Premium prog rock title increases print run following sell out first issue
04/05/09 – Future, the special-interest media group has announced the second of its Classic Rock Presents: Prog specials (Classic Prog), following news that the first of its premium Classic Rock spin-offs had sold out across the UK.
Launched in March, the first of the Classic Prog specials has now sold more than 90% of its print-run, at a coverprice of £7.99. Future launched the spin-off after its parent title, Classic Rock recently announced its best-ever ABC results.
Joining Classic Rock and Metal Hammer in Future’s roster of specialist music titles Classic Prog has allowed the company to dedicate an entire magazine to the rapid revival of progressive rock. Interest in modern prog-tinged bands like Muse and Radiohead have led to a growing number of music enthusiasts listening to rediscovering legendary acts like Pink Floyd and Yes.
The inaugural Classic Prog special proved so popular that Future has upped the print run for the second issue by 30% and committed to publishing a further four editions, before the end of 2009.
Edited by globally renowned rock music writer Jerry Ewing, the second Classic Prog special goes on sale Thursday 20th May – with a coverprice of £7.99. The issue pitches the “new gods of prog”, avant-garde acts like Muse, Radiohead and The Mars Volta against the established old guard – including King Crimson and Mike Oldfield. Classic Prog also countsdown the Top 50 prog albums of all time, as voted for by readers, as well as reviewing the very latest album releases, classic reissues and live concerts from prog rock acts.
Once again packaged in a lovingly crafted and lavishly designed collector’s wallet with echoes the most extravagant prog album sleeves, the title offers music fans a covermounted CD, with an exclusive track from Dream Theater, as well as tunes from acts including Aquaplanage, Gazpacho, IQ and Pictorial Wand.
Chris Ingham, Publisher of Future’s music-listening titles, said:
“We’re delighted by the success of Classic Prog on a challenging newsstand. With a premium coverprice, it was created with real music enthusiasts in mind and the response has been overwhelming. Future’s music titles have long explored the niches ignored by mainstream media, so Classic Prog gave us another great opportunity to champion some great music.
“Our music brands are born out of the hunger that music enthusiasts have for a deeper engagement with their favourite genres, bands and stars. Classic Prog is already proving its potential to ignite the passion of real 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. Future’s Metal Hammer also saw sales grow by 9.7% year-on-year to gain ground on its main rival, Kerrang! – who reported an ABC decline of 32.1%.
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.
