MOJO Magazine – May 2004 – Issue 126 – John Lennon, Nirvana, Morrissey & 100 Greatest Protest Songs

Original UK Music Magazine | May 2004 | Issue 126 | John Lennon Cover

An original May 2004 edition of MOJO Magazine, Issue 126, featuring an eye-catching illustrated portrait of John Lennon on the front cover.

This issue explores Lennon's political activism, his experiences with Yoko Ono and the wider cultural significance of his work beyond The Beatles.

The main cover feature, "Lennon – Revolution in His Head", is written by respected music journalist John Harris and examines the relationship between Lennon's music, politics, celebrity and personal beliefs.

The magazine also contains an extensive feature on Nirvana, exploring the band's final recording sessions, alongside coverage of Morrissey's return with new music, David Byrne, Fats Domino, Will Oldham and the Festival in the Desert.

Another major attraction is MOJO's special selection of 100 Greatest Protest Songs, exploring influential recordings associated with political movements, social change and cultural dissent.

Additional coverage includes The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, David Axelrod, Little Richard, John McGeoch, Ben Kweller, Graham Coxon and many more.

A particularly interesting original publication for collectors of The Beatles, John Lennon, Nirvana, Kurt Cobain, alternative rock, classic rock and vintage music journalism.

Front Cover – John Lennon

The front cover features a striking red-and-black graphic portrait of John Lennon, one of the founding members of The Beatles.

The artwork depicts Lennon wearing his distinctive round glasses, with long dark hair and a beard.

His face is rendered in vivid red, while his hair, beard and surrounding shadows are printed in contrasting black.

The portrait occupies most of the front cover, creating a bold, poster-like graphic appearance associated with political artwork and countercultural imagery.

The large white MOJO masthead appears across the upper section, with the magazine's gold handwritten-style subtitle, The Music Magazine, overlaid across the lettering.

The overall design uses a dramatic combination of red, black, yellow and white.

Main Cover Headline

LENNON – REVOLUTION IN HIS HEAD

From The Beatles to bed-ins. By John Harris.

The headline introduces the magazine's major retrospective examining Lennon's political beliefs, musical career and public activism.

Other Front Cover Headlines

100 Greatest Protest Songs Ever!

A special MOJO selection of influential songs associated with protest, political expression and social change.

Nirvana – The Lost Album

A feature investigating the band's final recording sessions and the music surrounding their last period together.

Morrissey – New LP Exclusive

Coverage of Morrissey's return to recording in 2004.

Rolling Stones

Coverage of the legendary British rock band.

Fats Domino

A feature on the influential New Orleans rock-and-roll pianist and singer.

David Byrne

Coverage of the former Talking Heads frontman.

Festival in the Desert

A feature examining the internationally recognised desert music festival, including the music of Tinariwen.

The upper-left corner also features a small colour photograph of Kurt Cobain, with long blond hair and a distinctive facial expression.

Main Feature – John Lennon – Page 66

The magazine's principal feature is an extensive retrospective on John Lennon, beginning on page 66.

The article is written by John Harris.

The photographed contents page describes the feature as:

A year in the life of a revolutionary Beatle.

John Lennon – Music, Politics and Activism

John Lennon achieved worldwide fame as a founding member of The Beatles, alongside Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.

Following the band's extraordinary international success, Lennon became increasingly associated with political activism and the counterculture of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

His work with Yoko Ono included highly publicised peace demonstrations and artistic collaborations.

Among the best-known examples were their Bed-Ins for Peace, which attracted international media attention.

Lennon's politically associated recordings include:

• Give Peace a Chance

• Imagine

• Power to the People

• Working Class Hero

• Happy Xmas (War Is Over)

• Revolution

• Gimme Some Truth

These recordings helped establish Lennon as a prominent figure in the relationship between popular music and political expression.

The magazine's cover story explores this side of Lennon's career, providing an interesting retrospective for collectors of Beatles history and 1960s and 1970s counterculture.

Interior Photograph – John Lennon

The photographed contents page includes a colour archival portrait of John Lennon.

He is pictured wearing:

• A dark flat cap.

• Round sunglasses.

• A dark coat or jacket.

• Shoulder-length hair.

Lennon is photographed outdoors, with part of a city landmark visible in the background.

The image is labelled John Lennon – Page 66.

Its documentary appearance complements the historical subject of the main article.

Nirvana – The Lost Album – Page 44

A major feature examines Nirvana, beginning on page 44.

The article is credited to Gillian G. Gaar.

The contents page describes it as an investigation into the band's final recording sessions.

