Roxy Music (September 23, 1972) – “Roxy - Kind Of Example We Wish We Set Our Parents?” - New Musical Express
This NME feature examines the rapid rise of Roxy Music through comments from band members Ian MacDonald and Phil Manzanera. Accompanied by a live performance photograph, the article explores the group's image, ambitions, influences and the public reaction to their growing success during 1972..
Publication: New Musical Express (NME)
Date: September 23, 1972
Country: United Kingdom
The feature focuses on Roxy Music at a pivotal stage in the band's development, presenting views from Ian MacDonald and Phil Manzanera on the group's identity and outlook. Through a series of interview-style comments, the article explores how the band viewed its place within contemporary music and how audiences were responding to their distinctive style.
A large live photograph dominates the upper section of the page, showing members of Roxy Music performing on stage.
The accompanying text considers the band's image, influences and artistic direction, while also addressing perceptions of the group from both fans and critics. The headline poses the question of whether Roxy Music represented the sort of example they would wish to set for their parents, reflecting the band's unconventional image and the changing culture of early 1970s popular music.
The article is divided into several sections featuring observations from MacDonald and Manzanera. Alongside discussions of the band, the page contains the regular NME feature "Under the Influence", in which artists discuss records and performers that inspired them. This edition highlights Duncan Browne, adding further context to the musical environment in which Roxy Music were operating.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
Published during Roxy Music's breakthrough period, the feature captures the band while they were emerging as one of Britain's most talked-about new groups. The article focuses on ideas, image and artistic development rather than chart positions, presenting readers with insight into how members of the band viewed their own success.
The combination of interview material and live photography reflects the fascination surrounding Roxy Music's appearance and originality during this era. The page offers a snapshot of the group's public profile in 1972 and demonstrates the attention they were receiving from the music press as their reputation continued to grow
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: NME feature examining Roxy Music's image, ideas and growing reputation
Era: 1972 art rock and glam era
Tone: Analytical and conversational
Photography: Large live performance photograph of Roxy Music accompanied by artist portraits within the page layout
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
• Feature interview comments from Ian MacDonald and Phil Manzanera
• Discussion of Roxy Music's image and public perception
• Live performance photography and the "Under the Influence" feature with Duncan Browne
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