In this issue

Shows from Frankie, Lloyd Cole and Sonny Rollins.

In on the ground floor with the NYC hiphop band. Introducing also their label bosses at Def Jam: Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons and more...

Business is Booming

In a university dorm room, a rap dynasty is emerging. NME travels to New York to interview wordsmiths RuN DMC, along the way meeting producers Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons – the brains behind Def Jam. “The street wants something specific,” says Simmons.

10+ mins

I Don't Think Keith Was Pleased

MICK JAGGER makes a solo album. In Paris, the singer talks dodging paparazzi, the outrageous young Rolling Stones, and the miners’ strike. He even touches on his solo prospects. “You can’t expect to get No 1s all the time,” he says, “and if you do you’re a cunt.”

10+ mins

I'm Prepared to Go Down With the Ship

On behalf of THE SMITHS, Morrissey meets the fanzine press. He faces questions about love, Band Aid, the Moors Murderers and the band’s own unique position in the world. “There are people I admire,” he says, “but ultimately we are alone.”

10+ mins

Music With a Capital 'M'

The prolific HÜSKER DÜ have escaped the strictures of hardcore, to make truly remarkable music. “There’s nothing incredibly new about it,” says BOB MOULD. “We’re just doing what we do the best we can.”

10+ mins

All Pop is Political

“To me, pop and the whole notion of pleasure, sex, entertainment and leisure is political,” says SCRITTI POLITTI’s GREEN GARTSIDE. “So Dead Or Alive with their swirling clothes have as much political resonance as Billy Bragg.” Charming as he is, Gartside’s work doesn’t please everyone.

8 mins

Ambition. Greed. Money

Most of these are missing from THE POGUES as they stagger across Europe on tour. “Even if I drink myself to death doing this,” says SHANE MACGOWAN, “I’d still prefer that to the boring, horrible jobs I had to do before this band.”

10 mins

Pandemonium

MM July 13 Bruce Springsteen seduces the masses.

3 mins

I Think I Hold My Ground

NME OCT 5 Introducing a product of NYC coffee society… Suzanne Vega.

6 mins

Read all stories from The History of Rock

The History of Rock Magazine Description:

The History of Rock was a magazine published by Orbis in the early eighties that provided an encyclopaedic look at the history of contemporary music. Well written, informative and with some fabulous photos, these magazines instantly appealed to music enthusiasts and have become sought after pieces of music memorabilia