Nirvana and Kurt Cobain

Nirvana became one of the defining alternative-rock bands of the early 1990s.

The group's best-known line-up consisted of:

• Kurt Cobain – vocals and guitar.

• Krist Novoselic – bass guitar.

• Dave Grohl – drums.

Their albums include:

• Bleach (1989)

• Nevermind (1991)

• In Utero (1993)

Notable recordings include:

• Smells Like Teen Spirit

• Come as You Are

• Lithium

• In Bloom

• Heart-Shaped Box

• All Apologies

• About a Girl

• You Know You're Right

The magazine's feature examines the band's final creative period and the recordings associated with it.

Published in May 2004, the issue appeared approximately ten years after Kurt Cobain's death, making it a contemporary retrospective from an important anniversary period.

Interior Photograph – Nirvana

The photographed contents page features a black-and-white archival image associated with the Nirvana article.

The photograph shows a long-haired musician leaning over an electric guitar, with another person's arm and part of the instrument visible.

It is labelled Nirvana – Page 44.

The image has an informal documentary appearance, reflecting the article's focus on recording sessions rather than conventional publicity photography.

Morrissey – New Music Coverage – Page 90

The magazine includes coverage of Morrissey, the former lead singer of The Smiths.

The front cover advertises a New LP Exclusive, while the photographed contents page identifies a Morrissey item on page 90.

The issue was published during the period surrounding Morrissey's 2004 comeback album, You Are the Quarry.

Morrissey's Return in 2004

Following several years without a new studio album, Morrissey returned to prominence with You Are the Quarry.

The album included:

• Irish Blood, English Heart

• First of the Gang to Die

• Let Me Kiss You

• I Have Forgiven Jesus

The album marked an important period in Morrissey's solo career and introduced his music to a new generation of listeners.

Interior Photograph – Morrissey

The photographed contents page includes a colour performance photograph of Morrissey.

He is pictured singing into a handheld microphone while wearing a light-coloured jacket, shirt and dark tie.

His hair is styled in his distinctive swept-back quiff.

The stage background features warm orange and red tones, creating a dramatic contrast with his pale clothing.

The photograph is labelled Morrissey – Page 90.

Special Feature – 100 Greatest Protest Songs – Page 77

One of the magazine's most substantial features is its selection of 100 Greatest Protest Songs.

The article begins on page 77.

The photographed contents page describes the feature as a retrospective exploring major protest anthems from the twentieth century.

The selection examines songs associated with:

• Political activism.

• Anti-war movements.

• Civil rights.

• Social justice.

• Cultural protest.

• Freedom of expression.

• Political dissent.

• Countercultural movements.

The feature is particularly relevant to collectors interested in the historical relationship between popular music and social change.

Interior Photograph – Protest Songs

The contents page includes a large black-and-white photograph showing Bob Dylan and Joan Baez standing beside a framed protest-themed artwork.

Dylan is pictured on the left wearing a dark suit, while Baez stands on the right holding flowers.

The artwork between them contains the words:

PROTEST AGAINST THE RISING TIDE OF CONFORMITY

The photograph is labelled Protest Songs – Page 77.

The image is an especially interesting visual accompaniment to the magazine's retrospective on protest music.

David Byrne – Page 40

A feature examines David Byrne, the influential Scottish-born musician and former frontman of Talking Heads.

The article begins on page 40 and is credited to Sylvie Simmons.

The photographed contents page describes Byrne discussing artistic and classical subjects.

David Byrne and Talking Heads

David Byrne became internationally recognised as the lead singer and principal songwriter of Talking Heads.

The band were influential in the development of new wave, post-punk and experimental rock.

Their recordings include:

• Psycho Killer

• Once in a Lifetime

• Burning Down the House

• This Must Be the Place

• Road to Nowhere

• And She Was

Following Talking Heads, Byrne continued developing a diverse solo career involving music, visual art and performance.

The feature offers a contemporary look at Byrne's interests and artistic outlook during the early 2000s.

Fats Domino – Page 50

A major feature examines Fats Domino, the influential American rock-and-roll pianist and singer.

The article begins on page 50 and is credited to Michael Hurtt.

The contents page describes the writer visiting Domino at his home in New Orleans.

Fats Domino – Rock-and-Roll Pioneer

Fats Domino became one of the most successful early rock-and-roll performers.

His distinctive piano style and New Orleans rhythm-and-blues influences helped shape popular music during the 1950s.

Notable recordings include:

• Ain't That a Shame

• Blueberry Hill

• I'm Walkin'

• Blue Monday

• Walking to New Orleans

• I'm Ready

Interior Photograph – Fats Domino

The contents page includes a colour photograph showing Fats Domino standing outdoors in a light-coloured suit.

The image is labelled Fats Domino – Page 50.

It provides a visual accompaniment to the magazine's retrospective on his career and New Orleans musical heritage.

Festival in the Desert – Page 54

The magazine includes a feature on the Festival in the Desert, beginning on page 54.

The article is credited to David Hutcheon.

The contents page describes the event as one of the world's most dangerous music festivals and specifically mentions Tinariwen.

Festival in the Desert and Tinariwen

The Festival in the Desert became internationally recognised for showcasing music from Mali and the wider Saharan region.

The festival attracted musicians and audiences interested in traditional African music, desert blues and cross-cultural musical collaborations.

Tinariwen became one of the most internationally recognised groups associated with this musical movement.

The feature offers an interesting perspective on world music and the international festival scene during the early 2000s.

Will Oldham – Page 60

A feature examines Will Oldham, the American singer-songwriter also associated with the name Bonnie 'Prince' Billy.

The article begins on page 60.

The contents page describes Ben Thompson meeting Oldham for an interview.

Will Oldham's Musical Career

Will Oldham is known for his distinctive contributions to alternative country, folk and independent music.

His recordings include:

• I See a Darkness

• Horses

• The Way

• New Partner

His work has been released under several names, including Palace Music and Bonnie 'Prince' Billy.

Interior Photograph – Will Oldham

The contents page includes a colour close-up photograph showing a bearded man in profile.

The image is labelled Will Oldham – Page 60.

Additional Music Coverage

The photographed contents pages reveal numerous other articles, reviews and regular features.

Page 7 – All Back to My Place

A regular feature mentioning:

• Elijah Wood

• Carla Bruni

• Mark E. Smith

Page 9 – Theories, Rants, Etc

Reader commentary and music discussion referencing:

• Red Hot Chili Peppers

• Tony Rivers

• The Prodigy

Page 13 – Hot News

Music-industry news and commentary including:

• Morrissey

• Max Romeo

• Todd Rundgren

• Bob Dylan

• Harry J. All Stars

• Ben Kweller

• TV on the Radio

• John Frusciante

Page 20 – Rock Fashion

A retrospective feature examining fashion and performance in rock music.

The contents page includes a dramatic black-and-white stage photograph of a performer wearing a flamboyant white stage outfit with wide trousers and outstretched arms.

Page 34 – The MOJO Quiz

A regular music-themed quiz.

Page 38 – Real Gone

A retrospective feature referencing musician John McGeoch.

Page 89 – Albums

The album-review section references:

• Morrissey

• Jim White

• The Streets

• Graham Coxon

Page 94 – Album Photography

The photographed contents page includes album-cover artwork associated with The Streets.

Page 108 – Reissues

The reissue section includes coverage of:

• The Rolling Stones

• Terry Reid

• S. Q. Reeder

• Esquivel

The contents page also includes an image of a Rolling Stones record sleeve.

Page 118 – Books

Music-related book reviews referencing:

• Walter Yetnikoff

• Brian Jones

• Nina Simone

• Black Sabbath

Page 120 – DVDs

Music DVD coverage including:

• The Who

• Duran Duran

Page 122 – Lives

Live-performance reviews featuring:

• Little Richard

• David Axelrod

• The Fiery Furnaces

Page 124 – David Axelrod

The photographed contents page includes a performance photograph of David Axelrod, shown at a keyboard.

The image is labelled David Axelrod – Page 124.

Page 134 – How To Buy

A music-collecting feature referencing dub music and Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy).

Page 136 – Memorabilia

Music-memorabilia coverage referencing:

• Paul Weller

• Mod culture

• Collectible records

Page 138 – Enlightenment

A music-history question-and-answer feature.

Page 142 – Buried Treasure

A retrospective feature on Lewis Furey.

Page 146 – Hello/Goodbye

A historical music feature referencing Mark Skid, The Y-Fronts and Bob Geldof.

Interior Photography and Magazine Design

The supplied photographs show two original contents pages, providing a useful overview of the magazine's editorial design.

Page 3 – Main Features

The first contents page includes:

• A large black-and-white photograph of Bob Dylan and Joan Baez.

• A colour portrait of John Lennon.

• An archival photograph associated with Nirvana.

• A portrait of Will Oldham.

• A photograph of Fats Domino.

The page uses MOJO's characteristic combination of black headings, gold page numbers, archival photographs and modern editorial typography.

