NME Magazine 23 August 1997 Richard Ashcroft The Verve Prodigy Blur Metallica NP003

Original NME Magazine dated 23 August 1997, with Richard Ashcroft of The Verve dominating the front cover.

The cover is centred around a large close-up portrait of Richard Ashcroft, accompanied by the major headline “NARC LIFE! THE VERVE” and a feature line referring to Ashcroft and drugs. This places the issue firmly within the period surrounding The Verve’s major late-1990s breakthrough and makes it particularly appealing to collectors of The Verve, Britpop and 1990s British music memorabilia.

The cover also promotes a substantial range of other contemporary music coverage, including:

• The Prodigy
• Blur
• Metallica
• Bentley Rhythm Ace
• Cast
• The Levellers
• Super Furry Animals
• Kool Keith
• Travis

A prominent cover feature advertises The Prodigy and Blur live in Chelmsford and Leeds, while other headlines reference Metallica, Bentley Rhythm Ace and Cast.

The supplied interior image shows the magazine’s news section and provides further useful period content. A large feature headed “‘MOR’ from Blur” includes a photograph of Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon and discusses Blur’s touring and forthcoming music activity.

Also visible is a substantial article titled “Prodigy’s tour of the land”, featuring Keith Flint and Maxim and covering the band’s UK arena touring plans following their V97 festival appearances. This is particularly relevant for collectors of The Prodigy and late-1990s electronic music memorabilia.

The same page also includes:

• Ash recruiting a new guitarist
• Music-industry and tour news
• Contemporary Blur information
• The Prodigy touring details
• Additional late-1990s alternative and indie music news

This is a strong snapshot of the UK music scene in summer 1997, combining Britpop, indie, alternative rock, metal and electronic acts from one of NME’s most collectable periods.

Magazine / Item Details

• Publication: NME / New Musical Express
• Item Type: Magazine
• Full Date: 23 August 1997
• Main Cover Star: Richard Ashcroft
• Main Band Featured: The Verve
• Other Cover Features: The Prodigy, Blur, Metallica, Bentley Rhythm Ace, Cast, The Levellers, Super Furry Animals, Kool Keith, Travis
• Cover Price: 90p / US $3.95
• Issue Promotion: 80-page issue
• ISSN: 0028-6362
• Era: 1990s
• Genre Focus: Britpop, indie, alternative rock, electronic and rock music
• SKU: NP003

Condition

Pre-owned vintage condition with visible age-related handling and storage wear.

The front cover shows noticeable creasing and surface rippling, particularly across the main cover image and along the outer margins. There is visible edge wear around all sides, with the right-hand edge appearing slightly uneven and worn.

The corners show some softening, curling and bending, especially around the lower corners. The top and bottom edges also show light waviness and compression consistent with long-term storage.

There is some visible age-related toning/discolouration to the pale outer borders, together with minor marks and handling wear. The left-hand side/spine area shows creasing and compression from use.

The interior page shown also has light waviness, edge wear and age-related toning. The right outer edge is slightly uneven, while the printed photographs and text remain clearly visible and readable.

No major large tears, heavy staining or obvious writing are visible in the supplied images. Condition assessment is based on the two supplied photographs, so areas not shown cannot be fully assessed.

Packaging & Postage

The magazine will be carefully and safely folded and packed inside a protective cardboard box for posting.

It will be packed securely to help reduce the risk of bending, crushing and general transit damage while on its way to the buyer.