Bs Detector: A Pioneering Punk Fanzine That Captured the Raw Energy of 1980s Chicago

In the heart of the Windy City, amidst the vibrant punk scene of the early 1980s, emerged Bs Detector, a groundbreaking fanzine that defined the era. With its raw and unflinching voice, the publication became a pivotal force in shaping Chicago's punk subculture.

Origins and Early Days

Bs Detector was founded in 1980 by a group of young and passionate individuals: Mike Bulmash, John Jughead, and Robert Lopez. Disillusioned with the mainstream music industry and the watered-down punk that was gaining popularity, they sought to create a platform for the true voices of the underground.

BS Detector Issue 2 - 1980s Chicago Punk Fanzine

by Darwin Lamm

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9301 KB
Print length	:	31 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The fanzine's name epitomized its no-nonsense approach. "Bs Detector" was a nod to their mission of exposing phoniness and championing authenticity in music and beyond.

Content and Style

Bs Detector quickly gained a reputation for its unfiltered content and irreverent tone. The fanzine featured original articles, interviews, show reviews, and even a "Punk Police" section where bands were held accountable for their actions.

Its writing style was equally as biting and confrontational. Articles often used strong language and harsh criticism, but they were always grounded in a deep passion for punk music and its ideals.

Cover Art and Design

The fanzine's cover art was as striking and provocative as its content. Featuring high-contrast photographs, collage-like elements, and handwritten text, each issue conveyed a sense of urgency and rebellion.

The layout was equally unconventional. Instead of adhering to traditional magazine formats, Bs Detector embraced a chaotic and eclectic design, with articles and images overlapping and bleeding into one another.

Influence and Impact

Bs Detector played a pivotal role in shaping the Chicago punk scene. It provided a voice for bands that were overlooked by the mainstream, and it helped to create a sense of community among punk fans throughout the city.

The fanzine's influence extended beyond Chicago. Its reputation for integrity and authenticity gained it widespread recognition and subscriptions from punk enthusiasts nationwide. It became an essential resource for anyone seeking to stay informed about the latest trends and happenings within the punk subculture.

Notable Contributors

Bs Detector attracted a diverse group of talented contributors, each with their unique perspective on punk culture. Some of the most notable writers included:

• Mike Bulmash: The co-founder and editor-in-chief, known for his incisive writing and unwavering commitment to punk ideals
• John Jughead: A key player in the Chicago punk scene, who provided in-depth interviews with prominent bands and artists
• Robert Lopez: A photographer and contributor known for his striking cover images that captured the essence of the punk aesthetic
• Sue de Beer: A renowned music critic who contributed insightful articles on punk music and its social impact
• Mark Smith: The lead singer of the Fall, who wrote about his experiences and the challenges facing the punk movement in the 1980s

Legacy and

Bs Detector ceased publication in 1984, but its legacy continues to resonate in the punk community. It is widely regarded as one of the most influential punk fanzines ever produced, and its archives remain a valuable resource for historians and fans alike.

Bs Detector serves as a testament to the power of independent voices in the music scene. It exemplified the raw energy, creativity, and uncompromising spirit of the early 1980s Chicago punk movement. Its legacy continues to inspire punk enthusiasts around the world to question the status quo and to embrace authenticity and individuality.

BS Detector Issue 2 - 1980s Chicago Punk Fanzine

by Darwin Lamm

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9301 KB
Print length	:	31 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE