MOJO Magazine – July 2008 – Issue 176 – Sex Pistols – John Lydon – Neil Diamond – Frank Zappa – Captain Beefheart

Original British Music Magazine | July 2008 | Issue 176 | Classic Punk Rock and Music History Collectable

An original July 2008 edition of MOJO Magazine, Issue 176, featuring a striking black-and-white cover photograph of the legendary British punk rock band Sex Pistols.

This issue's principal feature is a world-exclusive Sex Pistols cover story, examining the band's history through the recollections of its four surviving members.

The magazine also features substantial articles concerning Neil Diamond, Frank Zappa, Captain Beefheart, Kid Creole, Foals, Fleet Foxes, Al Green, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss and Steve Miller, together with music reviews, interviews and historical retrospectives.

An interesting original publication from 2008, particularly appealing to collectors of punk rock, British music journalism, classic rock, experimental music and vintage music magazines.

Main Cover Feature – Sex Pistols

The front cover is dominated by a large black-and-white group photograph of the Sex Pistols, one of the most influential bands in British punk rock history.

Featured Band Members

The photograph features the four surviving members of the classic Sex Pistols line-up:

• John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) – Lead vocals.

• Steve Jones – Guitar.

• Paul Cook – Drums.

• Glen Matlock – Bass guitar.

John Lydon occupies the centre foreground, with Steve Jones, Glen Matlock and Paul Cook positioned behind and alongside him.

Cover Photograph and Design

The photograph is presented in dramatic monochrome, contrasting strongly with the magazine's large fluorescent pink headlines.

John Lydon is particularly prominent, facing directly towards the camera with an intense expression.

He has short, spiky hair, hoop earrings and a checked shirt. His folded arms occupy much of the lower part of the photograph.

The other band members are arranged closely behind him, creating a compact group portrait.

The image captures the band during their later reunion period rather than their original 1970s heyday.

The visual design includes:

• Large white MOJO masthead against a black background.

• Fluorescent pink Sex Pistols headline.

• Black-and-white group photography.

• Bright pink rectangular feature headings.

• The words WORLD EXCLUSIVE! above the main image.

• Additional pink and black text promoting the band's recollections.

• Smaller photographic portraits of other featured musicians along the upper edge.

The monochrome photography and bold typography create a striking cover that reflects the confrontational image associated with the Sex Pistols.

Main Cover Headlines

WORLD EXCLUSIVE!

Sex Pistols

BACK FOR ONE LAST TIME?

LYDON JONES MATLOCK AND COOK SPEAK!

The cover promotes a retrospective examination of the band's history, relationships and possible future.

Inside – Sex Pistols Cover Story, Page 74

The contents page confirms that the main feature begins on page 74.

The article revisits the band's history through the perspectives of its four surviving members.

The editorial introduction describes the band looking back over its controversial past and offering differing accounts of events.

This is particularly interesting because the Sex Pistols' history has frequently been disputed by the musicians themselves.

The article promises recollections from all four members, providing a potentially valuable historical snapshot of their perspectives in 2008.

Sex Pistols – Punk Rock History

Formed in London during the 1970s, the Sex Pistols became one of the defining groups of the British punk movement.

Their music, appearance and public behaviour challenged established conventions in popular music and British culture.

Important Recordings

The band's best-known recordings include:

• Anarchy in the U.K.

• God Save the Queen

• Pretty Vacant

• Holidays in the Sun

• Bodies

• No Feelings

• Submission

Their landmark album Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols was released in 1977.

Despite the band's relatively short original career, its influence extended into punk, post-punk, alternative rock and numerous later musical movements.

The Band in 2008

By July 2008, the Sex Pistols had reunited on several occasions.

The magazine's question "Back For One Last Time?" reflects contemporary interest in the band's continuing live appearances and relationships.

The issue offers an opportunity to revisit the group's history through journalism published during that reunion period.

Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart – Freaks at War

A prominent feature advertised along the upper edge of the cover reads:

ZAPPA & BEEFHEART

FREAKS AT WAR!

The magazine includes a major feature exploring the relationship between two highly influential figures in experimental rock music.

Inside Feature – Page 64

The contents page identifies the article as:

BEEFHEART & ZAPPA – Page 64

Written by Dave DiMartino, the feature examines the complicated relationship between Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart.

