“Höfner offered me this weird-shaped guitar. I said, ‘What the hell is that?!’ They said, ‘It doesn't have a name yet, but we want you to try it’”: Hugh Cornwell on The Stranglers’ biggest hit, hating Twin Reverbs, and his bizarro Höfner

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Hugh Cornwell performs at Islington Assembly Hall on January 25, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Lorne Thomson/Redferns).

The Stranglers helped usher in the UK’s late ‘70s punk/new-wave/post-punk movement. The band’s songs and albums remain memorable – even if former lead singer and guitarist Hugh Cornwell doesn’t think much of his playing from the time.

“I’ve never been sure of what kind of guitar player I am,” he says. “Guitar has always been a struggle because I really wanted to be a singer. I picked up guitar because I wanted to accompany myself.”