March 18th The Clash single 'White Riot' is released on CBS records. Tom Robinson guest reviewing for the NME said 'It's pointless to categorise this with the other records; 'White Riot isn't a poxy single of the week ,it's the first meaningful event all year.'

A fan from the early days of the Clash, Mark Perry at Sniffin Glue welcome the single despite saying that he thought punk died the day the Clash signed to CBS. He had hoped the Clash would release an independent EP in the manner of the Buzzcocks New Hormones label. As well as 'White Riot' and '1977' he had wanted to see live favourite 'London's Burning' on the record. Click on the image to read his review of the single.

 

March 18th The Sex Pistols introduce their new bass player, Sid Vicious, to the world with a one-off gig at the Notre Dame hall of Leicester Square . Sid has only been with the band since february and is still learning his instrument which he plays in a percussive style . It would come out later that all recordings made by the band featured either Steve Jones or Glen Matlock ( who was still involved in the band behind the scenes) playing bass. Early live recordings highlight Sid's shortcomings as a musician but his personality and position as 'Johnny Rotten's mate' saw him through. Malcolm McLaren famously said that his chief qualification was his well publicised assault on Bob Harris , renowned old fart from BBC TV show 'the Old Grey Whistle Test'

April 4th Buzzcocks new line up plays the Roxy in London. A dozen Manchester punks make the journey to see them in action. The Boys release their first single 'I Don't Care'. This band are another offshoot of the London SS. Featuring Matt Dangerfield who had played in this outfit with Mick Jones and Brian James back in 1975

April 5th The Clash release their debut album to instant critical acclaim. Due to the lack of records or appearances by the Sex Pistols the Clash are coming to be seen as the front runners of the punk movement. As usual the most passionate review came from the alternative press. Read Mark Perry's review from 'Sniffin Glue.

April 7th Buzzcocks appear on So it Goes the Tony Wilson music and culture show on Granada television. They perform 'Boredom' to a somewhat muted audience.

April 14th Buzzcocks open a new punk venue in Manchester, the Oaks on the south side of the city is bank rolled by the Slaughter and the Dogs manager who goes on to promote gigs throughout the summer. These include Johnny Thunders and Siouxsie and the Banshees as well as home grown talent like the Buzzcocks , Slaughter,the Nosebleeds ,the Drones and the Worst.The main limitation of this venue was its small size which always led to a sweaty atmosphere and people being turned away. This venue was also conveniently close to the home of a certain Steven Morrissey who had been in attendance at the early Pistols gig at the Free Trade Hall.

April 24th Following the end of his lease, Andy Czezowski finds himself unable to get into the Roxy. It is taken over but never recaptures the electric atmosphere of the previous three months. Invariably the club fills up with tourists and media journalists seeking a story. The next punk venue in London to appear is the Vortex made famous in the Jam song 'A-bomb in Wardour Street'