Scunthorpe Area Fanzines
Fanzines: The disposable, often amateur, cultural manifestations of 'wasted youths' expressions of frustration, idealism, love, anger and often blind hero worship, that have now become atrophied fossils of local social history. Often passionate and heartfelt, sometimes derivative, occasionally original, yet evidence of a creativity that is always worthwhile - for activity; positive or negative, is at least evidence that someone cares enough, if only to scream their impotence at empty skies that once, in the case of Scunthorpe at least, reflected the labours of so many of our families.
Note: This is an initial and far from comprehensive list of fanzines issued in, or associated with, the Scunthorpe area and people connected to, what was then a thriving music scene in and around the Steel Town of Scunthorpe in the late 1970's - early 1990's. Any additions, information and clarifications welcome! This will hopefully be updated as and when.
Fanzine cover scans - so far - from the collections of Mark Richardson and Pete Lazenby.
Note: This is an initial and far from comprehensive list of fanzines issued in, or associated with, the Scunthorpe area and people connected to, what was then a thriving music scene in and around the Steel Town of Scunthorpe in the late 1970's - early 1990's. Any additions, information and clarifications welcome! This will hopefully be updated as and when.
Fanzine cover scans - so far - from the collections of Mark Richardson and Pete Lazenby.
Letterbomb
According to one online source; "Letter Bomb was a Punk fanzine from Scunthorpe published through 1977." The web page I culled that information from has now vanished into the ether. I would love to see a copy of this early 'zine!
Revenge
Another early Scunthorpe punk 'zine we have, as yet, only heard about!
Feast In The Garden
Not actually Scunthorpe but Grimsby and edited by Janice and Terresa. At least four issues we know of: #3 published 1980. #4 dated? A4 sized 'zine, typed and photocopied; including poetry, comment, reviews, interviews with local bands.
Escape As Jet
A4 'Zine edited by D.P. Benson & C. Middleton, Scunthorpe. At least 3 issues - #1 dated? #2 possibly 1979, #3 probably 1980 as it was was advertised on the back page of Feast in the Garden #3 published that year. Containing; collages, philosophy, etc.
Lip Service
A4 sized Scunthorpe fanzine edited by Kev Reeder & Neil Donaldson. At least 6 issues containing opinion, gig reviews artwork, cartoons, adverts, poetry, etc. Photocopied at Scunthorpe Forwarding and sponsored by the Students Association (N.L.T.C.).
Dated: 1981 (#1), 1982 (#2, #3 March 82, #4 1982, #5 Aug/Sept 1982, #6 undated, possibly 1983)
Dated: 1981 (#1), 1982 (#2, #3 March 82, #4 1982, #5 Aug/Sept 1982, #6 undated, possibly 1983)
Divine Plague
Edited by Alan (Oggy) Ogg, at Winterton, near Scunthorpe. One issue that we have come across, that being number #1 from 1983. Typed, photocopied. Containing; Punk, New Wave, band interviews, reviews.
Exercise One
Edited by Mark from the intriguingly named 'The Brothers of the Soil Commune' and based at Messingham Road, Scunthorpe. Largely hand written and photocopied. One issue that we have so far come across: #1 1984? Indie, positive punk bands, animal rights and Factory Records.
The Primitive Patriot
The Primitive Patriot #1 (1983?), The Son of Primitive Patriot #2 (1984), The Return of the Primitive Patriot #3, The Primitive Patriot Rides Again #4, The Primitive Patriots Last Stand #5. A4 photocopied - at Scunthorpe Forwarding.
Lovingly hand crafted using paper, scissors, Pritt and ink, by prolific 'zine creator Sean Burkill somewhere in rustic Crowle. Content largely hand written rather than typed. I may be wrong with my numbering of these. 'Fun & Games' came next. Including all sorts of things; Interviews, articles, artwork and reviews, punk, anarcho-punk, crass-hippie punk, etc.
Lovingly hand crafted using paper, scissors, Pritt and ink, by prolific 'zine creator Sean Burkill somewhere in rustic Crowle. Content largely hand written rather than typed. I may be wrong with my numbering of these. 'Fun & Games' came next. Including all sorts of things; Interviews, articles, artwork and reviews, punk, anarcho-punk, crass-hippie punk, etc.
