Mid 80's Chalky mate, 85/86 at latest I would say, maybe even 84. It was released just after Stafford 2 1/2 anniversary that was reviewed if that helps. I remember that because I had to redo all the page settings again to fit that in, which in this case was sticking them with sellotape on blank paper.
It took me about 6 months to complete, even though had lots of input. I had the letter from Pete for many months, even before Steve G had his first I think. If I hadn't been so slow to get it together I could have run to about 6 issues with just the responses. Instead Steve G had to act as UN peacemaker for half of his Backbeat editing career, and he made the £2.50 profit (over 12 years) rather than me based on response to Pete and Tommo the Bommo's letters
I had enough for about 3 other issues at that time, more interesting discogs etc but instead gave them to Pete as never got around to editing them, and there was some more mad stuff that ended up being in Pete's mags. I had such a great time at the Stafford I reviewed, having not been for 6 months, I came home, arranged a "temporary" break from my long term girlfriend (with a not you, its 2000 records I have just heard sort of excuse) and went out most weekends for the next 6 months! The visit to Dave M happened about 3 weeks later and my fortnightly journey to Stafford via Farnworth and/or Preston began. Doing a fanzine got lost in the way somewhere. Although I loved it, maybe my finest achievement to date. Maybe time for issue 2.
Its funny, I have been meaning to put Pete's article up and debate that, the arguments are exactly the same, 30 years on. Just there was more people on the side of the good guys then (which is obviously mines! ) and more passion, it was the sort of debate that had to happen in record bars and service stations rather than internet, and although there were a few fallouts, you certainly didn't get the spectacular flouncing off and taking the huff you get on line when you disagree with people. Although the magazine did result in me having an 8 hour discussion in the toilets of a Scottish allnighter defending my position, starting off with avoiding a bit of a doing and at the end of the 8 hours I like to think Mr Spence and I walked out as friends for life,
I like to think of it as my tribute to George Orwell, writing the future state as it would be 30 years later.
All my writing and every tape I have ever done, and CD has had that in title in some way. I have been sort of lucky that I realised I am always right from an early age......
A rather clever title when you think about it, and particularly around the circumstances of its time.