Sniffin' Glue was a British punk rock fanzine that operated during the mid‑to‑late 1970s. It is notable for its role in chronicling the early UK punk scene and for influencing the development of independent music journalism.
Overview
- Format: Self‑produced photocopied magazine (often referred to as a “zine”).
- Founder/Editor: Mark Perry, a former member of the band Alternative TV.
- First Issue: 14 May 1976.
- Publication Frequency: Initially weekly, later reduced to monthly.
- Ceased Publication: 1979 (exact final issue date varies among sources).
History
Mark Perry launched Sniffin' Glue in 1976 while still a student at the University of London. The publication’s subtitle, “the punk rock weekly,” reflected its ambition to provide rapid, grassroots coverage of the burgeoning punk movement. Early issues were produced using a mimeograph machine, resulting in a distinctive, low‑cost aesthetic that mirrored the DIY ethos of the music it covered.
The fanzine gained prominence by publishing interviews, live performance reviews, and eyewitness accounts of bands such as the Sex Sex Sex, The Damned, and the Clash. It also featured contributions from other nascent punk figures, including musicians and fans who would later become prominent in the scene.
Content and Influence
Sniffin' Glue is credited with:
- Documenting Early Punk: Providing contemporary, first‑hand reportage of key concerts and events in London and other UK cities.
- Promoting DIY Culture: Encouraging readers to create their own music, art, and publications, often through editorial pieces that advocated a “do‑it‑yourself” philosophy.
- Influencing Independent Media: Serving as a template for later independent music magazines and zines both in the UK and internationally.
Despite its brief lifespan, the fanzine’s impact persisted, with numerous scholars and music historians citing it as an essential primary source for the period.
Legacy
After the cessation of Sniffin' Glue, Mark Perry continued to be involved in the music press, founding the record label Fresh Records and contributing to other publications. Archived copies of the zine are held in several library collections, including the British Library, and have been reprinted in anthologies covering punk history.
Etymology of the Title
The origin of the title Sniffin' Glue is not definitively recorded in reliable sources. It may reference the colloquial phrase “glue sniffing,” which describes the inhalation of adhesive vapors for psychoactive effects, a practice sometimes associated with countercultural or punk subcultures. However, no authoritative source confirms this interpretation, and the title could also have been chosen for its provocative, attention‑grabbing qualities.
See Also
- Punk rock
- Fanzine
- List of punk magazines
References
- Perry, Mark. Sniffin' Glue: The Punk Rock Weekly (selected issues, 1976–1979).
- Savage, Jon. England’s Dreaming: Anarchy, Sex Pistols, Punk Rock, and Beyond. Faber & Faber, 1991.
- “Sniffin' Glue.” British Library Catalogue, British Library.
Categories: British music magazines; Punk rock; Defunct magazines published in the United Kingdom.