The Best of Jamming!: Selections and Stories from the Fanzine That Grew Up, 1977–86

Tony Fletcher & Billy Bragg

Softcover | 20.96 x 2.54 x 30.48 cm | 288 pp

Omnibus Press | 2021 | 9781913172305 

One of Britain’s best-loved and most successful fanzines, Jamming! documented the musical landscape as it evolved between 1977 and 1986. An immensely evocative read this book perfectly encapsulates the excitement and unprecedented potential of the DIY era.

Fully illustrated throughout, The Best of Jamming! includes numerous stand-out pieces from the zine’s impressive 36 issue-run, from early features on The Jam, The Smiths, Run-D.M.C, Cocteau Twins and The Beat, to surprise exclusive interviews with Paul McCartney, U2 and Pete Townshend. Personal letters from Mark E. Smith, Paul Weller and others appear alongside arts, sports and politics features, poetry and a Foreword by Billy Bragg.

Having guided Jamming! from a 6-page school publication to a nationally distributed monthly, editor Tony Fletcher provides behind-the-scenes insights, while musicians and former contributors reflect on their interviews and Jamming!’s long-lasting influence.

'Jamming! came of age at a time when pop was suffused with ideas, and did its damndest to give a platform to those challenging the mainstream. It did so with that youthful optimism as proclaimed on its front cover, a refreshing counter to the cynicism that was the default setting for its rock press rivals.' - Billy Bragg

'The literal embodiment of the punk aesthetic, Jamming stands as a proud testament and witness to its time.' - Guy Pratt

'It was the reason I ultimately got Creation Records together.' - Alan McGee