The Seminary of Praying Mantis Publishing
2019
Paperback Replica Issue published by The Seminary of Praying Mantis Publishing / Hudley Flipside
The project of creating the first Los Angeles Flipside Fanzine # 54 Ten Year Anniversary issue is a scan of issue one through fifty. Different technology back in 1987 but our HP Laser printer in the office and camera, set up in our garage, both helped in the scanned copy layout of images. Both printer and camera made this issue happen. It was Flipside Fanzine magic. Our new Commodore 128 computer was a revolutionary thing at the time.
I painstakingly did all the layout for the first issue. We took highlighted interviews from each issue along with editorials. I did it then and I did it again with this replica issue. The only difference being is that the technology for this replica is a hell of a lot better. As well as the programs used to get Los Angeles Flipside Fanzine # 54 the way that it is. My dream was to come out with a paperback copy of this issue.
I adore this issue, so I preserved it.
The new cover is a picture by Al Flipside. Symbolic of how we bugged the bands and ran a punk rock fanzine together. This is one of my favorite pics of the early punk scene with…
Subhumans (Canadian Band) and Angry Samoans. Greg Turner, Metal Mike, Wimpy, Hud, Gary and Jim. I am holding Flipside’s tape recorder.
Click on image to purchase baby…
We recorded all of our band interviews included in each issue on this tape recorder.
We were always in the middle of bugging the bands, trying to capture their essence and the raw energy of their music. To me, it is symbolic of us—the relentless spirit of youth and passion for the punk scene. Al and I ran a Fanzine, a labor of love that allowed us to delve deep into the culture, connecting with artists and fans alike. It also shows you the world through Al’s eyes, a unique perspective filled with creativity and a knack for storytelling.
We literally had thousands and thousands of negatives and pictures in our office, a treasure trove of memories that documented not just the bands we loved, but also the rebellious scene of a musical movement that brought us all together. Each photograph told a story, reflecting the highs and lows, the camaraderie and chaos of life on the road, and the transformative power of music that deeply influenced our lives.
The yellow patina is gone, and the pages are all straight. This issue of Flipside # 54 was originally printed on newsprint paper, so the pages were yellow.
I put a great deal of time into making this paperback into the sweet little punk rock number that it is. Some punks have told me that this was their punk rock bible. It is Los Angeles Flipside Fanzine issues one through fifty. A lot of punk voices. The integrity of what punk was at any time during the original punk scene.
Flipside Fanzine # 54 captures the continuity and real experience and thoughtful wild exuberant expression of many interesting individuals. It was a passion of mine to share in this documentation of a scene. It still is, which is why I continued over the years with this project to have a new handheld Flipside # 54 for anyone who wants to hold it too. I think it is incredibly special, in a punk kind of way, I hope you will enjoy it too.
Within this paperback book is our history of the early punk rock scene.
We at Flipside dove headfirst into that scene—well, the parts we thought were worth it, anyway! To really grasp the wild ride we were on, you might want to flip through the editorial at the start of this paperback, which is basically our memoir, minus the embarrassing high school photos. After a decade of chronicling this chaotic circus in issues one through fifty, you’ve got a hefty read on your hands—might want to have a snack ready! And yes, a magnifying glass could come in handy, as we transport you back to the glorious days of original punk rock. Buckle up!
I always say the proof is in the pudding. Shit workers who worked on each issue are clearly defined in each issue. This is what I mean by proof. Always a lot of hands in the cookie jar at the Flipside house.
Suffice it to say I am excited to let this spectacular punk documentary shine brightly, showcasing the vibrant community of punk voices. It truly celebrates the uplifting punk rock narrative.
~ Hudley Flipside
#punkrock
