Rolling Stone UK launches in print and online as sibling publication to Attitude
Bastille's Dan Smith and Self Esteem took to the stage at last night's launch event in London
Words: Jamie Tabberer; pictures: Rolling Stone UK featuring Sam Fender (one of three cover stars), and Bastille’s Dan Smith performing with Self Esteem (Markus Bideaux)
Rolling Stone UK launched yesterday (29 September 2021) in print and online as a sibling publication to Attitude.
The iconic brand, which was founded in the US in 1967, joins Stream Publishing after a lavish event in London’s Rosewood Hotel.
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The magazine launches with three covers in total: pop band Bastille, singer-songwriter Sam Fender and No Time To Die star Lashana Lynch.
The bi-monthly publication will be edited by Cliff Joannou, who is also editor in chief of Attitude.
Dan Smith, front man of Bastille [above, second from left], performed at last night’s party along with pop star Self Esteem [below].
“Artists speaking truth is more important than ever”
Speaking to Attitude at the event, Smith emphasised the importance of the music and culture press in 2021, pointing out it is a way to platform artists’ voices.
“Artists having opinions and speaking truth? That’s more important than ever,” the ‘Things We Lost In the Fire’ and ‘Happier’ singer said.
“There are as many reasons if not more as there have ever been in terms of what’s happening in the world – climate, politics.
“And we live in an interesting world where younger generations are really outspoken and having something to say. You can get that message through in art, as it’s always been, but also through the press.”
Says Cliff Joannou, Editor-in-Chief, Rolling Stone UK: “Our goal is simple: to provide a platform for the most creative voices in music, film, television and current affairs – and to do so we’ve reached out to a combination of the UK’s edgiest new writers, established journalists and respected thinkers.
“It’s a peculiar place that we find ourselves: bringing a publication with such tremendous gravitas as Rolling Stone to the UK. While our partners at Rolling Stone US have more than 50 years of history, we begin at square one. That’s a challenging and thrilling prospect and our mission is to bring the brand’s famed rebellious streak to a nation of artists, musicians, actors and creatives who have never liked to follow the pack.
“At the core of the Rolling Stone ethos is a desire to question the establishment, to be neither static nor apathetic, to seek out the new while learning from the old, and to always ask how the world could be a better place.”
Also in attendance at last night’s event were BBC radio’s Adele Roberts, who took to the decks as DJ, plus TV star Tom Allen and singer-songwriter Birdy.
You can follow Rolling Stone UK on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram now.
The inaugural issue of Rolling Stone UK is on sale now. Subscribe in print and receive free access to the digital edition. Follow on @RollingStoneUK.