Sixteen Again: How Pete Shelley & Buzzcocks Changed Manchester Music

by Paul Hanley

***An UNCUT Book of the Year***

Sixteen Again combines biography, interview, critique and social history to fully explain Buzzcocks' unique and enduring appeal. It examines why Pete Shelley's influence was as central to Manchester's renaissance as it was to Manchester music. The book also explores the unique relationship between a young fan and his favourite group during their most successful phase – and why that intense interdependence can never last forever.

'Excellent oral history of Manchester’s premier punk band.' Jon Savage, Mojo

'The beauty of Sixteen Again is the way it renders an adult view of Pete Shelley's genius with teenage enthusiasm. The biographical details of Shelley's life are present; so is the purity of Hanley's passion.' Uncut

'The book that Buzzcocks deserve, that Pete Shelley deserves. What a treasure trove of a book. Essential, totally essential.' Stephen Pastel, The Pastels

Genres: Music

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2024

Reviews

[rhys fulber · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic and well researched read on possibly the most influential group of the original punk era. Lots of great details and stories and a must for any proper Buzzcocks fan.

[Ray Smillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all many thanks to Paul Hanley for a signed copy and wee badge. Even without this I would still have given this five stars as it was written from the heart by a fan and a musician. Naturally it mostly covers the classic era prior to when they split up but all the years since are well covered including Steve Diggle continuing with the band.

The current version of the Buzzcocks is mostly either loved or hated. I am ambivalent about it but Steve Diggle is entitled to keep them going so the best of luck and love to him.

Felt a bit sad when I got to the end as I didn't want it to end along with the sadness of Pete's death. Well worth reading if you are a fan of the Buzzcocks, like I am. Never did see them live first time around opting to go and see the Only Ones instead when an opportunity presented itself. Finally saw them on the Trade Test Transmissions tour and a number of times since them. I don't regret falling in love with them or this excellent book.

[David Hirons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enthusiastic, personal, and well researched, Paul Hanley writes down what goes on in the head of the music obsessive, peppers it with insightful footnotes, then gets Malcolm Garrett to wrap it in a brilliant cover. This is pop culture history of a specific kind, written by a fan who clearly adores his subject, but who is also able to have a decent amount of objectivity. The writing is engaging even if Buzzcocks aren't your favourite group, and shows why his, and our lives would be poorer without them.

[Catfink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!