CityLife

Academy return for The Stranglers

STILL GOING STRONG: Stranglers

FORMED in Guildford, England, in 1974, The Stranglers were one of the most influential bands to emerge in the initial wave of punk rock.

With Dave Greenfield’s Doors-inspired keyboard sound, Jet Black’s intense drumming and singer/guitarist Hugh Cornwall's biting lyrics, The Stranglers were one of the best, most influential punk bands.

Cornwall’s clever lyrics were some of the best and smartest of his era and The Stranglers melodies and hooks were always concise and memorable.

Over the years, their melodic punk-pop has proven enormously influential with echoes of their music being apparent in everyone from New Young Pony Club to Maximo Park

Cornwall left the group in 1990 and was replaced by sound-alike, Paul Roberts, who fronted the band until 2006.

Roberts was never replaced and the band continue to tour as a four-piece, with the lead vocals shared between guitarist Baz Warne and original bassist, Jean-Jacques Burnel. 

Last time out, the band were showcasing tracks from their 16th album, Suite XVI.
 
Three years on and they are set to return to the city with a new Greatest Hits package including brand new material in the kit bag.

So alongside such 24-carat classics like Golden Brown, Peaches, No More Heroes and  Always The Sun you'll get to hear what the Stranglers circa 2010 have been plugging away at too.

The Stranglers play the Academy 1 on Saturday, March 20. On sale on Saturday, October 3. £23. Call 0161 832 1111.