Spin-off series launched after best ever circulation figures for Classic Rock
20/03/09 – Future, the special-interest media group and publisher of Classic Rock and Metal Hammer, have revealed Classic Prog – a new series of specials dedicared to the resurgent progressive rock genre.
With prog rock music enjoying a renaissance, Future’s Classic Prog seeks to engage with fans of the genre. The prog rock rival promises to be big news in 2009 thanks to the 30th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s The Wall album and dedicated evenings of TV programming from both BBC and Sky.
Taking the successful formula that made Classic Rock the UK’s fastest-growing music magazine, Classic Prog promises to mix legendary bands like Pink Floyd and Yes with coverage of today’s greatest prog-flavoured acts, including Muse and Radiohead. Classic Prog also champions the growing legion of “new prog” – groups like Diagonal, Dream Theatre and The Mars Volta.
The Classic Prog specials are edited by globally renowned rock music writer Jerry Ewing, who founded Classic Rock for its previous owners Dennis Publishing, in 1998.
The first Classic Prog special goes on sale Wednesday 25th March and leads with a comprehensive profile of Pink Floyd and the “gods of prog.” The magazine also reviews the latest prog rock albums and gigs, whilst Comedian Phill Jupitus talks about his love for Genesis, and TV presenter Matthew Wright reveals his massive prog rock collection.
The inaugural special comes with a “new prog” CD, which sees the team handpick the cream of up and coming prog musicians, including the hotly-tipped Diagonal. The Classic Prog package is rounded off in a lovingly crafted and lavishly designed collectors’ wallet, echoing the most extravagent prog rock album sleeves of the sixties and seventies.
Chris Ingham is Publisher of Future’s music-listening portfolio:
“The Classic Prog specials give Future a fantastic opportunity to explore another musical niche passionately supported by real music fans, but largely ignored by traditional media. Classic Rock and Metal Hammer have championed rock music for more than a decade, and 2008 was their best year yet, as the reach and influence of the brands continued to grow across print, online and live events.”
“Classic Rock and Metal Hammer were born out of the hunger music enthusiasts have for a deeper engagement with their favourite acts. Classic Prog has the same potential to ignite the passion of real music fans.”
Future’s music-listening portfolio had its best-ever year in 2008, with both Classic Rock and Metal Hammer reporting their highest ever ABC circulation figures. Classic Rock reported a 4.1% year-on-year increase to 70,188 copies, further increasing its sales lead on weekly ‘modern music’ titles Kerrang! and NME. Sister-title, Metal Hammer saw its sales grow by 9.7% year-on-year to gain ground on its main rival, Kerrang! – who reported an ABC decline of 32.1%
The first Classic Prog special goes on sale Wednesday, 25th March with a coverprice of £7.99 with a CD of “new prog” music, packed into a collectors’ wallet.
ENDS
About Future
Future plc is an international special-interest media group that is listed on the London Stock Exchange (symbol FUTR). Founded in 1985 with one magazine, today we have operations in the UK, US and Australia creating over 180 special-interest publications, websites and events for people who are passionate about their interests. We hold strong market positions in games, film, music, technology, cycling, automotive and crafts. Our biggest-selling magazines include T3, Total Film, Digital Camera, Fast Car, Classic Rock, Guitar World, Official Xbox Magazine, Official Playstation Magazine, Nintendo Power, Maximum PC and MacLife. Our websites include gamesradar.com, bikeradar.com, techradar.com, and musicradar.com. Future produces over 4 million magazines each month; we attract more than 18 million unique visitors to our websites; and we host 25 annual live events that attract hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts. In addition, Future exports, syndicates or licenses its publications to 90 countries internationally, making us the UK’s number one exporter and licensor of monthly magazines.
For more information
Will Guyatt, Media Relations Manager, Future UK, 01225 822517.
