In conversation with Chris Salewicz about the early days of The Face at Bookseller Crow on Tuesday
//John Lydon. From The Face issue 8, December 1980. Photo: Sheila Rock//
//Grace Jones. From The Face issue 6, October 1980. Main photo: Jill Furmanovsky//
//Divine. From The Face issue 9, January 1981. Photo: Sheila Rock//
Here’s a selection of articles for early issues of The Face by veteran music journalist/author (and my old mucker) Chris Salewicz to mark the fact that he and I will be in conversation about my new book The Story Of The Face at leading south London independent bookshop Bookseller Crow on Tuesday evening (November 28).
//Kensington Market. From The Face, issue 7, November 1980. Photos: Sheila Rock//
//Carlo Manzi. From The Face issue 11, March 1981. Photos: Mike Laye//
//Adam Ant. From The Face issue 12, April 1981. Photos: Jill Furmanovsky//
Salewicz – or “Sandwich” as he was christened by Joe Strummer, subject of one of his towering biographies – was a contributor to The Face from its earliest issues, having worked with Nick Logan during The Face founder’s tenure as editor of the New Musical Express between 1973 and 1978.
As Salewicz recounts in my book, when it was revealed to his NME workmates that he was filing copy for The Face he was warned off fraternising with what was becoming a serious rival. “I said, ‘Fuck you”. I realised I had to get out of there. Writing solely about music was too limiting.”
//Jah Wobble. From The Face issue 17, November 1981. Photos: Sheila Rock//
While music remained central to his output, Salewicz did stretch his wings at The Face with pieces on the late trash superstar Divine, model-turned-singer Grace Jones, menswear expert/collector Carlo Manzi and the latest wave of outlets to hit Kensington Market.
//Debbie Harry + Chris Stein. From The Face issue 18, October 1981. Photos: Anton Corbijn//
//Linx. From the Face issue 20, December 1981. Photo: Mike Laye//
//Kim Wilde. From The Face issue 23, March 1981. Photos: Davies/Starr//
If you’re in the area do come along to Bookseller Crow. The event starts at 7.30pm. Free entry; I’ll be signing books through the evening. Details here.