Issue #100: Broken Arrow Magazine

Simply amazing!

The epic publishing milestone of 100 issues of Broken Arrow Magazine arrived in the mail on November 12 - conveniently Neil Young's birthday. And definitely something everyone who is a member of the Neil Young Appreciation Society can be proud of.


Broken Arrow covers

No other fan club in the world has published for so long or for so many consecutive issues. Not Dylan, The Stones or even the Beatles. As editor extraordinaire Scott Sandie explains, while Bruce Springsteen's Backstreets also started in 1980, the Boss' fanzine has only published 80 issues thus far.

Again, an achievement which all of the editors and publishers can look upon proudly.

Issue #100 ranks right up there with other all time classic issues like #23 with John Einarson's original research on Neil Young and The Squires (which was eventually published in book form), #59's The Ducks Retrospective, and #96 on Times Fade Away by Pete Long.

The issue itself is a fabulous treasure trove of Neil trivia never before published.

The interview by Johnny Rogan with Neil's manager Elliot Roberts is probably one of the most insightful interviews ever published on the relationship between an artist and his business manager.

The Zuma and Greendale album cover artist Jim Mazzeo is also interviewed by Johnny Rogan. Priceless stuff. Says Mazzeo:

"I've done a portrait of Neil for the cover of Broken Arrow. It's really weird, it's the first time I ever really tried to do a portrait of him. I stretched him a little. I stretched his head long and narrow. He came out interesting looking. All I can say is - look at it and after a few minutes it'll start to talk to you."

A Rare Copy of Broken Arrow Issue #1 - 1980

It goes without saying that the Society owes an enormous debt to the original founders Paul Makos, Richard Hoare, Grahame Reed, David Clarke, Angus MacSwan, and Andy Cox.

And then there is Alan Jenkins who edited and published over 80 issues virtually single-handedly. Alan, this post's for you!

As always, the Society struggles with finances, membership administration and publishing logistics, to say the least. This has always been a voluntary effort done for the love of Neil's music. Clearly, Scott's editorial is setting the stage for the next chapter of the Society. Folks, this is more than any single individual can handle year after year.

If you can help out, please contact Scott at surfer-joe@nyas.org.uk

Lastly, let Thrasher just say this: (and how can I put this delicately without guilt tripping?) if you're really a true Neil Young fan than you are a member of Neil Young Appreciation Society. Period. For the cost of just a few days of Starbucks coffee you can be a member of the world's greatest fan club. So join today and don't be denied!

Super job Scott. On to #200!!!

Thrasher - NYAS#2476


More on back issues of Broken Arrow magazine.