Buzzcocks’ Hardy connection

Steve Diggle of Buzzcocks at the Barnstomper Festival. Pic: Marianne Harris/marianneharris.co.uk

Buzzcocks frontman Steve Diggle has revealed that he was inspired by Thomas Hardy’s tale of Jude the Obscure.

The legendary punk rocker was speaking after headlining the Barnstomper Festival in Cerne Abbas, Dorset.

His spirited and energetic set rolled back the years to when Buzzcocks hit the music scene in the late 1970s.

The Mancunian said afterwards that it was a joy to drive through the Wessex countryside that he had imagined when reading Hardy as a youngster.

He said: “It was a barnstomping festival and a barnstomping crowd. We’ve a new album out called Sonics in the Soul and the crowd really enjoyed the new songs as well as the old ones.

“I read Thomas Hardy as a youngster and imagined the countryside as he described it, so it was a pleasure to visit Dorset again.

“I was inspired by Jude the Obscure because he was an outsider looking in – like I was. He could see the glow of what was Oxford and had ambition to go there.

“I also loved Hardy’s poems and my song Mad Mad Judy was inspired by Hardy’s poem ‘Mad Judy’ – I added an extra ‘mad’.”

Steve Diggle of Buzzcocks at the Barnstomper Festival. Pic: Marianne Harris/marianneharris.co.uk

Buzzcocks at the Barnstomper Festival. Pic: Marianne Harris/marianneharris.co.uk

Diggle’s new song Manchester Rain was selected by Elton John to play on his Apple Music Show.

The two-day Barnstomper Festival is held at the Cerne Abbas Brewery and has gained a cult following.

More than 20 bands played across two stages with local band Black Water County showing again why they are tipped for commercial success and headline slots at bigger festivals.

Black Water County at the Barnstomper Festival. Pic: Marianne Harris/marianneharris.co.uk

Phil Hoyle, who runs the London Tavern in Ringwood and is one of the organisers, said: “It was another hugely successful festival with every band a hit.

“Good beer, good food and great music is a recipe that has served the festival well – and when you also have good weather it pretty much makes it perfect.

“Planning is already underway for next year and we look forward to seeing everyone again.”