Rod Stewart (October 21, 1972) – “Music Scene” Launch Advert - NME

Oct 20, 1972

2 min read

This full-page NME advertisement promotes the launch of the new monthly magazine Music Scene. The cover image is dominated by Rod Stewart in concert, while the publication promises features on many of the biggest names in contemporary rock and pop, including Marc Bolan, Alice Cooper, Slade, Wings and David Cassidy.

Publication: NME

Date: October 21, 1972

Country: United Kingdom

Appearing as a full-page advertisement in NME, the promotion announces the arrival of “No. 1 out today!”, introducing readers to the first issue of Music Scene, described as a colourful new monthly pop music magazine.

The advertisement reproduces the cover of the November 1972 issue, which is dominated by a live performance photograph of Rod Stewart. Captured singing into a microphone while wearing a glittering stage outfit, Stewart serves as the visual focus of the launch campaign.

The cover highlights a wide range of artists featured within the magazine,

including The Moody Blues, Slade, The Seekers, Jackson 5, Free, The Who, Wings, Lindisfarne, Marc Bolan, Humble Pie, Little Richard, Alice Cooper, David Cassidy, Lynsey de Paul and Emerson, Lake & Palmer.

A major selling point is an exclusive free seven-inch flexible Slade record, featuring a pre-release track from the forthcoming album Slayed? together with a B-side by Mike Hugg.

Additional promotional text promises extensive editorial coverage, including features on Alice Cooper, Marc Bolan and Wings, together with full-colour photography, reviews, news, song sheets and album coverage.

The advert emphasises the scale of the publication, boasting 56 pages, including 20 pages in full colour, for a cover price of 15p.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

Although Rod Stewart dominates the cover photograph, the advertisement itself is intended to launch a new music publication rather than promote Stewart directly.

The clipping is particularly useful as a snapshot of the British music scene during late 1972, bringing together many of the most important names in rock, pop and glam music within a single promotional campaign.

The inclusion of Marc Bolan, Alice Cooper, Slade and Wings illustrates the diverse range of artists competing for attention at a time when glam rock was becoming increasingly influential within popular music.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Launch of Music Scene magazine

Era: 1972 British pop and rock scene

Tone: Promotional

Photography: Large live performance photograph of Rod Stewart featured on the magazine cover

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Launch advertisement for Music Scene magazine

• Rod Stewart featured prominently on the cover

• Free seven-inch flexible Slade record included with the issue

• Coverage promised for Marc Bolan, Alice Cooper, Wings, David Cassidy and many others

• 56-page publication with 20 pages in full colour

• Cover price of 15p

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