For All Performers and Portrayers
Fanzine Archive
When it comes to Rush fans, there has always been a common thread that radiates among them all - the desire to share what the band and their music means with one another. Nowadays fans connect the world over through websites, social media, and forums dedicated to Rush. However back in the 1980s, fans had few options to connect with one another, to say nothing about obtaining news about the band. Fortunately a few adventurous fans decided to produce their own magazines dedicated to Rush. “Fanzines” as they came to be known, were certainly not as high-tech or polished like mass-produced magazines, but the passion and dedication of these fans clearly shown through.
One such fan, Eric Merola of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, launched his own Rush fanzine titled ‘The Necromancer’ back in July of 1988. The fanzine was filled with articles on Rush, information on live recordings, album reviews, interviews, and more. In the inaugural issue, Eric introduced his fanzine to Rush fans across the globe:
Congratulations! You have just purchased the ultimate Rush magazine. “THE NECROMANCER” will not only bring you closer to all of today’s Rush happenings and events but help you remember the magic created by the most powerful music trio in the history of rock and roll. Since this is our premiere issue we will have to tell you what’s in store for “The Necromancer’s” future and how it will affect you.‘The Necromancer’ launched its first four issues across four consecutive months – from July through October of 1988. It then published its next five issues on a bi-monthly basis, ending with its final ninth issue on July/August 1989. Though the fanzine came to an end over thirty years ago, it has now found new life here at Cygnus-X1.net. A complete archive of each issue is now available for your reading and reminiscing pleasure.
In our upcoming issues we will deliver in-depth interviews plus album reviews that you may have missed before. We will give you access to a large selection of Rush live recordings and videos. This magazine is a must for all die hard Rush fans. We encourage opinion letters, or just tales from the road that you may have experienced.
Very special thanks go to Bob Nippert who provided the scans of each issue and, of course, Eric Merola whose vision of connecting Rush fans together lives on today.
Enjoy the look back. -John
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