48 Thrills
48 Thrills was one of the earliest punk fanzines with its first issue published in November of 1976. Its editor was Adrian Thrills who went on to write for the N.M.E. and was one of the journalists responsible for the now iconic C86 tape.
Adrian frequented the Roxy Club and a circle of friends that included other punk fans/fanzine writers who were going to see emerging punk bands like Alan Anger who produced the Live Wire fanzine.
Alan Anger (Live Wire Fanzine) Because there were only a few of us going to watch these support bands like Adrian Thrills [48 Thrills fanzine], Shane [Bondage fanzine], Chaos (Claudio) an accountant by day. Arcane Vendetta [These Things fanzine] and Mark P [Sniffin’ Glue fanzine]. Virtually the same sort of people you are bumping into really. Punk77 Interview, 2007
All issues were classic A4 size cut up and paste graphics with a mixture of typed and handwritten text. Issue 1 featured the Sex Pistols, The Clash, Eater, and Subway Sect; Issue 2, from 1977, featured The Clash, Generation X and The Jam. On the cover of Issue 4, published 1977, is a photo of The Clash; Issue 5, also from 1977, featured a photo of Johnny Rotten. Issue 6 is with The Slits on the front with very short pieces on The Boys, The Rezillos, The Wailers and a lengthy interview with former Sex Pistols producer Dave Goodman.
Editor Adrian says of his zine in Virginia Boston’s book Punk Rock which featured among lots of punky other things, fanzines and quotes from their writers, “I do the mag because it’s enjoyable writing, gives me a feeling of involvement and a chance to say exactly what I feel.”
Unlike others who took on adverts and cash, the fanzine avoided the temptation and issue 3 proudly announces on its cover “…and the only adverts in this mag are T.V. Smith’s fucking group!” Which must have been doubly hard as it featured Chelsea and The Cortinas both on Miles Copeland’s Step Forward label and who loved doing some targeted punky advertising.
Adrian was a very early fan of the Jam and Paul Weller once plugged 48 Thrills on stage at the Marquee in London, and the Jam even helped staple an edition together while recording their first album at Polydor’s studios. He’s also name-checked on the album Dig The New Breed.
A brief six years , sweaty frantic Red Cow residency, 1st week 50 people, 2nd week 100, by the fourth week. A queue around the block! SWITCH the marquee with Shane, Claudio and Adrian dancing on stage to the confusion of the usual Marquee hippies!
See the whole of Issue 3 at the Still Unusual BlogSpot
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