The MRR archives continue:
Maximum Rocknroll #2 “¢ Sept-Oct 1982
Continuing with our MRR Archives series in celebration of our 30th Anniversary, here is the complete download of Maximum Rocknroll issue #2 (download available in our webstore soon). Our guest MC this time is Martin Sprouse, whose past contributions to MRR are innumerable, and who continues to be a mentor and inspiration to us all. Thank you Martin!
I remember the day I walked into San Diego’s Off the Record and saw the stack of Maximum Rocknroll #2 on the counter. I picked up a copy and stared at the cover.
Body. Flag. Corporation.
There was no accompanying text, just a stark, black and white photo. As a teenage punk, this image instantly resonated with me. It looked different. It read different. Without any effort, it made a point-blank statement.
After joining MRR in 1985, I referred to this photo when I designed covers for the magazine. It set the stage for using the cover more as a political poster than a sales tool. MRR covers were never treated as protected real estate. We didn’t follow a set of standards or codes to ensure sales. The cover was where we had the freedom to do whatever we wanted.
I don’t remember the photo’s back story or how it became the cover. Was it meticulously planned or spontaneously thrown together? Probably a combination of both. Either way, the cover for MRR #2 made a lasting impression on me. Thirty years later, this photo could easily be used for the cover of MRR #352. Its sharp message remains as relevant today, if not more so.
I also want to congratulate the MRR readers, volunteers, writers, contributors, supporters, distributors, critics, and enemies from the last 30 years. You have made MRR possible. Thanks.
— Martin Sprouse, 2012
PDF download of MRR #2 will be available soon in the MRR Webstore!
Read more of our MRR Archives series here.
