The Rocket: A Blast from the Past in Music Journalism

The Rocket: A Blast from the Past in Music Journalism

The Rocket magazine played a crucial role in the 1980s and 1990s by spotlighting Seattle's grunge scene and launching iconic bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam into the music industry spotlight.

Martin Sparks

Martin Sparks

The Rocket: A Blast from the Past in Music Journalism

Imagine a time when the grunge scene was exploding, and Seattle was the epicenter of a musical revolution—this was the world of The Rocket, a music magazine that captured the essence of an era. Founded in 1979 by Bob Newman and Charles R. Cross in Seattle, Washington, The Rocket became a pivotal publication for music enthusiasts, especially during the 1980s and 1990s. It was a bi-weekly magazine that provided in-depth coverage of the burgeoning local music scene, offering a platform for emerging artists and bands who would later become household names.

The Rocket was more than just a magazine; it was a cultural phenomenon that chronicled the rise of iconic bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden. It served as a launchpad for these artists, giving them exposure at a time when the music industry was undergoing significant changes. The magazine's pages were filled with interviews, album reviews, and concert listings, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the latest musical trends.

The publication's influence extended beyond Seattle, as it became a voice for the alternative music scene across the United States. The Rocket's unique blend of insightful journalism and passionate storytelling resonated with readers, helping to shape the narrative of the music industry during a transformative period. Its legacy lives on as a testament to the power of independent media in amplifying the voices of artists and shaping cultural movements.