What is The Avenue newsletter?
The Avenue is the first fanzine devoted to Alan Parsons and his Projects. Each issue is comprised of twelve 8 ½" x 11" pages printed in black and white. In addition, there are two discography pages (each are 8½" x 11" double-sided ) with text on one side and reprints of cover artwork on the back. In later editions, some issues have sheet music instead of discography pages.
The Avenue was first published on August 31, 1994, and printed its last issue on December 15, 2004. Some issues are still available to purchase as back issues.
The Avenue has many sections starting with up-to-date news on Alan Parsons and his projects.
"I think the best feature of The Avenue is 'Current News' because it keeps me informed of the latest news about Alan and his band. It's great to know what Alan is doing at this moment" - Andres in South America.
The History of Alan Parsons and his Projects.
Each issue, the "Tales Of..." section takes a look back and traces the history. From his birth, to the early days at Abbey Road and onwards to The Alan Parsons Project, this section covers the history with great detail.
"The best section is "Tales Of..." as it is so informative to those of us who are still looking for history on Alan." Carl in Minnesota.
Ever wanted to know more about the builders who helped create the music you love? Now here's a place that covers one guest artist per issue.
"I enjoy the personal interviews of each of the band members. It helps me to feel connected with the band and its ongoing activites." Carl in Massachusetts.
In every issue, the "Let's Talk About..." section takes questions from readers and gets the answered right from the source. From questions about the inspiration behind songs, to ones about the kind of equipment Alan uses, we cover them all!
"'Let's Talk About' is my favorite feature because it always seems to reveal a hidden secret in a song or album." Phil in New York.
"'Let's Talk About'. It's like being there in person to ask the questions." Tom in Florida.
Looking for people who have the same interests as you? Have something to trade? Then try out the bulletin board. FREE to subscribers on a first-come, first-served basis.
The latest new service: e-mail updates! Since The Avenue only comes out three times a year, if we have something important to say between issues, let us send an email message your way so you won't miss anything!
Plus the chance to WIN!
Enter our latest reader poll to win items autographed by ALAN PARSONS.
CONTENTS: Current News; "Freudiana" Lawsuit; John Miles article; "Tales Of..." Part 1 (Alan Parsons early years); Details on the "Freudiana" album; Q&A.
CONTENTS: Current News; Parsons Live! - The History of the Shows (Part One); Andrew Powell interview; "Tales Of..." Part 2 (AP early days at Abbey Road); Q&A.
CONTENTS: Current News; Parsons Live! - The History of the Shows (Part Two); Chris Rainbow interview; "Tales Of..." Part 3 (AP's work on "Dark Side of the Moon", and with Paul McCartney); Q&A.
CONTENTS: Current News; World Liberty Concert (Part One); Ian Bairnson interview (Part One); "Tales Of..." Part 4 (AP's work with Steve Harley and Pilot); Q&A. Extra: Lyric insert for the US version of the Live CD.
CONTENTS: Current News; World Liberty Concert (Part Two); Ian Bairnson interview (Part Two); "Tales Of..." Part 5 (20th Anniversary of "Tales of Mystery and Imagination"); Q&A.
CONTENTS: Current News; Guide to "On Air" album; Lenny Zakatek interview (Part One of Two); "Tales Of..." Part 6 (Artists from "Tales of Mystery and Imagination": where are they now?); Q&A.
CONTENTS: Current News; "Taking It On The Road" - behind the scenes of touring; Lenny Zakatek interview (Conclusion); "Tales Of..." Part 7 (a look at Al Stewart's "Modern Times" and Pilot's "Second Flight"); Q&A.
CONTENTS: Current News; "Inside The Avenue" - a reader poll of the 'zine; Stuart Elliott interview (Part One of Two); "Tales Of..." Part 8 (a look at Dean Ford's solo album, Ambrosia's "Somewhere I've Never Travelled" and Al Stewart's "Year of the Cat"); Q&A.
CONTENTS: Current News; "A Familiar Theme" - a look into the themes of the albums; Stuart Elliott interview (Conclusion); "Tales Of..." Part 9 (a look at Alan's production work on Al Stewart's "Year of the Cat" and Pilot's "Two's A Crowd"); Q&A.
CONTENTS: Current News; Richard Cottle interview; "Tales Of..." Part 10 (the first part of our look at "I Robot"); Q&A.
CONTENTS: Current News; Neil Lockwood interview (Part One of Two); "Tales Of..." Part 11 (we conclude our look at "I Robot" ); Q&A. Note: includes sheet music for "Days Are Numbers".
CONTENTS: Current News; Colin Blunstone interview (Part 1); Neil Lockwood interview (Conclusion); "Tales Of..." Part 12 (we begin a look back at "Pyramid" ); Q&A. Note: includes sheet music for "Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether".
CONTENTS: Current News; Colin Blunstone interview (Conclusion); "Tales Of..." Part 13 (we conclude our look back at "Pyramid", and look back at Alan's work on Al Stewart's "Time Passages"); A Look At The Fans...; Q&A. Note: includes sheet music for "Sirius" and "Eye In The Sky".
CONTENTS: Current News; David Paton interview (Part 1); "Tales Of..." Part 14 ( a look back at "Eve"); "The Time Machine" - an in-depth look at the new album before it was release; Q&A. Note: includes sheet music for "Gemini". Plus, pictures from Ian Bairnson's wedding!
