelley], forming Buzzcocks, and our journey from there. I grew up during tough times, then I discovered Chuck Berry and Little Richard, and later the Beatles, and that shaped my path,” he added. “I hope people find it interesting.”
Both the book and Diggle’s music will be in the spotlight in September as Buzzcocks kick off their North American tour with a September 4th show at Variety Playhouse in Atlanta. Earlier that day, Diggle will also host a listening party for the band’s latest album, “Sonics in the Soul,” at Criminal Records (tentatively scheduled for 5:15 p.m.). “Autonomy” is set to be released later in the month.
Buzzcocks, originally from Manchester, England, emerged from the early British punk scene in the mid-1970s. They formed shortly before seeing the Sex Pistols perform and soon after opened for them. Following the departure of co-founder Howard Devoto in 1977, who left to form Magazine, guitarist Pete Shelley became the primary vocalist and songwriter, while Diggle switched from bass to guitar, solidifying the band alongside drummer John Maher. Bassist Steve Garvey joined later that year, completing the classic lineup.
Blending the raw energy of punk with catchy pop hooks and sharp songwriting, Buzzcocks released a series of classic singles in the early 1980s, which were later compiled on the acclaimed “Singles Going Steady” album. They toured with both The Clash and The Sex Pistols, with hits like “Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve)” and “What Do I Get?” capturing the angst and heartbreak of youth. Diggle also made his mark as a songwriter and vocalist with the 1979 UK No. 32 single “Harmony in My Head.”
After releasing several singles and three albums, the band encountered a dispute with their record label, leading to a breakup. In 1989, the classic lineup reunited, eventually evolving into a quartet led by Shelley and Diggle that continued to produce new music and tour globally. After Shelley’s sudden death in 2018, Diggle, along with longtime members Danny Farrant (drums) and Chris Remington (bass), continued the band, with Diggle assuming lead vocal and songwriting duties.
The trio, joined live by guitarist Mani Perazzoli, released their 10th studio album, “Sonics in the Soul,” in 2022. The album received praise for its melodic tunes, vibrant guitar sounds, and mostly fast tempo. Highlights include “Nothingless World,” “Can You Hear Tomorrow,” and the second single, “Manchester Rain,” which has also garnered significant attention.
“We rehearsed 14 songs in two days, then recorded them in the studio over two days,” Diggle explained. “I ensured most of the songs were around three to three and a half minutes. It was about getting back to that classic Buzzcocks style. It flows seamlessly from start to finish.”
Diggle not only wrote, sang, and played guitar and keyboard on all tracks, but he also co-mixed and co-produced “Sonics in the Soul.”
The band has enjoyed performing songs from the new album live, with Diggle highlighting the first single, “Senses Out of Control” (“it sounds very much like Buzzcocks”), and “Bad Dreams.” He described the latter as “a bit dark with an avant-garde guitar solo in the middle—it’s discordant and awkward, but I enjoy doing that and captivating the audience.”
“Nothingless World” also stands out for its unique place in the Buzzcocks’ repertoire. “We hadn’t really done anything like that before—kind of poppy and light,” Diggle noted. “It has that clean guitar tone, reminiscent of an older style. It’s a great one to play—very rhythmic. It’s one of those songs that just came together naturally—the riff, the chord sequence, everything. I like the lyrics on that.”
In keeping with his forward-looking approach, Diggle has already written enough material for the next Buzzcocks album and may add more songs before the band can get back into the studio. “We might have to record it in January now, which I’m a bit disappointed about,” he admitted, citing a busy tour schedule and some well-deserved time off. “But everything’s ready to go.”
Meanwhile, Buzzcocks are excited to return to the U.S. “America has always welcomed us,” Diggle said. “We haven’t been here for a while, so I’m looking forward to reconnecting with everyone—in Atlanta [where he fondly remembers many shows at the Masquerade], New York, Boston. The setlist is a great mix, you know? I like to keep it fresh and take it to new places.”
“We’re looking forward to visiting all these places and hopefully blowing people’s minds,” he continued. “It blows our minds too—we feel rejuvenated again.”
The energetic 69-year-old mentioned someone had recently asked him about retirement. “What am I gonna do? I was born to do this. If I’m going to die, it’s going to be on stage,” he said with a laugh. “But I love the American crowds, so we’re all excited to bring a great vibe.”
