Classic Mixmag front pages

THEY are the DJs that have made generations dance, and now their faces will be projected onto a four-storey block in the heart of the West End.

It’s part of celebrations to mark the 40th birthday of the DJs’ monthly must-read, Mixmag.

From Daft Punk to Carl Cox, Gorrilaz to Annie Mac, the names that have graced the front covers of the famous music monthly are a who’s who of modern dance music.

Mixmag started as a subscription newsletter. As Disco took over the nightclubs and DJs became more prominent, the magazine saw the need for a publication that spoke to the selectors.

It came out in 1983 as a black-and-white 16-page newsletter with the Soul band Shalamar as the first cover stars.

Elton John was an early supporter.

Mixmag’s MD Nick Stevenson said the magazine walked hand-in-hand with the growth of dance music, predating Acid House and acting as a mirror to a cultural phenomenon that is a truly global language.

He said: “As the world’s biggest, longest-running and most respected dance music media brand, our 40 years of covers tell the history of nightlife, from the birth of Acid House to the rise of the superstar DJs, from the early discos and warehouses to the global festivals and arenas.”

The exhibition is also raising funds for CALM, a mental health charity.

Mr Stevenson added: “It’s our honour to open our archives and showcase the most iconic collection of covers and streams, and while doing so raising money for CALM, a charity that does incredible work for suicide prevention, bringing people together to show life is worth living.”

The magazine now has 25 offices around the world and has 60 million readers each month.

And Denmark Street was the home to two of the most influential music publications ever – NME and Melody Maker, making the show particularly relevant.

Outernet’s Sam Webb added: “As an entertainment district, music is at the heart of what we do at Outernet.

“So, it’s a pleasure to partner with our friends at Mixmag as they celebrate an incredible 40 years at the forefront of the dance music scene. We’re thrilled to be able to showcase their journey through the decades of global club culture right here in the heart of London.”

The launch is November 10 from Outernet’s the Now Building, WC2. For more details see: www.outernetglobal.com