CONTENTS: Current News; David Paton interview (Conclusion); "Tales Of..." Part 15 ( we begin a look back at "The Turn Of A Friendly Card"); Behind The Scenes At The Avenue; Q&A. Note: includes sheet music for "Don't Answer Me".
CONTENTS: Current News; Your Thoughts On "The Time Machine" (Part 1); "Tales Of..." Part 16 ( we look back at "The Turn Of A Friendly Card"); The Future Of Music (Alan comments on Internet downloads, MP3 files, DTS surround, DVD audio, and more); Q&A. Note: includes sheet music for "Games People Play".
CONTENTS: Current News; Eric Stewart article (Part 1); "Tales Of..." Part 17 ( we begin a look back at "Eye In The Sky"); Your Thoughts On "The Time Machine" (Conclusion); Q&A. Note: includes sheet music for "Time".
CONTENTS: Current News; Eric Stewart article (Conclusion); "Tales Of..." Part 18 (we conclude our look back at "Eye In The Sky"); Standing On Common Ground - a look at recent fan get-togethers; Q&A. Note: includes sheet music for "Silence And I" and "Psychobabble" (part 1 of 2).
CONTENTS: Current News; Grammy History (Alan's past nominations and who won); "Tales Of..." Part 19 (we look back at the first compilation album); If I Were President... (of the record company); Q&A. Note: includes sheet music for "Pipeline" and "Psychobabble" (part 2 of 2).
CONTENTS: Current News; Gary Howard Interview (Part One); "Tales Of..." Part 20 (we look back at the "Ammonia Avenue" album); Where Are They Now? (Part One) - a look back at the Billboard chart of Oct 16, 1982; Q&A. Note: includes sheet music for "Prime Time" is included (part one of two).
CONTENTS: Current News; Gary Howard Interview (Conclusion); "Tales Of..." Part 21 (we look back at the "Vulture Culture" album); Where Do They Go From Here? (With the break-up of the band, this article looks at other members of the band and what they plan to do now.): Q&A. Note: includes sheet music for "Prime Time" (part two) and "Ammonia Avenue". Bonus: free "Time Machine" postcard.
CONTENTS: Current News; Jaki Whitren Interview; "Tales Of..." Part 22 (we look back at the "Vulture Culture" album); Where Do Are They Now? (Part Two) - a look back at the Billboard chart of Oct 16, 1982; Q&A. Note: includes sheet music for "Hawkeye".
CONTENTS: Current News; David Pack Interview (Part 1 of 2); "Tales Of..." Part 23 (we look back at the "Vulture Culture" and "Stereotomy" albums); Where Do Are They Now? (Conclusion) - a look back at the Billboard chart of Oct 16, 1982; Q&A. Note: includes sheet music for "Sterotomy".
CONTENTS: Current News; David Pack Interview (Conclusion); "Tales Of..." Part 24 (we look back at the "Stereotomy" album); Who Can It Be Now? - a look back at the Billboard chart of Oct 16, 1982 versus the current chart; Q&A. Note: includes sheet music for "La Sagrada Familia".
This was a special 8-page bonus issue to bridge the gap before the final issue. CONTENTS: Current News; "Tales Of..." Part 25 (we look back at the "Gaudi" album); a look at Eric Woolfson's "Poe", and Iconic Phare's "Turning The Tide"; Q&A.
This was a special 16-page final issue. CONTENTS: Current News; "Tales Of..." Part 26 (we conclude our look back at the "Gaudi" album); a special in-depth look at "A Valid Path"; QA.
How do I subscribe to The Avenue?
Unfortunately publication of new issues has ceased. However, you can order back issues of some of the past issues.
Canadian Residents: email to ask about paying in Canadian dollars.
Where do I find The Avenue?
How is The Avenue connected to Alan Parsons and the band?
Doesn't the record company help pay for this?
Why is The Avenue located in Canada?
Is there a fan club? Is there a fan club in any other country?
How can I send a letter to members of the band?
Can I drop by The Avenue office in Toronto?
The Avenue is a separate organization from the band, but is in regular contact. While the band doesn't financially support this venture, they do support it morally and keep The Avenue at the fore-front of the news.
All of the operations of The Avenue (including this web page) are self-funded through the sale of merchandise and subscriptions to the newsletter.
In a word: no. Despite the fact many people consider this a great promotional tool, the record companies do not contribute to The Avenue.
The simple answer is that is where the editor (Steve Martin) lives. Despite this, the reason we state all costs in US Dollars is because we are aware that this is the most common and most easily available currency worldwide. (There are some exceptions, but this is the easiest currency).
The Avenue doubles as a fan club, but don't let that scare you off. This isn't the kind of fan club that caters to screaming teenage girls. We are aware that the supporters of Alan Parsons' work are sophisticated professionals, so the newsletter is presented in a professional manner. Besides the newsletter, we offer many others services: merchandise, tour information, a web page, mail forwarding to band members, autographed contest prizes, phone-in nights to the editor, and more. At this time, The Avenue is read in over twenty countries; so no matter where in the world you live, we'd love to hear from you.
Simply send your mail to the postal address of The Avenue and we will forward it onwards. They are very busy people and are not always able to reply, but they do read your letters and enjoy hearing your comments about the albums.
Our postal address is actually just a mailbox, so we're there only for a few minutes to pick-up mail.