Kindred Spirit - The Story of a 1980's Hull Fanzine

For the benefit of those who have not previously read this blog, inspired by Paul Weller and The Jam, throughout 1983 and 1984 I wrote and edited a music and poetry fanzine in Hull called 'Kindred Spirit'. Four issues were produced. They featured a mix of local bands and well known names such as The Smiths, The Clash, Red Guitars, Killing Joke, Chris & Cosey, The Police, The Cult, The Exploited and Sex Gang Children. The music related content was interspersed with poetry, artwork and topical views. The key interviews and reviews featured have already been transferred to the blog, along with several posts dedicated to The Jam. I invite you to take some time exploring the contents when you have a moment or two to spare. Fanzines were an important strand of a rich tapestry that was collectively referred to as "DIY culture". I was lucky enough to be in possession of a portable typewriter, but many fanzines were handwritten. There was none of the cryptic language used ...

It's been a long time coming, but here is my seventh and final online scrapbook dedicated to The Jam. Now I have published the 40th anniversary edition of Kindred Spirit I feel as though I have finished what I started back in 1983/4 and it's time to channel my energy in other directions. It has been an absolute joy and a pleasure compiling the posts over the last few years and sharing with you all the stories and memorabilia relating to the best band in the f**king world that people have been kind enough to share with me. Are you ready to take a walk down memory lane with me one last time? Anyone who follows me on X will know that 2024 was the year of The Jam/Paul Weller poll. I posed all sorts of different questions, some of which I cannot take credit for thinking up. We've covered many different angles, from favourite 'Video Snap' video to most underrated song. From best Foxton moment to album tracks that could have been a single. The grand finale was a marathon p...