Glenn Jones was there from the very beginning of the Manchester punk explosion, and in this fascinating interview he shares first-hand memories of the musicians, venues and chance encounters that helped shape one of the UK’s most influential music scenes.
Growing up in Eccles, Glenn explains how he entered the Manchester punk community as a shy music fan before finding himself surrounded by bands that would soon become legendary. He recalls seeing friends from The Drones, Magazine and Slaughter and the Dogs suddenly appear on Top of the Pops, proving just how quickly careers could change during the late 1970s.
Glenn also tells the remarkable story of playing with the original Skrewdriver line-up years before the band became associated with far-right politics, stressing that during his time the conversations revolved around music, football and girls rather than politics.
The interview is packed with stories from Manchester’s famous TJM rehearsal rooms, where Joy Division, Buzzcocks, Slaughter and the Dogs, V2, Mick Hucknall’s Frantic Elevators and many others all rehearsed under one roof. Glenn describes the excitement of being surrounded by musicians who were on the verge of breaking through.
One of the highlights is Glenn’s memories of the unforgettable John the Postman, performing alongside him at the Deeply Vale Festival, recording chaotic sessions fuelled by Holt’s Bitter, and witnessing John’s legendary appearances with bands including The Fall.
Along the way Glenn remembers:
• The Drones and the early Manchester punk scene
• Magazine’s rapid rise to success
• Mark Radcliffe’s time as drummer in Skrewdriver
• Suggs from Madness attending London gigs
• Mick Hucknall before Simply Red
• The Buzzcocks and Joy Division at TJM Rehearsal Rooms
• Steve Garvey and the Buzzcocks
• Deeply Vale Festival
• John the Postman
• The Fall and Mark E. Smith
• Big in Japan featuring Holly Johnson, Budgie, Bill Drummond and Ian Broudie
• Manchester’s pubs, clubs and punk venues including the Bluebell, Russell Club, Peveril of the Peak, Rafters, the Cyprus Tavern and the Conti.
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