Prisoner of Charity
Edited by Chris, Broughton, near Brigg. Punk fanzine containing articles and band interviews. At least two issues – and the only reason I know about them is from issue two's mention in 'Primitive Patriot Rides Again.' c.1983/84?
Ignite
A4 'Zine edited by Jonny 'Sprog' Hill, in darkest Burton & Howard Foster, in sunny Bottesford, Scunthorpe. Two issues. #1 dated? & #2, 1984? Containing punk, new wave, local bands, articles, etc.
Fun & Games
A4 'Zine. A one off issue produced by the inimitable Sean Burkill that seems really to have been 'Primitive Patriot' number 6! From 1984, as it mentions the forthcoming first Rock Festival at Ashby Ville, Scunthorpe.
Corporate Death Burger
A4 'zine, edited by Pete 'Mono' Molnar, Scunthorpe. Two issues, including articles, drawings, animal rights and bands, etc.
Part typed, part handwritten. #1 early 1984 (going by an article with one of my drawings), and containing an interesting article critical of Factory Records dubious use of Nazi imagery and names (Joy Division, New Order, etc), and #2, probably late 1984.
Left: Pete 'Mono' Molnar, August 1984.
Photo: MJ Richardson.
Part typed, part handwritten. #1 early 1984 (going by an article with one of my drawings), and containing an interesting article critical of Factory Records dubious use of Nazi imagery and names (Joy Division, New Order, etc), and #2, probably late 1984.
Left: Pete 'Mono' Molnar, August 1984.
Photo: MJ Richardson.
Fuck Off & Drop Dead
A4 fanzine started by Mark Richardson, Ian Reid and Phil Lings, plus a variety of contributions by various odd-bods and lunatics from in and around the Scunthorpe area. Nine issues in all: #1 1985 (photocopied by those nice folks at Scunthorpe Forwarding), #2 Spring 1986 (ditto), #3 Summer 1986 (ditto), #4 Autumn 1986 (ditto), #5 Winter 1986 (but says inside "more like Spring 87", no doubt caused by the usual money problems - this the first offset printed by Fully), #6 Winter 1987 (again printed by the very generous Mr Fullerton), #7 Summer 1988 (printed again by Fully), #8 Summer 1989 (printed by Agit-Press, Leeds), #9 winter 1990-Spring 1991 (back to photocopied). Issue ten was partially completed but abandoned when we realised we'd not be able to afford to get it printed. Apologies to Herb Garden and Dark Carnival Distro whose interviews thus never saw the light of day. Contains the usual irreverent mix of punk and politics, articles, piss-takes, opinion, artwork, local bands and reviews, etc.
From FO&DD #3: “The FOADD Collective can boast the biggest bunch of drunkards, deviants, troublemakers, odd-balls, cripples, and perverts this side of Scunthorpe Police Stations Staff Canteen.” Blimey!
From FO&DD #3: “The FOADD Collective can boast the biggest bunch of drunkards, deviants, troublemakers, odd-balls, cripples, and perverts this side of Scunthorpe Police Stations Staff Canteen.” Blimey!
The Book Of Cyril
'The Book of Cyril' was the title of a proposed 'zine by local punks-about-town Andrew 'Steg' Walker and Paul 'Naylor boy' Naylor. As with bands, the idea of doing a 'zine was on many peoples 'to do' list. In reality, the work necessary to do either a fanzine or a band was far too much like hard work for most people, and so it was with 'The Book of Cyril' - included here as a tribute, of sorts, to Steg, may he and all the other punks that have gone before us Rest In Peace; rather than in the usual pool of spilt beer, vomit, fag ash, or face down with a glue-bag stuck to their foreheads, as one poor sod did!
Proposed content? Most likely much piss-taking and repeated quotations from the film 'Monty Pythons Life of Brian'!
Right: Paul Naylor and Andrew 'Steg' Walker RIP. The Pig & Whistle Beer Garden, 20th August 1983.
Photo: MJ Richardson
Proposed content? Most likely much piss-taking and repeated quotations from the film 'Monty Pythons Life of Brian'!
Right: Paul Naylor and Andrew 'Steg' Walker RIP. The Pig & Whistle Beer Garden, 20th August 1983.
Photo: MJ Richardson
Be Yourself No-One Else
Be Yourself No-One Else: Sparky Filter Product One.
