We always like to help out the competition here at Moshville Times (metal’s on the whole a nice, friendly scene), so we were overjoyed when we heard that Team Rock’s paper-based titles had been picked up by Future Publishing after Team Rock’s collapse in December. You may have heard of Metal Hammer, Prog and Classic Rock… I know we’re your main source of news and reviews, but these guys are OK, too ;)
Following on from the sudden closure of publishing company Team Rock in December 2016, the company’s print titles (Metal Hammer, Classic Rock and Prog Magazine) are all set to release their new issues, starting with Metal Hammer today, February 10th. The good news comes following the recent acquisition of the three titles by former owner, Future Publishing, in early January 2017. Classic Rock and Prog Magazine are set to release their new issues shortly after.
The new issue of Metal Hammer features 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 frontman M Shadows.
Metal Hammer Editor-in-Chief Merlin Alderslade had this to say on the issue:
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, M Shadows, accepted our invitation to conduct this once-in-a-lifetime chat, we knew we were making history. And, if the amazing 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 ionate 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 istration 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, 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 via MyFavouriteMagazines.
