This Q magazine cover from May 1990 highlights several key music stories and trends from the time. Here’s a breakdown of the main features:
Cover Stories:
Fleetwood Mac – "Debauchery! How Fleetwood Mac survived it..."
Fleetwood Mac was infamous for their turbulent history, filled with excess, breakups, and legendary rock 'n' roll drama. This feature likely discusses the band's survival through substance abuse, internal conflicts, and shifting lineups. By 1990, they had already gone through various iterations, with members like Lindsey Buckingham and Peter Green leaving at different points. Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie were still major figures in the band at the time.
Happy Mondays – "...and Happy Mondays revived it."
The Happy Mondays were a central band in the Madchester scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s, blending acid house, indie rock, and psychedelic influences. Their chaotic lifestyle—marked by partying and drug use—was legendary, and their music played a key role in reviving the excesses and rebellious spirit of rock. This article likely contrasts their behavior with Fleetwood Mac's past, showing how debauchery in rock was evolving.
Robert Plant – "Turn It Up! All back to my place!"
This article likely features an interview with Robert Plant, the former Led Zeppelin frontman, discussing his solo career, musical influences, and perhaps his views on contemporary rock. The phrase "All back to my place!" suggests a more personal or nostalgic look at his life and music.
"Sack the Band! Revenge of the Remixers"
This could refer to a trend in the late '80s and early '90s where producers and remixers were gaining more control over the final versions of songs. Remixes were becoming more popular in clubs and on the charts, sometimes overshadowing the original recordings. The phrase "Revenge of the Remixers" might hint at how remixers were reshaping the music industry, sometimes even at the expense of traditional bands.
Other Features:
Q Review
This section reviews the latest LPs (albums), books, videos, and hi-fi equipment, offering insights into the most important releases at the time.
Cover Design and Visuals:
The main photo features Fleetwood Mac, dressed in a mix of classic and contemporary styles, with Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie at the center.
An inset photo shows Happy Mondays looking casual and rebellious, matching their chaotic reputation.
The top right corner features an image of Robert Plant reading a book with a relaxed, amused expression.