The Stranglers were quite different from other bands coming from the 'punk' scene, in that their music was not punk as it sounded at that time. These were professional, accomplished musicians and songwriters who were older than most of their contemporaries, but with a real attitude. 

I was a big Stranglers fan from time of their first single, 'Peaches'. Their music went through a lot of changes over the years, and I quit following them after guitarist/singer Hugh Cornwell left. 

Speaking of Hugh, one day in 1977 I was sitting on the sofa reading, when my house-mate who worked at a record label came home, complete with Hugh Cornwell in tow! He'd been taking him around to college radio stations. As you'd imagine, I was gobsmacked! But he was cool and he hung out and smoked dope with us and later we ended up at the Mabuhay Gardens punk club to see Devo! I think that is when Hugh first met them, before he started working with them. 

I only saw them 3 or 4 times; they did not come to the San Francisco Bay Area very often.