The article is described as investigating the partnership and tensions between two major figures of 1960s experimental music.

Frank Zappa

Frank Zappa was an American composer, guitarist, bandleader and producer renowned for his unconventional musical compositions.

His work combined rock, jazz, classical music, satire and experimental techniques.

Zappa's career included recordings with the Mothers of Invention and an extensive catalogue of solo material.

Captain Beefheart

Captain Beefheart, born Don Van Vliet, was an American singer, songwriter and visual artist.

He is particularly associated with experimental blues-rock and avant-garde music.

His most celebrated album, Trout Mask Replica (1969), became a landmark recording in experimental rock.

Interior Photograph

The photographed contents page features a large colour portrait of Frank Zappa.

He is shown with dark curly hair, a distinctive moustache and facial hair, wearing a patterned shirt beneath a dark jacket.

The page also includes a prominent quotation concerning the recording of Trout Mask Replica and Zappa's influence on Captain Beefheart.

This feature should be especially appealing to collectors of Zappa, Captain Beefheart and experimental music history.

Neil Diamond – Portrait of a Genius

The front cover advertises:

RICK RUBIN ON NEIL DIAMOND

PORTRAIT OF A GENIUS...

Inside Feature – Page 44

The contents page confirms a Neil Diamond feature beginning on page 44.

The article discusses the celebrated American singer-songwriter and his musical legacy.

The cover specifically highlights the involvement of record producer Rick Rubin, who worked with Diamond during the later stages of his career.

Neil Diamond

Neil Diamond is known for numerous internationally successful recordings, including:

• Sweet Caroline

• Solitary Man

• Cracklin' Rosie

• Song Sung Blue

• I Am... I Said

• America

• Love on the Rocks

His songwriting combines pop, rock, folk and orchestral influences.

The feature provides an interesting contemporary perspective on Diamond's career and artistic reputation.

Kid Creole and the Coconuts – Disco and New York Club Culture

The cover includes:

KID CREOLE

& THE MUTANT DISCO INFERNO

Inside Feature – Page 56

The contents page identifies a feature on Kid Creole, beginning on page 56.

The article examines the career of August Darnell, best known as the creative force behind Kid Creole and the Coconuts.

The feature explores his musical background and the development of his distinctive blend of disco, funk, Latin music and theatrical pop.

Kid Creole and the Coconuts became particularly successful during the early 1980s.

Notable recordings include:

• Annie, I'm Not Your Daddy

• Stool Pigeon

• I'm a Wonderful Thing, Baby

• Endicott

The article provides an interesting look at the New York music scene and the evolution of dance-oriented popular music.

Foals – On the Road

Another prominent cover headline reads:

ON THE ROAD WITH FOALS

Inside Feature – Page 52

The contents page confirms a feature about Foals, beginning on page 52.

The article is credited to Mark Paytress and examines the band's early career.

Foals emerged from Oxford's alternative music scene during the 2000s.

Their early sound combined indie rock, dance-punk and intricate rhythmic arrangements.

The band's debut album, Antidotes, was released in 2008.

This issue therefore dates from an important early period in the band's recording career.

The article may be especially interesting to collectors following the development of British indie rock during the late 2000s.

Additional Musicians and Features

The front cover also advertises several other notable musicians.

Fleet Foxes

FLEET FOXES

The American indie folk band released its acclaimed self-titled debut album in 2008.

The contents page also references Fleet Foxes within the album-review section on page 98.

Their inclusion makes this an interesting contemporary issue from the period of their breakthrough.

Al Green

AL GREEN

"SLY STONE, THE ROOTS AND ME!"

The magazine promotes coverage of the celebrated American soul singer.

Al Green is renowned for recordings including Let's Stay Together, Tired of Being Alone and Love and Happiness.

The photographed contents page also features a portrait of Al Green.

The image shows him smiling, wearing a dark hat and resting one hand against the side of his face.

The contents page references Al Green again within the magazine's music-news coverage.

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss

The contents page features a photograph of Robert Plant and Alison Krauss performing together.

Their collaboration became particularly prominent following the release of their album Raising Sand in 2007.

The magazine's live-review section on page 130 refers to their performance in Chattanooga.

