Gold – First Issue Review

Gold, the music magazine launched with an initial print run of 87,000 hits the shops this week. The nostalgic monthly concentrates on the 50s, 60s and 70s; in an editorial letter to readers the editor, David Sandison says, “We are dedicated to bringing back the good times, nothing more or less”.

The glossy title has fairly long editorial articles on subjects such as the lost Beatle, a tribute to Mary Quant and Adam Faith. Despite its content, visually the magazine has a modern, uncluttered feel.

There are reviews on books and videos which concentrate on those years, as well as fashion pages which highlight the changes since then. Regular features are a Mike Read quiz, and “Nostalgia Network”, a pull-out section which is a listings guide for the month on any 50s, 60s or 70s related programmes on television and radio. A regular theme throughout seems to comparisons between “then and now”.

There being no one in the MediaTel office owning up to remembering those good old days, it is hard to comment on how popular the magazine will be; it is unlikely to appeal to anyone who is not yearning for “the good times”.

The 68 page magazine has 10 pages given to advertising, 2 of those classified. Major brand advertisers are Butlins, Xtra am radio and Capital Gold radio. Ad manager is Adam Thorpe 071 602 6620.