Page 4 – Reviews and Regular Features

The second contents page includes:

• A black-and-white rock-performance photograph.

• A photograph of David Axelrod performing at a keyboard.

• Album artwork associated with The Streets.

• A Rolling Stones record sleeve.

• A colour performance photograph of Morrissey.

The contents pages demonstrate the magazine's broad coverage of rock history, alternative music, popular culture and contemporary recordings.

Publication Details

Magazine: MOJO

Issue Number: 126

Publication Date: May 2004

Original UK Cover Price: £3.80

Country: United Kingdom

Language: English

Format: Printed Music Magazine

Main Cover Artist: John Lennon

Main Cover Feature: Lennon – Revolution in His Head

Main Cover Story Writer: John Harris

Other Featured Artists: Nirvana, Morrissey, David Byrne, Fats Domino, Will Oldham, The Rolling Stones and others

SKU: 1590

Condition – Important Information

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

The supplied photographs show the actual magazine being offered.

Front Cover

The striking red-and-black John Lennon cover remains clearly visible.

The main portrait, MOJO masthead and large cover headlines remain legible.

The red background retains strong colour, although surface wear and handling marks are visible.

Visible Wear and Imperfections

• Light surface rubbing across the front cover.

• Fine handling scratches and scuff marks, particularly noticeable across the black printed areas.

• Minor rubbing and wear along the upper edge.

• Slight wear around the upper corners.

• Minor wear along the right-hand edge.

• Light wear around the lower corners.

• General handling wear along the spine and left-hand edge.

• Some small surface marks visible on the red background.

• Slight curvature to the photographed interior pages.

• Minor handling wear around the interior page edges.

The lower-left corner of the front cover shows some visible rubbing and edge wear.

The darker areas of the cover show fine surface marks consistent with previous handling.

No obvious large tears or major missing sections are visible in the supplied front-cover photograph.

Spine and Binding

The spine appears present, with minor visible wear.

The magazine opens to display the photographed contents pages.

However, the entire binding has not been inspected page by page.

Interior Pages

The photographed interior pages appear generally clean and readable.

The printed photographs, headings and contents listings remain clearly visible.

Some natural page curvature is present where the magazine has been opened.

No obvious major tears are visible on the photographed interior pages.

The complete magazine has not been checked page by page, so full internal completeness cannot be guaranteed.

Overall Condition

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

The magazine shows light surface rubbing, minor handling marks, edge and corner wear and some general signs of age.

It is not being sold as mint or immaculate.

Please examine all supplied photographs carefully, as they form part of the condition description.

Important – Original Free Gifts and Additional Items

MAGAZINE ONLY.

Any original free gifts, promotional CDs, supplements, loose inserts or additional items that may originally have accompanied this issue are no longer included.

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

Packaging and Delivery

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

UK Orders: Dispatched in a protective hardback envelope.

International Orders: Dispatched in a sturdy cardboard mail-size box for additional protection during overseas shipping.

Collector Appeal

This original May 2004 MOJO issue may appeal to collectors of:

• MOJO Magazine back issues.

• John Lennon memorabilia.

• The Beatles.

• Yoko Ono.

• Beatles solo careers.

• 1960s and 1970s counterculture.

• Protest music history.

• Political music and social movements.

• Nirvana.

• Kurt Cobain.

• Dave Grohl.

• Krist Novoselic.

• 1990s grunge.

• Alternative-rock history.

• Morrissey.

• The Smiths.

• You Are the Quarry era memorabilia.

• David Byrne.

• Talking Heads.

• Fats Domino.

• New Orleans rock and roll.

• Will Oldham.

• Bonnie 'Prince' Billy.

• The Rolling Stones.

• Bob Dylan.

• Tinariwen.

• Vintage music journalism.

• Original music-magazine cover artwork.

• Classic rock and alternative music publications.

Summary

An original MOJO Magazine, May 2004, Issue 126, featuring John Lennon on the front cover.

The magazine includes a major John Harris retrospective examining Lennon's political activism and career, alongside an extensive Nirvana feature investigating the band's final recording sessions.

Additional highlights include Morrissey's 2004 musical comeback, David Byrne, Fats Domino, Will Oldham, the Festival in the Desert and MOJO's special 100 Greatest Protest Songs feature.

Further coverage includes The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, David Axelrod, Little Richard, Graham Coxon, The Streets and numerous other musicians.

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

Important: Any original accompanying free gifts, CDs or loose promotional items are not included.

UK Packaging: Protective hardback envelope.

International Packaging: Sturdy cardboard mail-size box.

SKU: 1590