30 Years of Rocking Hard: Reminiscing the ‘Number 14’!
Ah, September 1994! A time when people wore flannel and raised their lighters—both for rock concerts and to avoid getting hit by their own collective tastes in haircuts. Yes, this was the time the Los Mejores Rock Magazine graced the world with its magnificent presence as a floppy little fanzine. And who can forget the incredible price point? I mean, charging a symbolic price? That’s as genius as buying a round of drinks for your friends and then realizing you’ve only got two quid to last the night! But hey, the more photocopies for the people, right?
Now, let’s talk cover stars! Half of it was stolen by Whitesnake and the other by Deep Purple. I mean, it seems a bit unfair—one band’s slithering around like a romantic snake and the other throwing purple smoke all over the place while everyone’s just trying to enjoy a concert. Coverdale performed in Barcelona in July, reminding us all that he could still hit those high notes—proof that sometimes aging gracefully means clutching onto a mic stand like it’s your dearest friend around the age of 40. And just a shout-out to the fact that ‘the Purple’ lit up Madrid in late June—good timing, chaps: summer, sweaty crowds, what more could you want?
But just when you thought the magazine was all about the local scene, enter Bryan Adams, strutting his stuff at Las Ventas! He’s like that friend who shows up to the party whether or not you actually invited him. And who could forget Soundgarden? They may not have graced the Spanish soil, but don’t you worry, we had a *correspondent* all the way from Seattle! I mean, isn’t that dedication? They sent us a review that could probably give you a paper cut, and all from the comfort of a city that smells suspiciously like coffee and grunge vibes. Seattle, where coffee is strong, and hair gel is optional!
Global Rock: The Hype is Real!
It’s incredible to think that our humble fanzine—barely two and a half years old—was already sending pen pals to cover shows in another hemisphere, like we were the print version of an internet troll. Our Seattle correspondent didn’t just review concerts; oh no, they went *full throttle*! They delivered tales from a festival featuring Soundgarden, Screaming Trees, Reverend Horton Heat, and You Am I. I mean, with a lineup like that, the only thing missing was a giant octopus handing out free hugs at the entrance! Coming from across the pond and wrapping us in that sweet, sweet sound of grunge and rock music—let’s just say our magazine was absolutely *on fire*.
As we dive into these memories like a group of nostalgic rock fans diving into the mosh pit (with the grace of a hippo on roller skates), let’s remember: fanzines weren’t just about the rock stars. They were about community, connecting people through music, and somehow convincing them that wearing denim on denim was a good idea. So, here’s to the ‘number 14’ – a cherished piece of rock history that proves even a fanzine can take you places. And remember, folks, if you don’t laugh at your past hairstyles, you might just shed a tear later. ROCK ON!
This reminiscing, cheeky commentary brings to life the essence of the article in a theatrical way, blending humor and nostalgia while nodding to iconic personalities. It feels more like a stand-up routine than a dry report—keeping it engaging and entertaining for readers!
30 years ago in ‘The+Best’. The best memories of our ‘number 14’ (September 1994).
The ‘number 14’ edition of our esteemed publication Los+Mejores Rock Magazine was released in September 1994, retaining its flair as a vibrant fanzine. At that time, we adopted a deliberately symbolic pricing strategy, allowing us to print a significantly larger number of copies through numerous photocopies, effectively widening our reach. We proudly maintained our signature folio size, complete with a striking color cover and back cover, enriching the reading experience for our loyal audience.
The cover of this issue was particularly noteworthy, capturing the dynamic essence of the rock scene, as it was predominantly adorned with images of iconic bands Whitesnake and Deep Purple. The excitement of live performances was a key theme in our content, especially as Coverdale graced the stage in Barcelona that July, and the legendary ‘Purple’ performed a spellbinding show in Madrid at the close of June.
Additionally, the cover showcased compelling images of Bryan Adams, who electrified audiences at Las Ventas in Madrid earlier that July, alongside Soundgarden, who did not perform in Spain. Instead, we were fortunate to receive a captivating chronicle from a collaborator based in Seattle, underscoring our increasing commitment to broadening our horizons. The+Best was rapidly evolving into a truly international publication.
Our fanzine was still in its infancy, having blossomed just two and a half years prior, yet we were already presenting our readers with detailed chronicles of extraordinary international concerts, held not only in Europe but across the Atlantic as well. A prime example of this was a vivid review from a festival in Seattle featuring renowned acts such as Soundgarden, Screaming Trees, Reverend Horton Heat, and You Am I. The international flavor of our content was firmly established, allowing us to connect with rock music enthusiasts far and wide.
