40 years of Mixmag

25 October 2023 - Press release

CELEBRATE 40 YEARS OF MIXMAG WITH NEW EXHIBITION ON THE GIANT SCREENS AT OUTERNET LONDON - ON TARGET TO BE THE UK’S NO. 1 VISITOR ATTRACTION

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN OVER 100 ICONIC MIXMAG COVERS AND WITNESS 40 YEARS OF DANCE MUSIC HISTORY FIRST HAND
 

Outernet London, the immersive entertainment district housing the most advanced screens in the world, and Mixmag, the legendary dance music magazine, have joined forces to celebrate Mixmag’s 40th Anniversary with an exhibition showcasing the entire history of Mixmag’s front covers, launching at the Now Building on 10 November 2023. The audience will go on a journey from the very start of club and dance music culture all the way through to the global phenomenon that  it is today.

The magazine covers will be shown across the entirety of Outernet's flagship space The Now Building - 23,000 sq feet of floor to ceiling screens over four storeys  - taking viewers through the most comprehensive display of dance music history available today. Audiences will be able to see all of their favourite artists from Fatboy Slim to Madonna, Bjork to Calvin Harris, Daft Punk to Aaliyah, James Blake to Gorillaz, Carl Cox to Annie Mac. Made for more than just dance music fans, this celebration of front covers will be unlike any other music exhibition seen before.

Mixmag started as a DJ newsletter in the early 1980s before house music was even invented. The first edition of Mixmag was printed on 1 February 1983, as a 16 page black and white magazine with a cover featuring R&B and soul group Shalamar and counted Elton John as an early subscriber. It quickly became the most influential publication for dance music in the world - this 40th anniversary celebration is a chance to experience both the music and media brand in a visually unparalleled way.

 

Nick Stevenson, Mixmag's Managing Director says:
"As the world's biggest, longest-running and most respected dance music media brand, our 40 years of covers tell the history of nightlife, from the birth of acid house to the rise of the superstar DJs, from the early discos and warehouses to the global festivals and arenas. It's our honour to open our archives and showcase the most iconic collection of covers and streams - and while doing so raising money for CALM, a charity that does incredible work for suicide prevention, bringing people together to show life is worth living."

Sam Webb, Head of Marketing Campaigns at Outernet Global says:
“As an entertainment district, music is at the heart of what we do at Outernet. So, it’s a pleasure to partner with our friends at Mixmag as they celebrate an incredible 40 years at the forefront of the dance music scene. We’re thrilled to be able to showcase their journey through the decades of global club culture right here in the heart of London. To do this whilst raising money for CALM, who champion building communities & bringing people together, is the perfect fit.”

After less than a year since opening Outernet is on target to be the Number 1 visitor attraction in the UK, as footfall continues to grow ahead of long established places such as The Crown Estate, Natural History Museum and The British Museum.

The exhibition is produced in partnership with the charities ADOT and CALM. ADOT is focused on making a difference through thought provoking campaigns with an aim to encourage acceptance of the similarities between us rather than the small differences to undo the epidemic of disconnect and conflict that confronts the world. CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) seeks to take a stand against suicide and improve mental health by offering life-saving services, provoking national conversation, and bringing people together to reject living miserably.

ADOT says:
“ADOT is dedicated to making a positive change to the world with an aim to encourage acceptance of the similarities between us rather than the small differences to undo the epidemic of disconnect and conflict that confronts the world. A constant effort to break barriers that divide, we champion the unity through diversity; enabling us to see that our hopes, fears and love for each other are all shared as one.

In partnership with Outernet London, ADOT is proud to be part of Mixmag exhibition, bringing people together to raise awareness and money for CALM, a charity that shows life is worth living. ADOT is focused on broadening a sense of community, we expand a greater sense of identity and in turn shine a light on isolated problems collectively.”

Simon Gunning, CALM CEO says:
“We're beyond thrilled to partner with Outernet London to celebrate the 40th birthday of Mixmag. CALM operates at the heart of UK culture and there's no more iconic and influential name out there than Mixmag. Dance music and live events have brought joy to countless millions over the last 40 years, with Mixmag playing a major role in the continued development and success of the genre so we're honoured to be a part of this monumental event.”