blitz

The Blitz of Sound: A Brief History of Blitz Music

The term “Blitz” doesn’t refer to a single musical genre, but rather a period of intense creativity and cultural upheaval in the UK during the early 1980s. This era, fueled by a punk-rock ethos and a desire to escape the Thatcher-era gloom, saw the emergence of a vibrant and diverse scene, often referred to as “the Second British Invasion.”

While “Blitz” itself wasn’t a specific musical style, it encompassed bands drawing from various influences:

• New Wave: Bands like The Cure, The Smiths, and Echo & the Bunnymen experimented with introspective lyrics, dark moods, and synth-driven sounds.
• Post-Punk: Bands like Joy Division, The Fall, and Siouxsie and the Banshees explored more experimental sounds, angular rhythms, and gothic aesthetics.
• Goth Rock: Building on the dark themes of post-punk, Bauhaus, Sisters of Mercy, and The Damned created a dramatic and theatrical style.

The Blitz era was a melting pot of creativity, with bands pushing musical boundaries and influencing generations to come. Here are some amusing facts about these artists:

Fun Fact File

• The Cure’s Robert Smith, known for his signature dark eyeliner, claims he actually started wearing it to cover up bad acne.
• Morrissey, the frontman of The Smiths, is notorious for his vegetarianism. He once famously refused to perform in a venue because it served meat.
• Ian Curtis, the frontman of Joy Division, was inspired by a book by Aldous Huxley called “Brave New World” for their debut album title. Interestingly, Curtis later committed suicide, mirroring the book’s dystopian themes.
• Siouxsie Sioux, the enigmatic frontwoman of Siouxsie and the Banshees, originally wanted to be a vet but later embraced music, becoming a pioneer of the goth rock scene.
• Peter Murphy, the lead singer of Bauhaus, was known for his theatrical performances and his fascination with the occult. He actually had his own tarot deck designed!

The Blitz era was a time of profound change and musical innovation. Though the specific musical styles associated with it may have faded, their impact on music and culture is undeniable. The dark, introspective, and experimental spirit of the Blitz continues to influence artists today, reminding us of the power of music to reflect and challenge societal norms.