There have been many publications over the years that came from and were re-directed back at youth culture. In the 60's "Merseybeat" magazine was aimed at the local Mockers. In the 70's, the advent of punk saw fanzines like "Sniffin Glue" and "Ripped And Torn". For the footy crowd there was "Foul".

In 1981 a fanzine was born that was to herald in the coming of the now universal footy fanzine. Unlike 99.9% of today's fanzines, The End was aimed at the more everyday life issues that many fans took seriously. There was footy, but the mag took just as much interest in things like what gear you were wearing or what sounds you listened to. It was underground and it was happening.

Peter Hooton is probably best known to Joe public for being the greatest dancer this side of the Yukon, and possibly for being the frontman of The Farm. Hooton was actually known a little while before, in credible terrace circles, as co-editor of The End. Phil Jones was the other man up-front. For quite some time many had believed Jones to be musically inclined himself, luckily for him he definitely wasn't the Phil Jones of Afraid Of Mice (popular Mersey-sound band) and Up And Running fame.

The rest of the staff, which grew and shrunk in various issues, included Mick Potter, Paul Need, Tony McClelland and Kevin Sampson. The unforgettable cartoons were provided by John Potter. Names like Joey Loury and Tony Gillon occasionally graced the credits. There were to be the regular features of Joe Wagg and Dossa, In's and Out's column, poetry and the un-missable letters page. The letters page provided many an entertaining read, often sent in by various crews regarding what they were upto and wearing.

Some of the articles are now cult status, Billy Bull, Dont let ons, Jekyll and Hyde mates and Squaddies were just a few of the many. The End T-shirts were the thing to have. John Peel was wearing his on Top Of The Pops. Peel, or Peelie to his new found End mates, was one of the main culprits for giving the fanzine a national plug. NME and Sounds were included in this too.

The fanzine ran from 81 to 88, just a short period before Pete Hooton would have been too busy to do it anyway. Even now, its legendrary status has prompted many to enquire as to the availability of back issues. A re-issuing of the fanzine, all 20 issues, was planned in the early 90's, but , was sadly never produced. A recent TV production, "The World Of The End" by Domestic Films, was aired on Granada TV a little while ago and gave an insight into the mag and the current whereabouts of its producers. The End has left its mark on youth culture and the memory of the wag period on Merseyside. So now enjoy some of the cover pictures, articles, in and outs, poems and letters from one of the best fanzines to ever hit the street.

Sadly, there are no early Ends featured. That all too familiar "Lend's your End" still echoes in the mind. Being a mingebag was one thing, but not bothering to hand it back, well.

To get you in the mood here are The End readers poll results for 1982.