Pink Floyd and Roger Waters
magazines never were the same after the first issue of Brain Damage hit
the streets. Started by Glenn Povey in the mid eighties, with immense
enthusiasm but a minute budget, there were occasions when it looked
like the magazine would cease due to lack of funds or lack of
information...
However, with the help of his
friends and the public, Glenn managed to keep it going, where it built
and built, spawning star-studded Pink Floyd conventions and plenty of
glossy colour, until it all became too much for him to keep up with.
The pressures of his day-job meant that it either finished, or was
handed over - and this is what happened, when Jeff Jensen took control
of it, with the whole operation moving from the UK to the US.
Here, publication continued for
some years until the dark day when the BD presses stopped rolling...
The next concrete thing heard from the Brain Damage camp was that Matt
Johns, who became involved with the magazine in the early days when
Glenn was in command, brought Brain Damage back to the masses - ONLINE!
For all of you who want to see how the magazine progressed, here are cover shots and the highlights of each issue...
Issue 1: April 1986
A5 photocopy, 12 pagesConcentrating
on Roger's 84 solo shows, it includes a transcription of Roger's May 84
Swedish Radio Interview, and a Rotterdam 84 concert review.
Issue 2: May 1986
A5 photocopy, 24 pagesTwice
the size of the previous months issue, with an "experimental" cover,
this issue concentrates on Dark Side Of The Moon, with plenty of
pictures and articles. Other early seventies stuff is also included.
Issue 3: June 1986
A5 photocopy, 20 pages plus A4 insert of original Wall concerts ticket application posterA
large feature on material available on video, together with a variety
of rare articles and pictures concerning the Roland Petit ballet
(including a piece from girl's comic "Jackie"!)
Issue 4: July 1986
A5 photocopy, 20 pages plus A4 insert of San Diego 1971 concert adThe
news aspect of the magazine starts to build; there is a sizeable UK
discography, and a large review of vinyl ROIOs available at the time.
There is also a hand-drawn Pink Floyd family tree, and some amusing
look-alike pictures (comparing Nick Mason with Shakin' Stevens, and
saxophonist Dick Parry with Keith Chegwin!)
Issue 5: August 1986
A5 photocopy, 36 pagesThe
largest issue to date, covering the intensely busy year of 1967.
There's an extensive gig guide, lots of concert ads, and a
transcription of the Sounds Of the Sixties radio documentary. There's
also a little seen picture of the band signing their EMI contract.
Issue 6: September 1986
A5 photocopy, 32 pagesConcentrates
on The Wall, and the animation, with a huge interview with Peter Hearn
and Tony Fish, the animation editors on the film. There's also an
article on Nick's cars, and amongst other things, the lyrics to
"Seabirds".
Issue 7: Late 1986
A5 photocopy, 24 pagesThe
last of the photocopied issues (thank goodness), this issue has a large
amount of news (becoming the forte of Brain Damage). Plenty of
hot-off-the-press details of When The Wind Blows, there's also some
nice reprints of tickets and posters from late sixties and early
seventies shows.
Issue 8: Christmas 1986
A5 properly printed (as are all future issues), 40 pagesAgain,
lots of news, including the very early talk of the new PF album
(eventually called A Momentary Lapse Of Reason) being released on
February 2nd, 1987. The magazine has plenty of news on the acrimonious
split of the band. Also, plenty on When The Wind Blows, and an Italian
Discography.
Issue 9: Early 1987
A5, 32 pagesMore
stuff on When The Wind Blows, a reprint of David's and Roger's press
releases, an article on The Body and also Gerald Scarfe.
Issue 10: Early 1987
A5, 32 pagesMuch
more news on the split, and subsequent releases from both camps. Also,
a large article on Pink Floyd concert posters - this time concentrating
on early US concerts. There are also some interviews transcribed.
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