The Stranglers

The Stranglers are an English rock band, formed in 1974, who emerged via the punk rock scene in the mid-70s. They were one of the first 'new wave' groups to enjoy mainstream success, with 23 UK top 40 singles and 17 UK top 40 albums. Still active, The Stranglers are one of the longest-surviving bands to have originated in the punk scene.

Originally known as The Guildford Stranglers, after making their name on the 'pub-rock' scene of the mid-70s, they achieved wider success as support groups for The Ramones and Patti Smith on their respective first UK tours around 1976. John Peel saw them playing with Patti Smith at the Hammersmith Odeon in October 1976, and soon became a champion of their music even before they achieved a record deal. Via his show they became a major group of the punk/new wave scene in 1977, and in May had their first Top 10 hit Peaches, notwithstanding a ban on the record by the BBC. They did however achieve some radio play and their Top of the Pops debut with the B-side Something Better Change (no.8). Two more Top 10 singles followed, Something Better Change (9) and No More Heroes (8).

Released in April 1977, their debut album Rattus Norvegicus reached no.4 in the UK, and their second album No More Heroes swiftly followed in September of the same year, reaching no.2 (outsold only by a Diana Ross & The Supremes compilation album). They also recorded two Peel sessions in 1977 and a live gig recorded at the London Roundhouse in November was also broadcast on his show just after Christmas. Commercial success continued in 1978 with the highly anticipated album Black and White (no.2) and hits Five Minutes (11) and Nice n Sleazy (18). Their 1979 album The Raven heralded a transition towards a more melodic and complex sound which appealed more to the album than the singles market, and disoriented many fans form the 'punk' era, although the lead-single Duchess reached no.14 in the UK with the parent album reaching no.4.

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