Magazine the Band

This book tells the story of the iconic band formed by Howard Devoto when he left the Buzzcocks. This revised and updated edition brings the story bang up-to-date.

Already tired of the thrash and unrelenting nature of punk rock, Devoto wanted to combine the elements of avant-garde and pop. This he did with ‘Shot by Both Sides’, ‘the best rock & roll record of 1978, punk or otherwise’ (Rolling Stone) followed by their first album Real Life. Three more equally acclaimed albums followed before Magazine disbanded. With unique access to the band and interviews with the great and the good of the 1980s and iconic musicians of today, Helen Chase presents a riveting insight into the world of punk and beyond. Placing the band in the context of the Manchester music scene she explains why the band has such a solid fan-base and why Magazine had decided to re-form for live gigs some 30 years since they first took to the stage.

Magazine was formed by Howard Devoto in 1977 bringing together some of the finest and most innovative musicians of the era. The core line-up with Devoto included John McGeoch, Barry Adamson, Dave Formula and John Doyle. The band had its roots in punk but had a greater emphasis on lyrical content whilst combining elements of avant-garde pop, funk and rock.

The band has maintained a cult following which was rewarded in 2009 when the band decided to reform. Whilst working on solo material Dave Formula reopened communication lines between the key players and a series of re-union gigs was planned and received to wide acclaim. Buoyed by this, a studio album of new material (No Thyself) followed in 2011 along with another foray onto the live scene. Magazine are a greatly respected and hugely influential band and their music remains fresh and relevant today.