This provides an interesting contemporary reference to their successful musical partnership.

Steve Miller

STEVE MILLER

The cover advertises Steve Miller among the additional featured musicians.

Steve Miller is best known for his work with the Steve Miller Band, including recordings such as The Joker, Fly Like an Eagle and Rock'n Me.

Kiss

KISS

The American hard-rock band is also advertised on the cover.

Known for theatrical performances, elaborate stage costumes and distinctive face paint, Kiss became one of the most recognisable rock acts of the 1970s.

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Fleet Foxes and Other Music Coverage

The contents page demonstrates the magazine's wide-ranging editorial approach, covering established rock musicians alongside contemporary independent artists.

Inside the Magazine – Contents and Editorial Sections

The supplied interior photographs show the magazine's contents pages, confirming several major articles and regular departments.

Main Features

Page 44 – Neil Diamond

An examination of Neil Diamond's musical career and reputation.

Page 52 – Foals

A feature exploring the emerging British indie-rock band's early career.

Page 56 – Kid Creole

A retrospective examining August Darnell and the development of Kid Creole's musical identity.

Page 64 – Beefheart & Zappa

A detailed examination of the relationship between Captain Beefheart and Frank Zappa.

Page 74 – Sex Pistols

The principal cover story featuring the four surviving members of the legendary punk band.

Regular Features

Page 9 – All Back to My Place

A regular feature involving musicians and their musical interests.

Page 11 – Theories, Rants, Etc

Commentary, observations and opinion pieces.

Page 42 – Real Gone

A regular section exploring unusual musical subjects and personalities.

Page 148 – Ask Fred

A music-related question-and-answer feature.

Page 154 – Hello/Goodbye

A retrospective feature looking at musical careers and significant moments.

Music News

Page 14 – Hot News

The contents page references several musicians and groups, including:

• Edwin Collins.

• The Jam.

• Gram Parsons.

• Hawkwind.

• Chet Baker.

• Sam Amidon.

• Steve Miller.

• Gong.

• Al Green.

Album Reviews and Music Criticism

Page 98 – Albums

The magazine's album-review section includes references to:

• Fleet Foxes.

• Coldplay.

• My Morning Jacket.

• El Perro del Mar.

Additional Sections

Page 114 – The MOJO Playlist

Page 116 – Reissues

Page 126 – Books

Page 128 – DVDs

Page 130 – Lives

Page 146 – How to Buy

These sections provide a mixture of contemporary music criticism, historical retrospectives, live performance reviews and collecting advice.

Original Magazine Design and Collector Appeal

The July 2008 issue features a distinctive visual presentation.

Front Cover

The design combines a black background, monochrome photography and vivid pink typography.

The large photograph of the Sex Pistols creates an immediate visual connection with the band's punk-rock history.

Notable Cover Details

• Large white MOJO masthead.

• Pink handwritten-style The Music Magazine subtitle.

• Black-and-white Sex Pistols group photograph.

• Fluorescent pink Sex Pistols headline.

• World Exclusive banner.

• Individual musician portraits along the upper edge.

• Pink feature boxes advertising Al Green and Kid Creole.

• Prominent reference to John Lydon, Steve Jones, Glen Matlock and Paul Cook.

• Foals promotional headline near the lower-right corner.

• Original barcode and publication details.

• Original free-CD promotional headline in the upper-left corner.

Interior Presentation

The photographed contents pages feature:

• A large colour portrait of Frank Zappa.

• A dark blue background with contrasting white and red typography.

• Detailed feature descriptions and page numbers.

• A collage of musicians and musical imagery.

• A photograph of Robert Plant and Alison Krauss.

• A portrait of Al Green.

• Fleet Foxes-related illustrations.

• Contributor photographs and biographies.

• Clear editorial sections covering reviews, interviews and music history.

These features make the magazine interesting both as a reading copy and as a collectable example of British music journalism from 2008.

