From the summer of 1991 through the summer/fall of 1993, I published a quarterly heavy metal music magazine called Nocturne Magazine. My staff, contributors and myself wrote articles, took photos and did layouts. This was before the Internet and so I spent a lot of money getting the issues printed. I got a few advertisers but it was more a labor of love as these were all distributed free at clubs and record stores.
I did, however, experience a wealth of amazing experiences; utilize my writing, editing and photography talents; enjoy music that I loved; showcase local bands; and meet a lot of incredibly talented and fun people. The Bay Area heavy metal community was very active, creative and welcoming. I also got to interview a lot of musicians who came into town. It was a heady time of big hair, loud music and colorful clothing; and we all partied like rock stars and sometimes even with rock stars.
Here are all the nine issues of Nocturne Magazine with interviews with famous bands noted (click on the green links to see the pdfs):
Vol. 1, Issue 1 – Mr. Big, Megadeth and the three Dokken spinoffs (Don Dokken, Lynch Mob and War and Peace)
Vol. 1, Issue 2 – Tesla, Bad English and Extreme
Vol. 2, Issue 1 – Queenscryche, Soundgarden, Ugly Kid Joe plus Foundations Forum* 1991 coverage
Vol. 2, Issue 2 – Slaughter, Pantera, Primus and Savatage
Vol. 2, Issue 3 – Iron Maiden and White Zombie
Vol. 2, Issue 4 – Motorhead, 4 Non Blondes and Bonham
Vol. 3, Issue 1 – Ministry, Suicidal Tendencies, Ramones and Warrant plus Foundations Forum* 1992 coverage
Vol. 3, Issue 2 – Primus and Faith No More
Vol. 3, Issue 3 – Living Colour and Radiohead plus Lollapalooza 1993 photos
*Foundations Forum was a heavy metal industry convention that was held in L.A. at various hotels.