Not strictly speaking a 'fanzine', more a booklet, produced by Craig Milner of the Scunthorpe band Declaration - a sticker of which band appears on the back cover.
This is a tiny (10.5 x 7.5cm) 16 page booklet that reminds me a little of Larry Laws 'Spectacular Times' booklets in that it uses words, illustrations and clippings from other publications to get its message across. The 'Sparky Filter Product One' hand written on the reverse would imply further releases, but of these I have not a clue.
Not strictly speaking a 'fanzine', more a booklet, produced by Craig Milner of the Scunthorpe band Declaration - a sticker of which band appears on the back cover.
This is a tiny (10.5 x 7.5cm) 16 page booklet that reminds me a little of Larry Laws 'Spectacular Times' booklets in that it uses words, illustrations and clippings from other publications to get its message across. The 'Sparky Filter Product One' hand written on the reverse would imply further releases, but of these I have not a clue.
Airstrip
A4 photocopied 'Zine edited by Sean Burkill, AKA Sean Airstrip, Scunthorpe. The most prolific producer of 'zines in the area. At least six issues of Airstrip, containing articles, band interviews, etc. Dates? Airstrip #2 1985. #3 and #4 1986?
From FO&DD #3: “Airstrip is the labour of love of one the most attractive and gifted young men ever to have fallen down the Baths' stairs blind drunk and vomit-encrusted. There's not much else to say really...”
Left: Sean Burkill, December 1985. Photo: M J Richardson.
From FO&DD #3: “Airstrip is the labour of love of one the most attractive and gifted young men ever to have fallen down the Baths' stairs blind drunk and vomit-encrusted. There's not much else to say really...”
Left: Sean Burkill, December 1985. Photo: M J Richardson.
... And Tomorrow?
Large A4 'Zine edited by Rachel Collen, Scunthorpe. One issue concentrating on anti-war, animal rights, and equality issues. Published 1986?
Precious Antiques
Edited by Amanda Burke, in the wilds of Westcliffe, Scunthorpe. At least one issue in 1988. Typed, and photocopied at Scunthorpe Forwarding. Including Andy White and The Pogues mainly. Interviews, reviews, fiction, poems, cartoons.
Grunt
A4 'Zine edited by Sean Burkill. Having escaped Scunthorpe and moved to the 'seething cultural hotbed' that was Leeds, what does a fanzine writer do but create a new 'Zine? included here because of his previous prolific 'local' output - oh, and also having the 'Furnace Arms' legendary drunk 'Martin' on the front of its first issue. "Whose the bloody Emperor?!" You are Martin! Or rather you were. RIP. At least 2 issues.
The Mouth
A4 fanzine edited by Steven Askew, Scunthorpe. Between 1987 and 1988 there being three issues - a fourth was planned but never published (which was to include interviews with Tom Robinson and Misty in Roots). Contents included band interviews, indie- pop stuff, cartoons, and often as not, It Bites - only joking - just the once!
Opposition
A4 political 'zine' edited and pasted up in chaotic fashion by Mark Richardson, Scunthorpe. One issue dated August/ September 1988. As usual meant to be the first of many but, the best laid plans of mice and inebriated punks being what they are... Mainly containing political articles concerning ID Cards and the Poll Tax; that being the main issue that provoked its creation. Printed by Mr Fullerton yet again. Top man! There was meant to be another specifically anarchist 'news letter' planned by Adam McF, to be called 'Adjustable Spanner', but this also did not get past the planning stage.
Scunthorpe Animal Rights News
A4 animal rights news sheet, included here because of the involvement of many people involved in Scunthorpe 'Crass Hippie' punk bands. From somewhere in the mid to late 1980's I'd guess.
Get a Grip, Ref!
A5 Scunthorpe United fanzine edited by Mik Henry & Steven Askew, along with Kevin Calpin, Christopher Henry and Phil Sanderson. Long running Scunthorpe United football fanzine produced in the early 1990's (and its successor, see below) and consisting of the usual football fanzine content of commentary and humour. First issue photocopied by Fully who then offset printed 'most' of the others. According to Fully: "The title was chosen by Mik Henry after he was most amused at me shouting said phrase on the opening whistle at a Scunny home game!"
