Rock's Backpages

Access is now available to the Rock’s Backpages, with thanks to the history department who have supported the funding for access.

This is the largest database of music journalism, comprising over 55,000 articles from US and UK publications, and more than 900 audio interviews. Rock’s Backpages is searchable by artist, date, genre, and publication.

How do I access it?

Access the archive directly via our databases A-Z page or search for Rock’s Backpages in our Library catalogue: Rock's Backpages - University of Wolverhampton

What is covered?

Rock’s Backpages has archives that reach back to 1948 up until the present day. They have more than 55,000 music articles from over a thousand different publications. They include: Music publications, from Creem and Rolling Stone to the New Musical Express (NME) and Vibe; Music journalism and reviews from mainstream journals, like The Guardian and the New York times; Pieces from fanzines such as Sniffin’ Glue and Who Put the Bomp! and underground papers such as The Great Speckled Bird and World Countdown News. On top of this, they have over 900 audio interviews, starting with a 1961 interview with Bob Dylan, reaching up to the present day.

Their coverage is always growing, with 50 interviews and reviews added each week, plus a podcast that discusses these recent entries. Rock’s Backpages is searchable by artist, date, genre, publication, and writer. The subjects include:

• Cultural studies and theory,
• Fashion, art and design,
• Festivals and events,
• Journalists, authors and publications,
• LGBTQ+,
• Politics, race, religion and society,
• Women in music,
• Feminism

Where do I get help?

If you want to know more about this collection or need help using our online resources, contact the library