Magazine: A biography of a Band

by Helen Chase

Formed by Howard Devoto in late 1977, the band brought together some of the finest and most innovative musicians of the era in the core line-up of Devoto, John McGeoch, Barry Adamson, Dave Formula and John Doyle. Independent of prevailing popular styles, Magazine had its roots in punk but had a greater emphasis on lyrical content while combining elements of avant-garde pop, funk and rock.

This book sets Magazine in the context of the post-punk music and arts scene in Manchester in the late 1970s. It discusses the prevailing climate of the decentralization of the music industry, growth of independent labels and the DIY attitude born of 'arrogance combined with a good record collection' (Tony Wilson). With unique access to band members past and present, and interviews with managers, record company executives, producers and contemporary musicians, Helen Chase presents a fascinating insight into one of the most important bands to emerge from the ashes of punk rock. Biographical details of individual band members, along with their influences, are discussed. The chronology of the band between 1977-1981 is charted and the dynamics and creative process at work are explored. The book also details the activities of key members since the band's demise in 1981 and follows their subsequent reunion in 2009. The band's iconic artwork is examined with contributions from artist Linder Sterling and designer Malcolm Garrett. Including lyrics by Howard Devoto and exclusive and unseen photographs taken by band members and friends, it provides a valuable source of reference about the influential group.

Genres: Music

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I freaking love Magazine! Best post-punk band of the 70s/early 80s, nay, in the history of forever by far!"

"Who?"

If you're inclined to agree with the latter, there's virtually no reason to read this book. But if you're already a Magazine fan, this is like the Bible: band history and stories from Howard's Buzzcocks stint to their 2009 reunion, lots of pictures, full lyrics, discography and chronology, interviews with the band...my only complaint would be that the writing is a little dry at times, but there are far more dull biographies about far more exciting bands, so it's not worth docking a star.

Now excuse me, I've got some business on the Permafrost to attend to...

[DJ Yossarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helen Chase's bio of Magazine, while not exhaustive, does cover all the bases, and is well worth reading for even passing fans of the band. It's well-researched, and the author quotes extensively from interviews with band members, producers, managers, et al, as well as reviews of performances and recordings (some of which, especially for "Secondhand Daylight, are hilariously scathing -- and wide of the mark). I found the information about early band members and other members of the scene to be particularly enlightening, since I knew less about them than the celebrated lineup of Devoto/Adamson/McGeoch/Formula/Doyle.

The book lacks an index, which is bothersome, but it does contain lyrics to all the songs, a discography, and my personal favorite, a chapter on the artwork and sleeve design. The latter feature shines light on the underappreciated Linder Sterling, as well as the better known Malcolm Garrett.

[Mundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t give out 5 stars too often but this was everything a good rock biography should be. It was detailed but didn’t wash the reader in technical jargon, it wasn’t sensationalized (and in fact the author included extensive interviews with multiple band members), and it ultimately got me excited to go back and revisit albums that were so important to me during college.

[Stephen Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorough review of Great bands output.Album by Album.

[Surfing Moose · Rating 4 out of 5]

A band bio about sex, drugs, and rock n'roll but with no sex and drugs. This band biography has more to do with the art of rock n'roll than any other band/rocker bio I've read in quite sometime. My only complaint was it was short but I guess if you take out all the sex and drugs, a band bio would be shorter than usual.

Enjoyable and recommended.