Buzzcocks unveil two new singles, the first since Pete Shelley’s death
“Gotta Get Better” and “Destination Zero” feature Steve Diggle at the helm.
Steve Diggle of Buzzcocks performs during Sounds of the City at Castlefield Bowl on July 6, 2018 in Manchester, England. Image: Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage
Buzzcocks have released new singles Gotta Get Better and Destination Zero – their first recordings following the passing of frontman Pete Shelley in 2018.
The two new singles feature guitarist Steve Diggle on vocals, also cementing his position as the Buzzcocks’ new frontman.
Gotta Get Better was derived from an original song by Diggle released in 2014 – which the band then took apart and put back together in their style. The track features the band’s unmistakable sound, driving drum beats, round bass tones and soaring guitar leads.
On the other hand, Destination Zero is an equally riot-inciting piece. It features Diggle’s crunchy, big guitar tones, laying on top of a solid foundation that is the rhythm section. Drummer Danny Farrant’s beats are more aggressive than the previous track, perfectly matching bassist Chris Remington’s gnarly bass tones – occasionally executing licks masterfully in choruses.
Pete Shelley died in December 2018, from a heart attack. He was 63. The band confirmed his passing on an official statement released on their website.
“It’s with great sadness that we confirm the death of Pete Shelley, one of the UK’s most influential and prolific songwriters and co-founder of the seminal original punk band Buzzcocks.”
Shelley was the co-founder of the Buzzcocks, one of the many influential punk bands birthed during the punk music movement in the UK, besides contemporaries Sex Pistols and The Clash.
Buzzcocks’ new singles are out now via Cherry Red Records. For more information, check buzzcocks.com.