Iconic music publication Rolling Stone magazine, founded by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph Gleason in San Francisco in 1967, is launching in the UK.
Stream Publishing, a content creation and live events agency, has signed an exclusive licensing deal with Rolling Stone owner Penske Media Corporation (PMC) to launch the print title and its associated digital and social platforms in the UK as soon as this fall, with live events rolled out from Spring 2022.
Stream Publishing was established in 2008 and produces content in print, online and across social platforms for, or in partnership with, third-party clients in the automotive, retail, entertainment and travel sectors.
The company, owned and run by Darren Styles OBE, is also the team behind popular LGBTQ title, ATTITUDE magazine.
The launch of the UK edition of Rolling Stone follows last year’s launch of Rolling Stone Australia via a licensing agreement between The Brag Media and Rolling Stone parent company, Penske Media Corporation.
Rolling Stone Australia’s print readership stood at 152,000 in May 2021, according to Roy Morgan data.
“There is no title better suited to these times.”
Darren Styles OBE, Stream Publishing
Darren Styles OBE, Managing Director of Stream Publishing, said: “The arrival of Rolling Stone in the UK is not only a hugely exciting development for our brilliant team, but also fantastic news for the UK music and entertainment industries which deserve the showcase and platform that this iconic brand will deliver.
“A Rolling Stone cover is the picture worth 10,000 words, and UK artists will now have opportunities of their own to achieve just that, as well access to the RS network that stretches well beyond its native USA to Australia, China and more than a dozen other countries.”
Added Styles: “We are excited to have the opportunity to search out UK talent to commentate on one of the most fascinating political ages this country has seen and have the opportunity to bring to light the kind of long-reads and investigative work made famous by the like of Hunter S Thompson, P J O’Rourke and Tom Wolfe.
“Rolling Stone UK, here as there, will share the stories that need to be told, shine light into dark corners and yet celebrate, too, that which entertains us. There is no title better suited to these times.”
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to launch Rolling Stone UK with our partners at Stream Publishing.”
Gus Wenner, Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone President and COO, Gus Wenner, said: “We couldn’t be more thrilled to launch Rolling Stone UK with our partners at Stream Publishing.
“The opportunity to bring our content to a country we have a longstanding history with and admiration for feels right.
“The UK is the birthplace of some of the most iconic musicians, many of whom have played a significant role in shaping our legacy. Today is the beginning of another exciting chapter in our evolution.”Music Business Worldwide
