Category: 80s Press

  • In a 1982 NME interview, Paul Weller reflects on The Jam’s final statement, ‘Beat Surrender’, expressing a blend of optimism and realism in their music. He discusses his evolving songwriting style, critiques the music industry, and conveys his desire for…

    Paul Weller | The Return Of The Avenger | Part 2
  • In a December 1982 interview, Paul Weller reflects on the disbandment of The Jam, discussing his creative freedom and the pressures of commercial success. He emphasises the importance of integrity in music, critiques the music industry, and expresses a desire…

    Paul Weller | The Return Of The Avenger | Part 1
  • Although these ‘Children’ can claim no formal cult, no hierarchy or congregation (unlike Psychic TV) they still command the fealty of their covens. A loyalty that has pushed their current single ‘Into The Abyss’ into the upper echelons of the…

    The Sex Gang Children | Initiation Rights
  • The Damned embark on a chaotic tour, showcasing their evolution beyond punk with vibrant performances and eccentric personalities. Amidst on-stage antics, tensions between band members, particularly between Captain Sensible and Rat Scabies, reveal deeper reflections on fame, creativity, and personal…

    The Damned | Damned & Deliver
  • Chris Bohn reflects on Orange Juice’s decline as a pop group, tracing their journey from initial optimism to disillusionment. Edwyn Collins expresses frustration over being pigeonholed and the criticism they face for not producing expected hits. The band attempts to…

    Orange Juice | From A Postcard To A Postage Stamp
  • Syd Barrett, the original Pink Floyd guitarist, is now a reclusive figure living with his mother in Cambridge, reflecting on his troubled past and mental health challenges. An article reveals his life post-music, highlighting lingering symptoms of schizophrenia and a…

    Syd Barrett | The Madcap Tracked Down In Cambridge
  • Southern Death Cult, a Bradford band, critiques centralised power in London while embodying the post-punk spirit. Through their art, they challenge societal norms and speak to youth disenchantment, as exemplified by Tracey, a fan seeking connection. Their message resonates beyond…

    Southern Death Cult | On The Peace Warpath
  • AMID THE BRIGHT motes of fairy dust caught floating in the spotlights of 1982’s Top Of The Pops, the recurring shadow cast by the murky presence of The Stranglers has been one of the year’s more bizarre chart events.

    The Stranglers | L’Eminence
  • In an NME interview, John Lydon reflects on his film debut alongside Harvey Keitel and discusses Public Image Limited’s (PIL) activities in New York. He shares his experiences with weight loss, views on American culture, and the challenges of acting.…

    John Lydon | Some Mother’s Do Have ‘Em
  • “Rose had the wonderful name for a group from James Kirk, and she just had to do something with it, so she said to me, Right Jill, friend from punky days . .

    Strawberry Switchblade | The Lethal Charms Of The . . .
  • Captain Sensible reflects on the absurdity of his Number One hit “Happy Talk” amidst a gloomy political landscape in 1982. Balancing irony and humour, he critiques mainstream music while expressing affection for his band, The Damned. He emphasises the importance…

    Captain Sensible | The Captain
  • In an insightful interview, Bryan Ferry discusses his music, particularly focusing on Roxy Music’s ‘Avalon’. He reflects on his image, the nature of artistry versus entertainment, and the complexities of fame. Despite his success, he grapples with shyness and self-criticism,…

    Bryan Ferry | In A Lonely Place
  • The Southern Death Cult, a young band from Bradford, aims to challenge stereotypes while navigating cultural identity through their music. Combining powerful lyrics and intricate instrumentation, they critique Americanisation and assert their distinctiveness in the music scene. With their own…

    Southern Death Cult | Cult-ural Meltdown
  • Modern English aims to define their unique identity amidst challenges in the music industry, often mislabelled alongside bands like Joy Division. Their new album, ‘After The Snow’, seeks broader appeal through polished, accessible sounds while maintaining artistic integrity. The band…

    Modern English | The Language Of Compromise
  • On Portobello Road in May 1982, The Clash re-emerged following drummer Topper Headon’s departure. Joe Strummer reflected on his hiatus, seeking personal validation, while the band prepared for a new phase as a trio. Their album “Combat Rock” showcased a…

    Strummer | Why I Ran Out On The Clash
  • Infa-Riot, a punk band emerging in the 1980s, blends brash energy with a commitment to anti-racism amidst London’s evolving punk scene. They argue that the current recession fuels genuine punk resurgence, distinguishing themselves from both earlier punks and mainstream pop.…

    Infa-Riot | Still Out Of Order
  • Siouxsie And The Banshees captivated Japanese audiences during their first tour in April 1982, coinciding with the cherry blossoms’ brief bloom. The band’s performances evoked excitement, especially among young female fans, despite the language barrier. Their presence prompted discussions about…

    Siouxsie And The Banshees | In Japan
  • TV21, an Edinburgh band, faced struggles amidst the changing music scene of 1981, marked by their rock sound losing appeal as pop shifted towards disco. Despite setbacks, including single flops, they possess talent and promise showcased in their debut album,…

    TV21 | International Rock Rescue On The Go!
  • The Bluebells, a Glaswegian pop quintet, blend nostalgia with their jangly guitar sound and harmonies, reminiscent of ’60s music. Their recent demo has attracted attention from record labels, despite initial setbacks with Postcard due to their distinct style. The band…

    The Bluebells | Springtime For Bluebells
  • Echo & the Bunnymen reflect on their success during the early 1980s, pondering their place in the evolving music scene between pop and rock. Despite concerns regarding their relevance, the band embraces their identity, asserting the importance of authentic rock…

    Echo & the Bunnymen | You Can Take A White Rabbit Anywhere
  • Gavin Martin’s article examines the evolution of Secret Affair and its frontman, Ian Page, reflecting on their controversial past and media reception. As the band returns from America, Page expresses a desire for artistic growth and re-evaluation, contrasting previous claims…

    Secret Affair | Clandestine Removals Of The Past