Magazine, one of Britain's most influential bands, are to reform for just two concerts in February 2009. Original members Howard Devoto, Dave Formula, Barry Adamson and John Doyle are to be joined by an as yet unnamed guest guitarist, to walk in the not inconsiderable footsteps of the departed, and sadly missed, John McGeoch.
It is the first time Magazine have played live together since 1980. They are to play The Forum, London on Feb. 13 & The Academy 1, Manchester, on Feb. 14.
Enduringly credible, Magazine have always been the connoisseur's choice and have been frequently name checked by some of the most gifted musicians of recent years including Radiohead, Morrissey, Jarvis Cocker, U2 & Maximo Park. This year, nme.com included Magazine in a poll as one of the most influential bands of all time.
Magazine's front man, Howard Devoto co-formed Buzzcocks with Pete Shelley after the pair had seen The Sex Pistols in early 1976 and promoted the now legendary Manchester Lesser Free Trade Hall gigs. Devoto left in 1977, after the seminal Spiral Scratch EP had been released, and created Magazine. Their first record was the post-Punk anthem "Shot By Both Sides."
Four ground breaking albums later and the band had parted company, leaving behind an influential body of work which was re-released by Virgin EMI last year to critical acclaim.
The concerts are being staged in association with The Gig Cartel and wire-sound and will be recorded for possible release later in 2009.
(Please note Waist High's sourcing format now includes links to original material) Photo & material: myspace.com/magazineofficial
