David Cassidy (October 3, 1972) – “Popswop” Advert - Daily Mirror

Oct 3, 1972

2 min read

This Daily Mirror advertisement promotes the launch of Popswop, a new pop magazine aimed at young music fans. The advert highlights Marc Bolan as one of the issue's major attractions, alongside Alice Cooper, Rod Stewart, Donny Osmond and David Cassidy.

Publication: Daily Mirror

Date: October 3, 1972

Country: United Kingdom

This full-page advertisement announces the arrival of Popswop, described as "The Big New Popscene Magazine For Girls." The publication is promoted as a low-cost weekly magazine priced at 5p and includes a free hit disc by Chicory Tip.

The cover image featured within the advertisement prominently displays Marc Bolan, making him one of the central attractions of the launch issue. The magazine promises extensive coverage of the leading names in contemporary pop music and glam rock.

Among the advertised contents are big colour pin-ups, features on Alice Cooper, Marc Bolan, Donny Osmond and Rod Stewart, together with the words to six hit songs. Additional attractions include a David Cassidy quiz, beauty advice from The Second Generation, pop scene news and fashion features.

The advertisement is designed to appeal to the growing teen pop market of 1972 and uses Marc Bolan's popularity during the height of Bolanmania as a major selling point. His image is the most dominant artist feature visible on the magazine cover reproduced within the advert.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

Published during one of the most successful periods of Marc Bolan's career, the advert demonstrates the extent to which his image was being used to promote youth-oriented magazines and pop culture publications.

The inclusion of Bolan alongside David Cassidy, Donny Osmond, Alice Cooper and Rod Stewart provides a useful snapshot of the artists dominating teenage music fandom during late 1972. The advertisement also illustrates how closely the music press, fan magazines and pop merchandising had become linked during the glam rock era.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Launch promotion for Popswop magazine

Era: 1972 Bolanmania era

Tone: Promotional

Photography: Magazine cover featuring Marc Bolan and promotional layout artwork

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Launch advertisement for Popswop magazine

• Marc Bolan featured prominently on the cover

• References to Alice Cooper, Rod Stewart, Donny Osmond and David Cassidy

• Free Chicory Tip hit disc included with the magazine

• Colour pin-ups, quizzes, fashion and pop news features

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