The Buzzcocks' vocalist Howard Devoto (b. Howard Trafford, 1955, Manchester, England) left that band in January 1977, although he continued to be involved on the fringe of their activities for some time. In April he met guitarist John McGeoch (b. 28 May 1955, Greenock, Strathclyde, Scotland, d. 4 March 2004, London, England) and together they started writing songs. They formed Magazine with Devoto on vocals, McGeoch on guitar, Barry Adamson (b. 1 June 1958, Moss Side, Manchester, England) on bass, Bob Dickinson on keyboards and Martin Jackson on drums. The band played their debut live gig at the Rafters in Manchester, on 28 October 1977. Their moody, cold keyboards and harsh rhythms were in sharp contrast to the mood of the day: "Everybody was playing everything ultra fast, as fast as they could. I thought we could begin to play slow music again."
Magazine signed to Virgin Records but Dickinson left in November and as a result, their debut, "Shot By Both Sides', was recorded by the four remaining members. Dave Formula was recruited in time to play on their long-playing debut, Real Life. Next to leave was Jackson who departed after their first tour. Paul Spencer came in temporarily before John Doyle was recruited in October 1978. This line-up remained for the next couple of years, although McGeoch was also playing with Siouxsie And The Banshees, and, along with Adamson and Formula, in Steve Strange's Visage. Their albums received universal acclaim but only their first single and 1980"s "Sweetheart Contract" dented the charts. As the latter was released McGeoch left to join Siouxsie full-time and Robin Simon (ex-Neo and Ultravox) was brought in on guitar. A tour of the USA and Australia - where a live album was recorded - led to Simon's departure and Ben Mandelson (ex-Amazorblades) came in for the band's last few months. The departure of Devoto in May 1981 signalled the unit's death knell. The body of work they left behind, however, is surprisingly enduring given its angular and experimental slant. Devoto went on to a solo career before forming Luxuria.
