The Kerrang! magazine cover from December 10th 2005 features Foo Fighters. The masthead "KERRANG!" is prominently displayed at the top in a dramatic broken glass font. The cover image shows the lead singer of Foo Fighters looking moody in an unbuttoned shirt with a tattoo visible. The main sell line above the image promotes an exclusive UK tour interview. Additional information lists other featured bands at the bottom. The cover design follows the rule of thirds layout and features a busy but unconventional rock style.

1. Analysis of magazine front covers
Cover 2. Kerrang!
December 10th 2005 – Foo Fighters edition

2. The header summarises the bands that are The Masthead “KERRANG!” clearly
going to be featured in the magazine. As Front cover analysis stands out at the top of the page – it
the genre of this magazine is rock the takes up a large proportion of the page
bands are rocks bands that would be and uses a dramatic font style that has
known by the target audience. the look of broken glass (has the rock
feel). The exclamation mark makes it
Copy of Kerrang 8 page special is under more dramatic and prominent.
the masthead. The younger band who
are all dress in black are younger The main image is a mid shot of the
generation rockers which means they lead singer of the Foo Fighters (the main
are used to broaden the target article in the magazine – shows by ‘FOO
audience. FIGHTERS’ underneath the image) He is
looking straight at the camera with a
slight head tilt – he looks mysterious
The left third is left free for key content
and moody which gives off the rocker
and sell lines.
air. Although he is wearing a smart shirt
The layout of the front cover observes
it is unbuttoned and the sleeves are
the rule of thirds which structures the
rolled up – the red is also a very bold
layout. The cover is image dominated and
statement and shows that as a rocker he
feels busy, almost organised clutter. This
isn't afraid of being bold. We can see
suggests the unconventional way of rock
the tattoo on his left arm which most
and the rebellious genre it is .
people relate to rebellion which the
genre of rock is clearly linked to.
The footer at the bottom of the page lists
more rock bands that will feature in the Main sell line anchors the main
paper. The use of the word ‘Plus:’ at the image so that the audience can see
beginning of the footer suggests you are who the person on the cover is. Also
getting more for your money. the font is big bold and contrasting
with the background therefore it
stands out. The ‘UK tour exclusive’
makes it seem special and the
caption ‘Back to blow your mind’ also
adds dramatic effect.
Barcode, Date/Issue and Price are all essential elements
on a magazine if they are to sell copies. Its a small box
and it is towards the bottom right corner this is so that it
doesn’t distract from what the magazine is saying.

3. Target Audience of this magazine
As the target
audience is mainly
males aged 13-20
the main image of
the magazine is
perfect because it
is a well known
male artists from a
big rock band who
many men will
admire.
Due to the fact the
main singer of Foo
Fighters is looking
out to the camera
it is as if he is
looking out to the
reader and
therefore draws
there attention.

4. Weekly Magazine
£1.80 Since
1981

5. FACTS!
• Kerrang! magazine was first published on June 6, 1981
• It was originally a one-off supplement in The Sounds newspaper.
• Named after the onomatopoeic word that comes from the noise made when you
smash an electric guitar.
• Was initially devoted to the new wave of British Heavy Metal and the rise of hard
rock acts such as AC/DC who appeared on Kerrang!’s first cover.
• Launched as a monthly magazine its high demand meant it could then be printed
fortnightly and eventually weekly.
• Here in the United Kingdom the magazine is published by Bauer Consumer Media
and has become the world’s biggest selling weekly rock magazine.
• Target audience is mainly males age 13-20.
• Kerrang! Is £1.80.
• Kerrang! Focus’ mostly on the Punk Rock genre.

6. KERRANG!
• Phil Alexander (editor in chief / associate publisher)
• James McMahon (editor)
• Chris Anderson (art editor)
• Lucy Williams (production editor)
• Simon Young (Deputy Editor, podcast presenter)
• Nick Ruskell (features editor)
• Scarlet Borg (picture editor)
• George Garner (reviews editor)
• Alex Shellim (deputy art editor)
• Bobbie Lane (sub editor/editorial assistant)
• Jen Walker (Listings Editor)
• Laura Richardson (designer)
• Katie Parsons (Introducing Editor)