ABOUT ROD - News, December 26, 2009: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Following an absence of four years the printed edition of Smiler returns in January! The much loved fanzine has bought fans un-rivalled news, features, interviews and photographs for nearly 30 years.

The new fanzine – the first since 2005 - is dedicated to the memory of Smiler’s cherished North American Secretary who died last year. Rita is pictured with Rod on the front cover and Marcy Braunstein pays tribute to her friend in a touching article featured inside.

Issue 87 of Smiler has been in the works for many months and has been a closely guarded secret. However, we can now reveal that it will be the first of a regular series that will focus on various themes of Rod’s career starting with the celebrated Mercury years. Features include Mike Walton’s exclusive interviews with three of the musicians that helped to make Rod’s Mercury albums so special: Madeline Bell (Every Picture Tells A Story), Martin Pugh (Gasoline Alley) and Pete Sears (Gasoline Alley, Every Picture Tells A Story, Never A Dull Moment).

Other major articles include Neal Webb’s essay on the pros and cons of a Faces re-union, John Gray’s tribute to drummer Mickey Waller, an over-view of the recent Warner Brothers re-issues, exclusive photographs by Rod’s wife Penny and by distinguished photographers Philip Morris and Daniel R. Patmore, plus some exciting and exclusive news for Faces fans!

Printed in full colour, Smiler remains the quality publication you would expect. Issue 87 will be the subject of a special launch party early in the New Year. More details to follow soon.