Blogpost: The Formative Years – Maximumrocknroll

Posted by T • August 10, 2020

Posted by T • August 10, 2020

The Formative Years – Maximumrocknroll

There are many ways to skin a cat when it comes to the creation of a fanzine.

Having the core interests and common denominator somewhat defined as it was the case with punk rock in the 1980s and the potential audience having had to overcome to an obstacle or two to find their way to the scene, the creation of engaging content with a resulting emotional connection and a sense of belonging was a tad easier to achieve as at least in the beginning, the recipients of fanzines was a rather exclusive club looking to immerse themselves in and find information about their passion.

Delivering content in a relatable, conversational style and having idiosyncratic writers that infuse the publication with their own personality, always helps to further refine a personal style that make the editorial content stand out, to add character and ultimately – at least back in the day – it trumped stylish design.

A major drawcard for me as a juvenile delinquent that attracted me to reading – fanzines or other literary emissions – was that I learned something from it, no matter if it was something factual, inspiring, opinions and insights and that it was challenging in some way and, almost equally important, to experience a reduced barrier between the writer and myself.

Enter “MRR”, i.e. Maximumrocknroll from San Francisco.

I do not think that it would be considered a hyperbole to claim that what was initially derived from a radio show and found its first incarnation as the accompanying booklet to the fantastic “Not so quiet on the Western front” compilation, MRR in the pre-internet age quickly became the bible for anyone looking to learn about punk rock subculture and its branches outside the confines of their own scene, city, country and continent.

Founder Tim Yohannan and his crew managed to create a consistent beat and an overarching structure that enabled readers to easily find what they were looking for, while the diversity of the contributors kept the reading experience fresh and engaging.

With the usual ingredients of music related interviews, news and review, especially the columns section with a wide array of relatable international scenesters sharing insights on their scenes and independent coverage that other established mainstream magazines could only dream of.

Literally every reading session of the hefty magazine, ended with me employing an English dictionary to write to contributors and engage with people from the ad section to trade records or order in bulk from distributions that advertised in MRR from all over the world.

Given the interactive environment MRR created, it should not be further wondrous that when they published their guide “Book Your Own Fuckin’ Life” in the early 1990s, it became the ultimate guide for bands to book tours, finding venues and likeminded people when traveling overseas, and to initiate contacts on the ground and go from there.

My first visits to the US and other countries saw me armed with the aforementioned book and the most recent issue of MRR to guide me through the respective cities via the addresses for record stores and venue advertised. Many friendships resulted and evolved, some of which eventually transitioned into the electronic realm and continue to this day.

After MRR created the blueprint of what a worldwide punk rock fanzine could look like and by never not championing a DIY attitude, it spawned the welcome advent of many other fanzines, which again enriched and cross-pollinated the scene and at times helped to ignite a feud or two.

Eventually, in 2019 and after over four hundred issues, MRR ceased to have a physical release and moved online, which naturally took away a bit from the tangible charm it once had before the advent of an age where information was readily available at your fingertips without ever sacrificing its relevant for punk rock.

T • August 10, 2020

More recent blogposts

Coheed and Cambria, Taking Back Sunday and Foxing

Posted by Mirela Z. • August 27, 2025

Coheed and Cambria, Taking Back Sunday, Foxing Budweiser Stage Toronto, Canada August 24, 2025 What a treat catching two great bands Taking Back Sunday and Coheed and Cambria co-headlining on their 2025 North American tour. Special guest Foxing, from St. Louis, Missouri, opened the night with a 30 minute set, weaving delicate melodies into explosive waves of emotion that filled … Read more

Chevelle – Bright as Blasphemy tour 2025

Posted by Mirela Z. • August 23, 2025

Chevelle @ Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, Canada August 20, 2025 That feeling, when you’re having the best experience ever, and you don’t want it to end! Chevelle delivered a powerful headlining performance marking a high-energy stop on their 38-date North American Bright as Blasphemy tour, with supporting acts Dead Poet Society and Asking Alexandria setting the stage. A wall … Read more

Less Than Jake Summer Circus @ RMA 8/1/25

Posted by Aaron H • August 6, 2025

Less Than Jake - Credit: AMH The circus is in town. Less Than Jake are currently on their Summer Circus Tour promoting their latest EP, Uncharted. They've brought along ska and punk legends Fishbone and The Suicide Machines and ska newcomers, Catbite. Together, they've melded a perfect mish-mash of bands suitable for all ages. Riverside was in for a good … Read more

The Hives @ Enmore Theatre

Posted by T • July 26, 2025

The Hives Enmore Theatre Sydney, Australia July 23, 2025 Let’s be clear: The Hives didn’t play a show. They detonated one. On a cool Sydney night at the Enmore Theatre, the Swedish kings of garage rock stormed the stage like tuxedoed insurgents, staging a velvet-clad coup d’état against anything remotely resembling restraint. It wasn’t a concert. It was controlled chaos … Read more

Gob @ Peterborough Music Festival

Posted by Mirela Z. • July 22, 2025

Gob @ Peterborough Music Festival Peterborough, Ontario, Canada July 19, 2025 Gob nailed their set, energizing both die‑hard and casual fans alike. The band’s punchy hooks and raw performance had the crowd bouncing throughout the 90‑minute set, delivering both nostalgia and vitality. A perfect addition to a summer night in Peterborough! All photos by @front.row.fans Read more

Murder City Devils/Animal Self @ GHCH 7/12/25

Posted by Aaron H • July 17, 2025

Murder City Devils - Credit: AMH The Murder City Devils don't get out much anymore, so when the opportunity presented itself, I made my way down to Pomona to catch one of the 2 shows they had lined up in California. They brought along Animal Self, which features Kareem Karam and Coady Willis from Murder City Devils as well as … Read more

Daryl Gussin - A Year In Submission

Posted by Jiffy Marx • July 16, 2025

Can't say my review of it will be as well written or entertaining as this book of 50 poems by Daryl Gussin. Daryl is the managing editor of Razorcake. Daryl was in an awesome punk band called God Equals Genocide. Daryl is my friend but also possibly my spirit animal. Part of me wonders if the leather jacket that Daryl … Read more

Tripping Daisy North American Tour 2025

Posted by Mirela Z. • July 13, 2025

Tripping Daisy @ Lee's Palace Toronto, Canada July 11, 2025 Tripping Daisy brought us back to 1995 and sounded better than ever! When the crowd sings along 30 years later there’s no better feeling! All photos by @front.row.fans Read more

Death from Above 1979

Posted by Mirela Z. • July 6, 2025

Death from Above 1979 @ SummerStage New York, USA July 2, 2025 Death from Above 1979 tore through SummerStage with pure, unfiltered energy. The Toronto duo delivered a thunderous set packed with fuzzed-out bass, pounding drums, and raw vocals that had the crowd thrashing from the first note. From classics like “Romantic Rights” to newer bangers, the band was tight, … Read more

Sum 41 @ Scotiabank Arena

Posted by Mirela Z. • June 19, 2025

Sum 41 final shows - day 1 of 2 Scotiabank Arena Toronto Canada Jan. 28, 2025 All photos by @front.row.fans   Read more