Rock Around The World: the alternative live music guide 1990-1991
Rock Around The World was a magazine I published between 1990 and 1991. It was distributed monthly for free at alternative record stores across the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe. It was also available by subscription.
[Not to be confused with the pre-existing “Rock Around the World” newspaper and radio show from the 1970s that I didn’t know about at the time, or I wouldn’t have used the same name!!]
My “Rock Around the World” was all about tour information for alternative rock bands – back when "alternative" still had meaning!
Origin Story
From quick print shops to a whirlwind European tour, to figuring out budgeting and production, a magazine is born.
Production (for geeks only)
From swanky database to old-fashioned-paste-up, to Rubylith and "print ready copy", a magazine is produced.
Issue 1: October 1990
Interview with Dead Moon, 72 bands listed, Live Show Reviews, and free CDs.
Issue 2: November 1990
Interview with Nic Close, 112 bands listed; Live Show Reviews, and ex-boyfriends.
Issue 3: December 1990
Interview with Mojo Nixon, 122 bands listed, Record Store Map, Live Show Reviews, and Brian Eno.
Issue 4: January 1991
Interview with Einstürzende Neubauten, 104 bands listed, Live Show Reviews, and Gina Arnold.
Issue 5: February 1991
Interview with L7, 178 bands listed, Live Show Reviews, and losing interest in live music.
Issue 6: March 1991
Interview with Maggie's Dream, 204 bands listed, being an American indie band in Europe, Live Show Reviews, and Laurie Lindeen.
Closing down the zine
Saying goodbye, letters of support, life goes on, and Nirvana ruins everything.
30 Years Later
RATW gets digitized, memories are written, me & live music today, last thoughts.