Autonomy: Portrait of a Buzzcock

From bass player to lead guitarist, Steve Diggle has been the unwavering engine keeping the iconic punk band Buzzcocks alive since his pivotal meeting with Pete Shelley in 1976. Together, they ignited the Manchester music scene, kickstarted the indie movement, and cemented their place as one of the most beloved and influential punk groups of all time. Following Shelley's untimely passing in 2018, Diggle's Autonomy provides the definitive inside story of their shared musical legacy and the complex, enduring friendship that underpinned it.

This isn't just a straightforward band biography. Diggle offers a deeply personal account of Buzzcocks' journey through their punk beginnings supporting the Sex Pistols with original singer Howard Devoto, their ascent to Top of the Pops, the excesses that came with success, the inevitable break-up, and their subsequent reformation and life beyond bereavement.

What shines through is Diggle's honest and often humorous voice. He doesn't shy away from the complexities of his relationship with Shelley, nor the turbulent waters of the music industry. Autonomy is also a touching and philosophical reflection on Diggle's own life: a working-class escape fuelled by dreams, a story of redemption, and ultimately, a poignant exploration of loss.

More than just a chronicle of a band, Autonomy is a heroic survivor's tale, told with the irrepressible spirit of a true rock 'n' roll survivor. It's a funny, moving, and insightful look at the heart of a band that defined a generation and the enduring bond between two musicians who left an indelible mark on British music. This is essential reading for any Buzzcocks fan and anyone interested in the raw energy and enduring legacy of punk.