Jon the Postman: Fanzine Tribute to a Punk Legend

Jon the Postman was born in Manchester in 1959, making him the perfect age to enjoy the punk scene when it broke in the late 70s. Now, anyone that knows me, knows I'm an absolute sucker for a good fanzine so I was over the fucking moon when my bestie shows up at my house with a bottle of wine and a copy of the tribute 'zine dedicated to the memory of Jon she'd brought back from Berlin for me. The 'zine was put together by Berlin DJ, Mono Mess who has been an absolute legend himself organising gigs and events in the memory of this Mancunian since his death in 2015.  There have been a few of these tribute gigs out in the German capital and I'm in no doubt that there will be many more. So back to the 'zine.  Just four pages long, black n white (old skool photocopy style) and with a lovely typewriter typeface, this is DIY punk 'zining at it's best.  Old photos of Jon holding the mic in the only way a true punk knows how to.  Band rehearsals, gigs, mates, ticket stubs and album covers.  We get to find out a little bit about Jon's life and dedication to the punk scene.  He attended one of the Sex Pistols first gigs at Lesser Free Trade Hall on 4th Jone 1976, we hear how he supported The Buzzcocks, The Fall, Joy Division amongst many others.  His albums are listed as is his connection with Berlin.  A comeback gig that should've happened but that never got played due to Jon's passing. There are personal accounts from his friends, memories are shared.  The front cover (pictured above) Jon, standing next to one of Manchester's red postboxes, looking as cool as a cucumber on what appears to be a rare sunny Mancunian day, cool shades and a punk 'I don't give a fuck' attitude in his stance, totally chilled. Well, I probably shouldn't say this without asking, but like, when did I ever do that anyway?  I could probably twist a few arms and get a few more copies of this mini beauty printed up if any of my readers fancied eyeing up a copy.  So get in touch and I'll see what I can do for you. Keep reading, keep listening, keep sharing. Love ya.  Marina (C) Stephanie Burgess-Arteaga, 2018 I'll leave you with this:  His 1979 Album The Postman's Psychedelic Rock 'n' Roll Five Skinners