MR Kyps is the size of venue that the Buzzcocks probably would have played back in the day, performing to a smaller, but more loyal and dedicated punk fan base.

Since reforming in 1989 they have toured relentlessly whilst notching up an impressive six new studio albums, doubling their original achievements as they strive to stay fresh and relevant 35 years after their inception.

They take the stage with a characteristic yell of “1, 2, 3, 4...” and launch into a set of punk pop classics blending heartfelt lyrics of teenage angst, despair and doomed love with ferocious buzz saw guitars and glorious pop melodies.

It’s immediately a welcome relief to see they have relaxed their recent policy of not performing any of their original material as the set tonight leans very heavily on the past. Starting with Boredom from the 1977 Spiral Scratch EP they plunder their legendary back catalogue of perfect pop singles all released pre 1981.

Over the next 90 minutes the band fly through all their classic singles from, Fast Cars, I Don’t Mind, What do I get’ through to ‘Promises’ and finishing with greatest Buzzcocks hit, Ever Fallen In Love With Someone, You Shouldn’t Have Fallen In Love With.

As the majority of their songs weigh in at just over three minutes they still have plenty of time to punctuate the set with a handful of newer songs including a couple from their latest Kick-starter, fan funded studio album ‘The Way’.

The Manchester punk pioneers may be fast approaching sixty and appear now to have more hair on their faces than they do on the top of their heads, but original founder members Pete Shelly (vocals) and Steve Diggle (guitar) can still deliver a show, bursting with energy and full of passion, grabbing their audience from the outset and not letting go of them until the house lights finally come on after the second encore.

The audience file out of the venue sweaty and smiling after a great night and a welcome trip down punk rock memory lane.

Nick Marrow