Artist

Magazine

1977-1981, reformed·Manchester

Howard Devoto quit the Buzzcocks just as they were taking off and started Magazine instead, pulling in John McGeoch on guitar and Dave Formula on keyboards to chase something more ambitious than punk's three chords. McGeoch's playing was exploratory enough that Johnny Marr later credited him with shaping the sound of the Smiths, and he'd go on to join Siouxsie and the Banshees after Magazine. Shot by Both Sides (1978) and Secondhand Daylight (1979) leaned into krautrock and progressive rock's textures while keeping punk's urgency intact. Devoto's lyrics stayed oblique and literate, about as far from punk sloganeering as the scene produced.

At a glance

Active
1977–1981, reformed
From
Manchester, UK
Listening guide track
“Shot By Both Sides”

Listen

In the UK Post-Punk listening guide: “Shot By Both Sides”

Spotify

In the issues

  • UK Post-Punk
    Supporting cast · 1977-1984

    UK Post-Punk is a music scene from United Kingdom, 1977–1984. Its principal artists include Joy Division, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Fall and Public Image Ltd. This issue covers 10 essential albums and 18 dated events.

Family tree

Bands that shared members with Magazine, and who.