🖋️ Hugh Cornwell – Punk Poetry, The Stranglers, and Moments of Madness 🖋️
This week on Long Way to the Top, we’re joined by a true icon of British punk and post-punk—Hugh Cornwell, former frontman and principal songwriter for The Stranglers.
Hugh has been described as a poet, a rebel, and a celluloid romantic—and if you’ve listened to his lyrics, you’ll understand why. As the driving creative force behind The Stranglers, Hugh helped redefine what punk could be. Their music was darker, moodier, more musically sophisticated than their peers—and packed with lyrical depth that still sparks debate and admiration today.
We dig into the story behind one of their most unforgettable hits, “Golden Brown”—a song that defied genre, challenged expectations, and remains a masterclass in songwriting. With its harpsichord riff, cryptic lyrics, and shifting time signatures, it’s a track that proved punk could be poetic, strange, and beautiful all at once.
But Hugh’s story didn’t end when he left The Stranglers. In this episode, we also talk about his compelling solo career—including his latest album, Moments of Madness, a record full of sharp wit, restless energy, and unmistakable attitude. After some time out of the spotlight, he’s back with a fresh tour across Australia, connecting with new audiences while staying true to his boundary-pushing roots.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to his work, this is a rare and revealing conversation with one of the true thinkers and provocateurs of the punk era.
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📍 More on tour dates and music: https://hughcornwell.com
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Rebel minds, poetic lines, and punk that still packs a punch.
Keep on Rockin’!
