By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa
Live Review: The Stranglers and Buzzcocks – Roundhouse, London – November 1, 2025
London’s iconic Roundhouse, a cavernous relic of Victorian engineering reborn as a cultural beacon, played host to two titans of punk on Saturday, November 2, 2025—and the preceding night—in front of a capacity crowd. Originally constructed in 1847 as a turntable engine shed for the London & Birmingham Railway, the venue was repurposed in the 1960s into a theater and live music space. It has since welcomed luminaries such as Jim Morrison and The Doors, Pink Floyd, and David Bowie, cementing its status as a hallowed ground for rock rebellion. On this electric weekend, balconies brimmed with enthusiasts while the floor pulsed with punters eager to revisit the raw energy of punk’s golden age.
Buzzcocks erupted onto the stage like a spark to dry tinder, launching into their frenetic anthem “What Do I Get?” Lead singer and guitarist Steve Diggle, a whirlwind of motion and charisma, commanded the spotlight with infectious grins and boundless vigor. Drummer Danny Farrant hammered the kit with relentless precision, while bassist Chris Remington anchored the frenzy with deft, driving lines. The crowd roared in unison as Diggle coaxed chants for the irreverent “Orgasm Addict” and the bittersweet heartbreak of “Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve),” transforming the Roundhouse into a communal catharsis of punk nostalgia.
If Buzzcocks embodied punk’s playful urgency, The Stranglers—formed in 1974—brought a darker, more sophisticated menace that elevated them beyond the genre’s confines. Embraced by the late-1970s punk explosion for their no-nonsense ethos, the band fused brooding aggression with melodic ingenuity and an effortless swagger, forging a sound utterly their own. With 24 UK Top 40 singles and 19 Top 40 albums across six decades, their legacy stands as one of punk’s most enduring and influential.
Guitarist Baz Warne and original bassist Jean-Jacques “JJ” Burnel alternated vocal leads with seamless authority, unleashing a barrage of classics that ignited the venue. “Goodbye Toulouse” evoked shadowy intrigue, while “No More Heroes” thundered with defiant anthems. Crowd-pleasers “Peaches” and “Something Better Change” elicited mass singalongs, the audience’s fervor a testament to the songs’ undimmed potency.
In an era where punk’s fire could easily flicker, this double bill kept the torch ablaze—a resounding affirmation that these legends remain vital, unbowed, and utterly essential.
PHOTO GALLERY
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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