The Best of Jamming! Selections and Stories from the Fanzine That Grew Up, 1977–86

Edited by Tony Fletcher

One of Britain’s best-loved and most successful fanzines, Jamming! documented the musical landscape as it evolved between 1977 and 1986.

Fully illustrated throughout, The Best of Jamming! includes numerous stand-out pieces from the zine’s impressive 36 issue-run, from early features on The Jam, The Smiths, Run-D.M.C, Cocteau Twins and The Beat, to surprise exclusive interviews with Paul McCartney, U2 and Pete Townshend. Personal letters from Mark E. Smith, Paul Weller and others appear alongside arts, sports and politics features, poetry and a Foreword by Billy Bragg.

Having guided Jamming! from a 6-page school publication to a nationally distributed monthly, editor Tony Fletcher provides behind-the-scenes insights, while musicians and former contributors reflect on their interviews and Jamming!’s long-lasting influence.

An immensely evocative read, The Best of Jamming! perfectly encapsulates the excitement and unprecedented potential of the DIY era. 

'Jamming! was the quintessential punk rock product. Early haphazardly typewritten Q&As with the likes of Weller, Ant, Townsend, and even McCartney (all reprinted here) are extraordinary. Fletcher is fearless in his naivety, his subjects unguarded. This compendium captures its era perfectly' Classic Rock, 8/10

'Highlights from one of the best fanzines. The masterstroke is Fletcher providing insights and later-life reflections on each issue. His fanzine was a cut above. So's this compendium' Kris Needs, Record Collector, 4/5

Publication Date: 23.09.21
ISBN: 9781913172305
Extent: 288 pages
Format: Paperback

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