Clash have been handed an extract from a letter written by Morrissey to legendary fanzine Ablaze!
To those who discovered it, Ablaze! stood out as a beacon of left field music journalism, written from the heart and focussing on new and underground music. Sometimes based in Leeds, other times based in Manchester the 'zine was run by the self-styled Karren Ablaze! and cut a swathe through indie music in the late 80s and early 90s.
A new book aims to collect the cream of the fanzine's output, bringing together rare interviews from a host of musicians. Alongside this, 'The City Is Ablaze! – The story of a post-punk popzine, 1984 – 1994' contains some new writing from the Ablaze! team and contributions from fellow fanzine alumni John Robb (Rox), Dave Haslam (Debris) and Richard Johnson (Grim Humour). As if that wasn't enough, the hefty tome also features essays by DIY cultural commentators Lucy Cage and Deborah Withers, a re-examination of the Riot Grrrl movement, and an epilogue by Gary Jarman.
Phew!
Known for its barbed wit and confrontational style, Ablaze! won friends and admirers during its run. One piece on The Smiths earned the wrath of Morrissey, who fired off a handwritten missive to Karren Ablaze! in order to present his views. Part of the new book, Clash has been granted an exclusive extract to run online.
Check it out below.
Pre-orders are available now, click HERE for full details.