Interestingly, both ceased publication after the club's Wembley appearances (play off final 1992 - lost / play off final 99 - won). Info from Steve Askew via Mr Fullerton.
Personally, being a Bolton Wanderers supporter (for my many and apparently varied sins) and having read many an issue of the old 'Tripe'n'Trotters' and 'White Love 'zines, I have an abiding love of football 'zines generally.
- 1990 - 92 : Get A Grip, Ref! (approx. 17 issues) - Mik Henry and Steve Askew.
- 1995 - 99 : Son Of A Ref (19 issues) - Steve Askew.
Interestingly, both ceased publication after the club's Wembley appearances (play off final 1992 - lost / play off final 99 - won). Info from Steve Askew via Mr Fullerton.
Personally, being a Bolton Wanderers supporter (for my many and apparently varied sins) and having read many an issue of the old 'Tripe'n'Trotters' and 'White Love 'zines, I have an abiding love of football 'zines generally.
Gig Central
An A3 sized, 20 page newsprint type paper. Not exactly a 'fanzine' but as an independently produced music paper it has a place here. Funded, I believe, by advertising revenue and I suppose, as such, a music version of the local free advertising rags 'The Target' and 'Scunthorpe Star'. Gig Central was produced during the 1990's. The only issue I still have being from July 1992 (it is undated but that must be the year) and is #4.
Produced by Ian 'Fido' Worthington, AKA 'Worthy', AKA 'Doctor Rock' and occasionally and somewhat unkindly referred to as 'Dr Pants', due to his propensity, at one time, to wearing what appeared to be baggy multi-coloured pyjama bottoms. When I first made his acquaintance Worthy was a 'rocker' (as in Rock and Roll) but soon graduated to a leather wearing metal-head and sometime Motorhead roadie.
Filled with news, occasional interviews, gig dates, record, demo and gig reviews, and of course adverts. Having lost all but one copy of this I am unsure as to how long it was produced - I am sure someone can enlighten me! It was a 'worthy'-while project while it lasted and probably underappreciated at the time.
Produced by Ian 'Fido' Worthington, AKA 'Worthy', AKA 'Doctor Rock' and occasionally and somewhat unkindly referred to as 'Dr Pants', due to his propensity, at one time, to wearing what appeared to be baggy multi-coloured pyjama bottoms. When I first made his acquaintance Worthy was a 'rocker' (as in Rock and Roll) but soon graduated to a leather wearing metal-head and sometime Motorhead roadie.
Filled with news, occasional interviews, gig dates, record, demo and gig reviews, and of course adverts. Having lost all but one copy of this I am unsure as to how long it was produced - I am sure someone can enlighten me! It was a 'worthy'-while project while it lasted and probably underappreciated at the time.
I-G
A4 'zine edited by Aston Stephens, at Halton Fenside, near Spilsby in Lincolnshire. Okay, another not strictly speaking 'in' Scunthorpe, but it is in East Lindsey in Lincolnshire and that's near enough for jazz to me. Also, Aston being responsible for the prolific Boss Tuneage Records label responsible for the reissue of Terminus records on CD and had other Scunny music connections. At least 5 issues, #5 being produced in March 1990. Containing huge amounts of record and tape reviews, plus band interviews.
Big Thing
Fanzine from Old Brumby, Scunthorpe. At least one issue, dated summer 1990. Eclectic content with interviews, articles, reviews, Scunthorpe United. A5, photocopied, with reduced type.
Get That Anorak Off
A5 'zine edited by brothers Paul (in Scunthorpe) & Alan Fairnie (then in London). #1 (undated, #2(?) with flexi by The Williams), #3(?) with flexi. Indie type fanzine. Photocopied. Probably from the early-mid 90's. Unsure of the dates of any of these, but the issue I have/ had appears to be from the early 1990's - it mentions The Williams name change to Sunburst, which happened when Paul was working with me on the ET ('Extra Tenner') scheme in 1992(?) But there is no date and no number on that particular issue.
Does Your Dog Moult?
A5 sized 'zine edited by 'Simon, John, Mark and Steve' in sunny Messingham (look for 'there be Dragons' on the map and you'll find it). One issue that I am aware of, with a 5 track flexi by Refrigerator, Snog 6, Paste, The Keatons and Kennedy. Indie type fanzine. Printed (by Juma) 1992.