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20 Years of SPIN

It was 20 years ago today that Roland Gift taught the Fine Young Cannibals to play. Doesn’t sound quite right, does it? Sweeping nostalgia and alternative culture seem totally incongruous. But it’s true: Spin is finally old enough to drink (in Iceland and Japan!). Back when we were an eager start-up, many of the stars who’d go on to define the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s were just beginning to glow; in fact, some were just tots. To celebrate our milestone, we asked 20 of them (23, if you want to get all technical) to look back on an era that brought several genuine revolutions, scores of brilliant albums, movies, and TV shows, and too many dubious hairstyles to count. Next month, look for more interviews, with luminaries like Perry Farrell, Michael Stipe, and RZA. Why? Because we deserve two parties. Don’t we?

>> Read bonus material from interviews with Courtney Love, Marilyn Manson, Frank Black, Conor Oberst, and Noel Gallagher.

>> Get the scoop on our 20th Anniversary Bash at New York’s Webster Hall on Sept. 28.

>> Check out SPIN: 20 Years of Alternative Music, the hardbound companion to our 20th anniversary issue, and win a SPIN20 guitar courtest of Guitar Center.

Pick up the very special 20th anniversary special on newsstands now, or subscribe now!