Flag of Convenience were a rock group formed in 1982 by former Buzzcocks members Steve Diggle and John Maher, along with bassist Dave Farrow and keyboard player Dave "D.P." Prescott.[2] Through their first two line-ups they were managed by the writer and music critic Michael Gray, shortly after his personal management of Gerry Rafferty. Hence the band's first single was produced by Rafferty's co-producer Hugh Murphy. The band continued with changing line-ups until 1989, with later incarnations releasing records under the names F.O.C. and Buzzcocks F.O.C.[2] The final incarnation of the band included former member of the Stone Roses Andy Couzens and former Inspiral Carpets drummer Chris Goodwin, who both went on to form the High.[2] The band ended when Diggle joined Pete Shelley in a re-formed Buzzcocks, the reunion prompted by controversy over the use of "Buzzcocks" in the billing of Diggle's band.[3][4]
In a review of the 'best of' compilation The Secret Public Years 1981-1989, AllMusic described the later F.O.C. work as proof that Diggle was "one of the most important and overlooked artists in all of Britain during the '80s".[5]
Discography
Singles and EPs
- "Life on the Telephone" (1982) Sire
- "Change" (1984) Wierd Sisters
- "New House" (1986) M.C.M.
- "Last Train to Safety" EP (1987) M.C.M.
- "Should I Ever Go Deaf" EP (1987) M.C.M. (as F.O.C.)
- "Exiles" EP (1988) M.C.M. (as F.O.C.)
- "Tomorrow's Sunset" (1989) Thin Line (as Buzzcocks F.O.C.)
Studio albums
- The Big Secret (1984) Not on label (cassette only)
- Northwest Skyline (1987) M.C.M. (as F.O.C.)
- War on the Wireless Set (1988) MCM America (as F.O.C.) (compilation of outtakes from 1981 to 1986, plus the 1986 single "New House")
Compilation albums
References
- ^ a b McGartland, Tony (25 May 2017). "Steve Diggle and Flag of Convenience: Solo Discography". Buzzcocks: The Complete History. John Blake Publishing Ltd. p. 327. ISBN 978-1-78606-520-9.
- ^ a b c Strong, Martin C. (1999) "The Great Alternative & Indie Discography", Canongate, ISBN 0-86241-913-1
- ^ a b Jack Rabid "Flag of Convenience", Trouser Press
- ^ Dannelley, Ronnie (1996) "Never Mind the Pistols, Here's the Buzzcocks", Pop Culture Press, Issue 40
- ^ Jack Rabid, The Big Takeover "The Secret Public Years: 1981-1989 Review", Allmusic, Macrovision Corporation
- ^ Diggle, Steve; Rawlings, Terry (2003). "Buzzcocks Discography 1976–2003". Harmony in My Head - Steve Diggle's Rock 'n' Roll Odyssey. Helter Skelter Publishing. p. 177. ISBN 1-900924-37-4.
