This trade item comprises of two historic photographs of legendary punk rock band Buzzcocks, taken in July 1976 I understand, the day after this, Buzzcock's live debut...
And here are the two photos I am trading...
The YouTube footage is of Buzzcocks' live debut at the Lesser Free Trade Hall in July, 1976, on the day before these two photographs were taken I believe. The track is "Breakdown", and it certainly looks to me like the same two amps etc...
(Sorry, you may not copy these images of Buzzcocks without my permission - please give me a shout if you want to use them for any reason, and we'll see!)
Some background to put this item into context...
"After reading an NME review of the Sex Pistols' first performance, Shelley and Devoto travelled to London together to see the Sex Pistols in February 1976. Shelley and Devoto were impressed by what they saw and arranged for the Sex Pistols to come and perform at the Lesser Free Trade Hall in Manchester, in June 1976. Buzzcocks intended to play at this concert, but the other musicians dropped out, and Shelley and Devoto were unable to recruit other musicians in time for the gig. Once they had recruited bass guitarist Steve Diggle and drummer John Maher, they made their debut opening for the Sex Pistols' second Manchester concert in July 1976."
These two concerts are now regarded by some as the most influential concerts in the history of rock music - more on that here.
According to Peter who traded me this item, Buzzcocks reheared in St. Boniface's Church Hall. On the evening after the second (July) gig, as a thank you for use of the hall, and for the practise I imagine, the band put on a show for a few kids. Peter was lucky enough to be there too, with his camera.
These two photographs are believed to be the only images recorded of that gig. No audio recording was made, so this really is the only known record. And if my maths is correct, this would be Buzzcocks second ever gig!!
Almost fourteen years later, Peter wrote a letter about this early introduction to punk rock, and sent it to the magazine Record Collector...
... who made it "Letter of the Month":
This magazine is included in this trade offer.
Soon after, Peter received this appreciative letter from Marshal Peters, also included in this trade...
So there it is. Just two photographs taken over thirty years ago, but in my mind a treasure and a piece of history.
By the way, Peter looked very long and hard but couldn't locate the negatives, which is a shame - they might or might not be lost forever - but... if they ever do show up I have Peter's word that he will pass them on to whoever owns the photographs in the future. (And Peter's word is good enough for me, but I'm sure he would put that into writing if asked).
Also, just to be clear, whoever I trade this item on to will own it totally.
The line up of the band in the photographs is Howard Devoto (singer), Peter Shelley (guitar), John Maher (drums), and Steve Diggle (bass).
Please note: I'll always do my best to keep this page right up-to-date, but there will always be the possibility of a lag between a trade of an item on this page being made, and this page being updated - thank you!
