Three of music's best loved magazines - Metal Hammer, Classic Rock and Prog are all set to return this month after being saved by former owner Future Publishing. The titles were feared after publisher Team Rock collapsed in December.
The return is being spearheaded by the return of Metal Hammer, on February 10th. Both Classic Rock and Prog Magazine are set to release their new issues shortly after.
The new issue of Metal Hammer is set to feature a world exclusive interview with heavy metal godfather Ozzy Osbourne on the retirement of Black Sabbath, who recently completed their 'The End' tour in Birmingham on February 1st. The interview was conducted by Avenged Sevenfold front man M Shadows.
Speaking about the relaunch, Metal Hammer Editor-in-Chief Merlin Alderslade says; “When we were tasked with producing something special for our comeback issue, we knew we couldn't hold any punches. Having Ozzy Osbourne's final interview under the Black Sabbath moniker was epic enough, but when our good friend in Avenged Sevenfold's M Shadows accepted our invitation to conduct this one-in-a-lifetime chat, we knew we were making history.
Referencing the galvanising efforts of the rock world in supporting the stricken titles, Alderslade continues; "If the amazing support we have received over the past two months is anything to go by, I can promise you we're only just getting started. Thank you to everyone for the amazing love you've shown us during these insane few weeks. We hope this issue does you all justice.”
Avenged Sevenfold were one of several high profile bands who, over Christmas 2016, championed a JustGiving campaign started by Ben Ward of Orange Goblin. Others include Frank Turner, Machine Head, and Rush, who spread the word and donated, alongside thousands of passionate rock and metal fans around the world. The campaign was also shared on social media by the likes of Queen and British comedian Bill Bailey. The fund raised close to £90,000, all of which was donated to the staff of Team Rock, following the company being placed into administration on December 19th 2016. All staff were told abruptly they would be made redundant and received no wages for their work in December.
Team Rock was founded in 2012, and bought the Classic Rock, Prog Magazine and Metal Hammer titles from Future Publishing in 2013. At the time of closure, administrator FRP stated the company's website attracted more than three million hits per month, and the company owns an extensive archive of video, radio, images and magazines.
Fans wishing to subscribe to Metal Hammer can do so at this link.