Considering the shift from print to digital in music journalism its a sign of Rolling Stone magazine’s cultural strength that it has managed to remain as relevant as ever, largely thanks to the magazine’s cover; an icon in the music industry, defining various eras in music and being graced by the likes of Prince, Madonna, and Jay Z, to name a few.
It’s no wonder that their significance is being paid tribute to in an upcoming exhibition, which will showcase Rolling Stone Australia magazine covers from the years 1972 to 2010 for the first time in Australian history.
The exhibition, simply titled Rolling Stone: The Covers, is set to be held at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum in Lilydale from 20th April to 7th July this year. It will display 150 of the magazine’s covers spanning over 40 years.
Kristen Fiztpatrick, the exhibition’s curator has emphasised the cultural importance of showcasing the magazine’s best covers, “this exhibition chronicles the evolution of our cultural landscape and will trigger nostalgic memories of significant moments in the history of rock ‘n roll, and their associated personal memories for all that come to view it.”
“The influence of Rolling Stone extends beyond music – this magazine has been the birthplace of some the greatest careers in photography, journalism, and design,” said Fitzpatrick. “The influence of Rolling Stone extends beyond music – this magazine has been the birthplace of some the greatest careers in photography, journalism, and design.” – Kristen Fitzpatrick, exhibition curator.
The press release commented on the importance of Rolling Stone magazine for its ability to “reflect both global and Australian popular culture with passion, honesty and attitude.”
With the first issue produced in 1972, the Rolling Stone magazine front cover has featured an incredible list of musicians, as well as politicians and actors, making it a reflection of modern pop culture.
Love The Beatles?
Get the latest The Beatles news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more
The magazine covers featured at the exhibition will include INXS frontman Michael Hutchence, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, comedian Steve Martin, model Miranda Kerr, politician Paul Keating, Madonna, Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Bono, and The Beatles.
Rolling Stone’s logo has remained the same since first being designed in 1968 by American psychedelic artist Rick Griffin and the iconic masthead has remained the same ever since. Since then, the numerous front cover images have been shot by many well known photographers. Including Annie Leibovitz, the American photographer who shot the famous John Lennon and Yoko Ono bed photo for the cover was a staff photographer at the magazine for 10 years.
Editor in chief, Matt Coyte spoke of the magazine’s importance in light of the new exhibition saying, “Rolling Stone is much more than a music magazine – it’s about everything that makes music matter, from the political to the personal to the profound. With wit, originality and flair, Rolling Stone covers everything that’s important to the leading thinkers among today’s young adults.”
The exhibition is being presented by Artisan, a not-for-profit company which supports local and international art, craft, and design exhibits that receives sponsorship from Arts Queensland (State Government), The Australian Council, and The Commonwealth Government Art’s Funding and Advisory Body.
Below is just a taster of the covers that will be on show for the exhibition. Head to the Yarra Ranges website or the Facebook event page for more info.
