Brian May (September 3, 1974) – “Zitat der Woche” Feature – POP Magazine (Germany)
Updated: Sep 3
This POP Magazine issue from September 1974 includes Marc Bolan as the Zitat der Woche (“Quote of the Week”), alongside short news items on Queen’s Brian May and Paul da Vinci of the Rubettes. The page blends music reportage and advertising, capturing the eclectic spirit of mid‑1970s German pop
journalism.
Publication: POP Magazine Date: 3 September 1974 Country: Germany
The left column features a brief update on Paul da Vinci, credited as the voice behind Sugar Baby Love, discussing his solo ambitions after leaving the Rubettes. Below it, a short report notes that Brian May of Queen had been hospitalized again due to health complications, delaying work on the band’s third album. At the bottom, the Zitat der Woche section highlights Marc Bolan’s confident remark:
“Neben Bowie bin ich nach wie vor der Größte.” (“Next to Bowie, I’m still the greatest.”) This quote reflects Bolan’s self‑assured humor and his friendly rivalry with David Bowie, both of whom dominated the glam‑rock scene. The accompanying photograph shows Bolan performing, radiating his trademark charisma.
The right column is filled with advertisements for Billy Preston’s Live album and the British rock band Nutz, promoted as a “new English super‑rock formation.” The design — bold black panels, white typography, and stylized logos — typifies POP Magazine’s mix of editorial and commercial content.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
By late 1974, Bolan’s confidence was undiminished despite glam rock’s shifting landscape.
His quote captures the playful competitiveness that defined the era’s leading figures. POP Magazine, one of Germany’s most popular youth music publications, frequently featured British artists, bridging continental and UK pop culture.
The page’s juxtaposition of Bolan’s quote, Queen’s health update, and Preston’s advertisements illustrates the magazine’s broad editorial range — from glam rock to soul and emerging hard rock acts.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: POP Magazine “Quote of the Week” featuring Marc Bolan
Era: 1974 – Glam Rock / Post‑Slider Era Tone: Confident, playful, and iconic Photography: Black‑and‑white performance shot of Bolan
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
POP Magazine page dated September 3 1974
Marc Bolan’s quote asserting his stature alongside Bowie
Short news items on Paul da Vinci and Brian May
Advertisements for Billy Preston and Nutz albums
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