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I'd like to know the opinions of the metal mag' specialists of this forum on the first issues (1-> 100) of KERRANG magazine.

Are they worth it?

Even if I can get them for cheap, I may rather spend my cash on records instead...so tell me

Thanks

They are OK for adds, pics and the odd decent review. I've just cut up the first 160 issues for research on Ebony records. I've also got a nice pile of NWOBHM clippings. The armed and dangerous section is pretty decent in the first few issues.

The writing is average and gets on my nerves a bit.

I think they're worth it. A big slice of history with plenty of laughs.

An interesting thing about those really early 80's rags is that most of the journalists/reviewers were old 70's rock farts, meaning:

- Dated crap bands rehashing the 70's = hype
- Awesome cutting-edge METAL bands = ridicule

@Astra: What would you be paying for each issue? Early KERRANG-issues w/ NWOBHM-content can be quite pricey & sought-after...

I guess it depends on what you're looking for. If you're trying to find info on obscure bands from that period then you're probably barking up the wrong tree. However, I do like to pick them up now and then if they are cheap, for two reasons:

1. Regardless of the opinions of the writers, they do provide a snapshot of a place and time in metal/rock history.

2. The cheesecake value.

Thanks for all the replies!

@Dan : Each issue would cost me +/- 2 euros.

I probably won't buy them all so if someone is interested in a particular number...drop me a line.

I enjoy going back on them and seeing the old adverts and charts. I have boxes of them in shreds along with early metal forces,metal hammers and countless other ones.

If you can try and find out what is in thre mags before you buy them.

There were some good issues but a lot of the writers had no idea at all. I mean 1984 was a stellar year for metal in the Kerrang offices with their top 20

1. Van Halen - 1984
2. Prince - Purple Rain
3. Chequered Past - Chequered Past
4. Legs Diamond - Out On Bail
5. Wendy O. Williams - W.OW.
6. John Cougar Mellencamp - Uh-huh
7. Deep Purple - Perfect Strangers
8. The Rejects - Quiet Storm
9. Hanoi Rocks - Two Steps From The Move
10. The Cars - Heartbeat City
11. Bon Jovi - Bon Jovi
12. U2 - The Unforgettable Fire
12. Q5 - Steel The Light
14. White Sister - White Sister
15. Stevie Ray Vaughan - Couldn't Stand The Weather
15. John Waite - No Brakes
17. Billy Idol - Rebel Yell
17. Lords Of The New Church - The Method To Our Madness
19. Molly Hatchet - The Deed Is Done
20. Jim Dandy - Ready As Hell

It wasn't known as KERRAP! for no reason...

Good luck!

msp wrote:If you can try and find out what is in thre mags before you buy them.

Hopefully this is I'm going to do. This list is quite terrible indeed

msp wrote:1984 was a stellar year for metal in the Kerrang offices with their top 20

1. Van Halen - 1984
2. Prince - Purple Rain
3. Chequered Past - Chequered Past
4. Legs Diamond - Out On Bail
5. Wendy O. Williams - W.OW.
6. John Cougar Mellencamp - Uh-huh
7. Deep Purple - Perfect Strangers
8. The Rejects - Quiet Storm
9. Hanoi Rocks - Two Steps From The Move
10. The Cars - Heartbeat City
11. Bon Jovi - Bon Jovi
12. U2 - The Unforgettable Fire
12. Q5 - Steel The Light
14. White Sister - White Sister
15. Stevie Ray Vaughan - Couldn't Stand The Weather
15. John Waite - No Brakes
17. Billy Idol - Rebel Yell
17. Lords Of The New Church - The Method To Our Madness
19. Molly Hatchet - The Deed Is Done
20. Jim Dandy - Ready As Hell

It wasn't known as KERRAP! for no reason...

Ahh.. he he... don't know exactly which emoticon to attach to that list. Pure awkwardness. Proves my above point about how real, groundbreaking Heavy Metal was more or less considered the NUmtl/kiddie-crap of the day... Reading old slag-off reviews of bands like Cirith Ungol, Manilla Road, Heavy Load etc in old "major" mags from those days also says alot of how the mainsream press have ALWAYS been out of touch as far as Heavy Metal goes..

I prefer Metal Forces for sure

There appears to be an evergrowing trend worldwide to see how much non metal you can listen to as a metalhead - really pisses me off. With the much metal there is to get your ears around when do people find the time - i have neither the time or interest to do go and listen to some traditional outer mongolian wooden bench music. (not talkin about rock more like crap indie music, folk etc..)