Record Collector Magazine - December 2025

Record Collector (December 2025 issue) #577

1980

Record Collector has celebrated 1973, 1977, and 1978 before; now it’s the turn of 1980: we choose the best albums and singles, unveil the collectables, and meet the stars who made 1980 such a pivotal year.

 Steve Howe

The prog guitarist’s prog guitarist is in the RC Interview hot-seat this month, talking us through his 60-year career.

 My Bloody Valentine

They reinvented the electric guitar, and now the cult shoegazers, 38 years after their heyday, are playing dates at Wembley Arena. David Stubbs explains the appeal of “the Last Guitar Band”.

Detroit 45s

We pick the best ever singles from the city of proto-punk and Motown soul.

Gavin Friday

A rare encounter with the Irish singer, songwriter, composer, actor and painter, best known as a founding member of post-punk oddities, The Virgin Prunes.

Roland Gift

A welcome back Q&A with the former frontman with the Fine Young Cannibals, 40 years since their first single and album.