Publication Details

Magazine: MOJO

Issue Number: 176

Publication Date: July 2008

Original UK Cover Price: £4.30

Publisher: Bauer Media

Country: United Kingdom

Language: English

Format: Printed Music Magazine

Main Cover Feature: Sex Pistols

Featured Band Members: John Lydon, Steve Jones, Glen Matlock and Paul Cook

Additional Featured Artists: Neil Diamond, Frank Zappa, Captain Beefheart, Kid Creole, Foals, Fleet Foxes, Al Green, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, Steve Miller and Kiss

SKU: 1590

Condition – Important Information

Pre-owned original magazine with visible signs of previous handling and age-related wear.

The supplied photographs show the actual magazine being offered.

Front Cover Condition

The front cover remains visually attractive, with the main Sex Pistols photograph and bright pink headlines clearly visible.

The original black-and-white photograph retains good contrast.

Visible Wear and Imperfections

• Light surface rubbing and handling marks across the front cover.

• Fine scuffing and surface marks, particularly visible on darker printed areas.

• Some minor wear along the upper edge.

• Slight rubbing around the upper corners.

• Light edge wear along the right-hand side.

• Minor rubbing and handling wear around the left-hand spine.

• Small signs of handling around the lower-left corner.

• Slight wear along the bottom edge.

• Minor rubbing around the lower-right corner.

• Some light surface marks across the printed photograph.

• General age-related handling and storage wear.

Spine and Binding

The left-hand spine appears present and reasonably straight in the photographs.

There is some minor visible rubbing and handling wear along the spine area.

The full binding has not been inspected page by page.

Interior Pages

The photographed interior pages remain clear and readable.

The contents pages show strong colour reproduction, with the main photographs, headings and text clearly visible.

There is some natural curvature around the page folds and minor handling wear consistent with a previously read magazine.

The photographed pages do not show any obvious major tears or substantial damage.

However, the entire magazine has not been examined page by page, so complete internal condition and pagination cannot be guaranteed.

Overall Condition Assessment

Good pre-owned vintage appearance based on the supplied photographs.

The magazine displays light general wear, minor scuffing and age-related handling imperfections.

It is not being described as mint or immaculate.

Please study all supplied photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

Important – Original Free CD and Additional Items

MAGAZINE ONLY – FREE CD NOT INCLUDED.

The original front cover advertises a FREE CD!!

The original promotional CD is no longer included with this magazine.

Any other original free gifts, promotional items, loose inserts, supplementary publications or additional accessories that may originally have accompanied the issue are also not included.

Only the printed magazine shown in the photographs is being sold.

Please purchase on this basis.

Packaging and Delivery

The magazine will be carefully packaged to help protect it during transit.

UK Orders: The magazine will be dispatched in a protective hardback envelope.

International Orders: The magazine will be dispatched in a sturdy cardboard mail-size box for additional protection during overseas shipping.

Collector Appeal

This original July 2008 issue may appeal to collectors of:

• MOJO Magazine back issues.

• Sex Pistols memorabilia.

• John Lydon and Johnny Rotten.

• Steve Jones.

• Glen Matlock.

• Paul Cook.

• British punk rock.

• Never Mind the Bollocks.

• Classic punk music journalism.

• 1970s British music history.

• Frank Zappa.

• Captain Beefheart.

• Trout Mask Replica.

• Experimental and avant-garde rock.

• Neil Diamond.

• Rick Rubin.

• Kid Creole and the Coconuts.

• Foals.

• Fleet Foxes.

• Al Green.

• Robert Plant and Alison Krauss.

• Steve Miller.

• Kiss.

• Vintage rock magazines.

• British music journalism.

• Original 2000s music publications.

Summary

An original MOJO Magazine, Issue 176, dated July 2008, featuring a striking black-and-white photograph of the Sex Pistols on the front cover.

The main world-exclusive feature revisits the band's history through the recollections of John Lydon, Steve Jones, Glen Matlock and Paul Cook.

Additional articles cover Neil Diamond, Frank Zappa, Captain Beefheart, Kid Creole, Foals and numerous other musicians.

The magazine also contains extensive music reviews, retrospective features, live-performance coverage and regular editorial sections.

Condition: Good pre-owned vintage appearance with light surface rubbing, minor scuffing, edge and corner wear and general signs of previous handling. Full internal completeness has not been verified.

Important: The original free CD and any other originally accompanying promotional items are not included.

UK Packaging: Protective hardback envelope.

International Packaging: Sturdy cardboard mail-size box.

SKU: 1590