A British punk rock pioneer, known for his witty, humorous songwriting and DIY ethos, influencing the Stiff Records label and subsequent punk movement.
Wreckless Eric, aka Eric Goulden, is an English rock and new wave singer-songwriter, best known for his 1977 single "Whole Wide World", a punk rock anthem that has stood the test of time. Released on Stiff Records, the song has been acclaimed as one of the top 40 singles of the alternative era (1975-2000) and one of the best punk rock singles of all time by Mojo magazine.
Born on May 18, 1954, in Newhaven, East Sussex, Wreckless Eric is a cousin of actress Gemma Arterton through her mother. He began his musical journey in 1973, attending Art School in Hull, where he joined bands like Dirty Henry that played local clubs. It was during this time that he saw Kilburn and the High Roads in Oldham, an experience that would influence his approach to music.
Wreckless Eric's next band, Addis and the Flip Tops, was the first incarnation of the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) style, a movement that would become synonymous with punk rock. His first appearance on record was "Whole Wide World" on the Stiff label sampler A Bunch of Stiff Records in April 1977. The single version of the song, produced by and featuring bass and guitar by Nick Lowe, with Steve Goulding on drums, was finally released in August.
Since its release, "Whole Wide World" has been covered by numerous bands, including the Lightning Seeds, Mental As Anything, The Monkees, The Proclaimers, Paul Westerberg, The Bahamas, and Cage The Elephant. The song's reputation has grown over the years, with many considering it a punk rock classic. It was also included in John Peel's Festive Fifty, the so-called "lost" list of 1977, and reached number 8 in the Sounds critics' singles of the year.
Wreckless Eric's music, particularly "Whole Wide World", has had a lasting impact on modern society. The song's infectious energy and DIY ethos have inspired generations of musicians, from punk rockers to indie rockers. The song's influence can be heard in the music of bands like The Clash, The Damned, and The Sex Pistols, among many others.
Wreckless Eric has continued to release music over the years, albeit at a slower pace. He has also remained true to his DIY ethos, self-releasing music and maintaining a strong connection with his fans. Today, he remains an icon of the punk rock movement, a testament to the power of DIY music and the enduring legacy of "Whole Wide World".
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