Cassell to publish Buzzcocks' Pete Shelley’s 'lost tapes'

Pete Shelley, member of punk band Buzzcocks, died in 2018, but recordings have now resurfaced of a series of "long, personal and in-depth" interviews between the musician and his close friend Louie Shelley. These conversations will be published for the first time by Cassell (part of the Octopus Publishing Group). 

Joe Cottington, editorial director, acquired world all language rights to Ever Fallen in Love: The Lost Buzzcocks Tapes by Pete Shelley with Louie Shelley from Kevin Pocklington at the North Literary Agency. The title will be published on 10th June 2021.

The book will also include integrated photographs and colour plate sections with previously unseen photographs taken by Buzzcocks band members, as well as memorabilia, classic punk fanzines and record covers, says the publisher. The cover artwork is designed by Malcolm Garrett, the designer of Buzzcocks' record sleeves and posters. 

Cottington said: "This is the memoir that Pete never wrote. It’s a special thrill to hear him talk in his own words about Buzzcock’s place at the heart of the punk scene, as well as the inspiration and anecdotes behind all of his greatest, most loved songs. It’s especially moving when it seemed the chance to hear him talk so openly had been so sadly lost."

Shelley commented: "When I interviewed Pete I asked him the questions that all lovers of music would want to know, about how he created these timeless classics – and their fascinating back stories. The tapes took on a special poignance with Pete’s untimely death. I’m delighted now to be able to share them with the wider world. They’re too good to keep to myself."