The Virgin label began with an eclectic and esoteric mix of left-field artists, including Mike Oldfield, Gong, Faust, Tangerine Dream and Henry Cow. Many of the resulting LPs are now considered to be important cultural reference points Ð is there anyone who hasn't heard of Tubular Bells?
In 1977 Virgin signed the Sex Pistols. A horde of punk and new wave bands followed, such as XTC, Magazine, The Ruts and - as the Sex Pistols imploded Ð PIL. Following this, the iconic Front Line label was responsible for some of the best reggae ever heard, from artists such as U-Roy, Tapper Zukie, I-Roy, Keith Hudson, The Gladiators, Culture and the Twinkle Brothers.
This book covers the ÔclassicÕ years and is an absolute must for anyone with half an ear open Ð letÕs face it, during the 1970s Virgin defined the nationÕs Ð if not the worldÕs Ð musical taste. All known releases on Virgin and related labels are documented here Ð from Tubular Bells to numerous forgotten gems that deserve much greater recognition.