“COME BACK SPECIAL THE BANDS THAT REFUSE TO DIE” page 36
The contents page explains what is meant by the magazines front covers cover line ‘Come back special’ by informing readers that a number of older rock bands are coming back together. The band Mott the Hoople is one of the groups who are reuniting. The teaser for the article about them on the contents page reveals that this is their second attempt at reforming; which is emphasised by the repetition of the word 'second' as this creates a sense of doubt about whether they actually will or not. This makes the band seem like they are all talk and no do, which implies a lack of care and commitment from them. The contents page also contains a quotation from an interview with the lead singer of Mott the Hoople, who claims that they will definitely come back this time. This persuades readers to read the full article on page 36 as they query this statement due to the bands previous failure to come back together; it may also make readers wonder why this was the case the first time round. The contents page portrays the band as being not particularly exciting or interesting, but instead, quite dull and unenthusiastic. Which again relates to their second attempt at coming back together, suggesting that they are not that bothered about it and are not dedicated to their career anymore. However, there is a possibility of this being linked with their age as Mott the Hoople are a band who have been around since the 60s, meaning that they are now quite old, therefore it is questionable whether they will live up to their expectations. As this band have been around for a long period of time, the extract about them on the contents page may attract attention from people who were fans about them when they first came about, which will excite them and want to know more.
“PEARL JAM Right now we’re better than we’ve ever been” Page 44
The description of the band Pearl Jam on the contents page contains a quote from an interview from the main singer of the band, which illustrates them as communicating directly with their fans. This direct and openness makes the article article about them seem as if it will be personal and honest; which portrays them as down to earth people who have not been consumed by their fame.This piece of speech tells readers that the band have never really seriously considered giving up, which implies that they are dedicated to their profession and have a passion for it as they have been around for many years. It also suggests that they will not allow any obstacles to prevent them preceding the band. ‘Giving up’ is a phrase often associated with being defeated, therefore we are informed that Pearl Jam will not let anything overcome them no matter how serious it may be. However, it also suggests that something occured to them that forced them to break up, making readers curious as to what it was and emphasising the committment of the band. It could also possibly make readers sympathise them as they understand that they have experinced a difficulty. The fact that they never wanted to give up also suggests that the band members have close, strong and supportive friendship bonds within the band, so will help each other in order to keep it going. The strength of the bond is particularly emphasised as it makes readers understand that they are too strong to just give up because of difficulties that they are facing. Similarly to Mott the Hoople, Pearl jam are also a rock group who have been around for a long time, therefore the information about them on the contents page will please their fans with the news that they are getting back together.
“KISS the batteries are recharged” page 58
The spoiler for the article about the band Kiss on the contents page reveals that there is rivalry between members of the band, as it mentions how Paul Stanley admits to ‘taking over the band reins’ from Gene Simmons due to his aim of creating their best album yet. This hints that they band members have unstable friendships as a result of unequality within it. There is an explanation mark after it says ‘and Simmons lettings him’ which implies that this is a great surprise, as Simmons is the lead one of the lead singers so may be used to having control over the band; which also implies he has a repuation for dominating it. Kiss are a rock group who have been in the business since the late 60s, which now leaves them on the verge of old age, therefore the fact that they thriving to create their best album yet seems slightly strange due to their age. Kiss are known for their distinctive image - a white painted face with black patterns, including stars, all over it - which is the main thing that increased their fame as they looked quite frightening. Readers may doubt whether their upcoming album will actually be their best on eyet as as it is not normal for people in their sixties to paint their faces and do performances as most of their peers are retired. However, this presents the band as quite exciting and unique as it shows that they are determined to carry on making music despite their age. The fact that they claim to be making their best album yet also intrigues readers and makes them wonder if they really will live up to this expectation.
I found some examples of existing Alternative/ Rock music magazines and analysed and compared the content on their contents pages to the information in the double page spread articles. This helped me to begin to think about what information I should include on my own contents page when I come to create it in order to make the magazines articles seem exciting and encourage people to read them. This task also gave me an insight as to what sort of content readers of music magazines like to see in magazines.