Magazine

Magazine is a British post-punk and new wave group from Manchester, active from 1977. It is formed by former Buzzcocks singer Howard Devoto and guitarist John McGeoch, with the classic line-up also including bassist Barry Adamson, keyboardist Dave Formula and drummer John Doyle. The band also includes Robin Simon in its wider membership.

Early years and first run

Magazine emerges in the late 1970s UK punk and post-punk scene. Its early sound combines punk and new-wave roots with elements of art punk, avant-garde ideas and pop. The band becomes known with the single Shot by Both Sides, and releases four albums before splitting in 1981.

Reunion and later activity

Magazine returns for a run of live dates in 2009, with guitarist Noko standing in for John McGeoch. These shows take place in Manchester, London and Glasgow, and are followed by further festival appearances later that year. In 2011 the group releases its first new recorded material in around three decades, although Barry Adamson has left the reunion by then.

Influence and covers

Magazine's music continues to influence later artists. Radiohead draws on Devoto's lyrical approach and performs Shot By Both Sides live; Radiohead's single Just also bears a resemblance to that track. Morrissey, a fan and acquaintance of Devoto, covers A Song From Under The Floorboards as a B-side. Other artists and groups covering Magazine songs include My Friend The Chocolate Cake, Half Man Half Biscuit, Peter Murphy, Ministry and No Fun At All. Devoto also co-writes Everyone Must Win and Railings with Mansun, and sings on the latter.