band photo courtesy The Telegraph, UK
In the early part of 2009, something pretty miraculous happened - something that fans never expected, and most critics would dismiss as mere wishful thinking - the influential and profilic post-punk quintet Magazine quietly reunited, to little fanfare outside of their native England. The shock waves of this unlikely reunion are just beginning to reverberate, as Magazine's The Soap Show tour has left concert-goers and critics justifiably awed with the unbridled energy and musical dexterity of musicians Barry Adamson (bass), Dave Formula (keyboards), Jonathan Doyle (drums) and guitarist Noko (Devoto's bandmate in the post-Magazine project, Luxuria) stepping in for original guitarist John McGeoch, who passed away in 2004 at the tender age of 49.
And let's not forget the elliptical lyricism and signature vocals of Howard Devoto, who formed Magazine in 1978 after disbanding The Buzzcocks, his former outfit with guitarist/singer Pete Shelley. In fact, one of Magazine's earliest singles, the blistering "Shot By Both Sides" was culled from the Buzzcocks' catalog. The Soap Show comprises tracks from Magazine's third and most commercially-successful release, The Correct Use of Soap, as well as perennial favorites like "Permafrost" and "The Light Pours Out of Me" (from the band's debut, Real Life.) Even more amazing is despite the fact that nearly thirty years have passed since Magazine's swansong, Magic, Murder and the Weather, the band sounds as if they'd never left the scene at all.
Howard Devoto has implied that new material from Magazine could be forthcoming, which is cause for both optimism and anticipation. Magazine's legacy can be felt across the musical landscape, as everyone from Radiohead, The Smiths, Ministry, U2's The Edge and R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe acknowledge the influence this group has had on them - Ministry in particular, included a marvelous cover of "The Light Pours Out of Me" on their album Animositisomina. In 1980, when I was a fledging rock journalist, I had the good fortune to interview Howard Devoto and the guys backstage at NYC's legendary Irving Plaza. I will always remember that interview, not just because it was one of my first, but because Howard gave me the same consideration a more seasoned journalist would receive. It made for a rewarding experience I recall fondly, not to mention the band gave one spectacular performance that evening. Coincidentally, their 1980 tour was in support of The Correct Use of Soap - it's pretty incredible how some things come full circle, isn't it?
for more information: see and hear performances from The Soap Show on Magazine's official website.
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