Q Magazine

Q Magazine was the definitive guide to modern music and the self-proclaimed "modern guide to music and more." Launched in October 1986 by Mark Ellen and David Hepworth, it stood out on the newsstand for its high-production values, glossy photography, and its famous five-star rating system, which became a benchmark for the industry.

For over 30 years, Q was the premier monthly title for mainstream rock and pop, bridging the gap between the weekly inkies like NME and high-end broadsheets. It was famous for its "Q Review" section and the Q Awards, which became one of the biggest and most irreverent nights in the British music calendar.

Key highlights for collectors include:

  • Issue #1: The debut issue from 1986 featuring Paul McCartney is a must-have for any serious music archive.

  • The "Golden Era" Interviews: Famous for its long-form, candid interviews with icons like David Bowie, Oasis, U2, and Madonna.

  • The Lists: Q was renowned for its definitive "Greatest Albums" or "Greatest Singers" lists, which often sparked nationwide debate.

  • Free CDs: From the late 90s onwards, many issues included exclusive compilation CDs that introduced readers to new artists and rare tracks.

Sadly, Q Magazine ceased publication in July 2020 (Issue #415), marking the end of an era for British music journalism. Today, back issues are highly collectible as a chronological record of the UK music scene.