RAVE (January 1957)
By Jans Rabbers
Here we have another interesting 50’s magazine!
In their last issue, from November 1956, RAVE had swept the floor with the biggest thing in showbusiness in an article entitled Elvis Presley and the Mad, Mad Teen-Agers.
In response to this, the editors had received hundreds of angry letters from the fans, and “in the interest of fair play” decided to give these fans the chance to talk back by publishing (parts of) these letters.
RAVE:
“In spite of the fact that Elvis’ defenders are 90 per cent girls, said letters contain more obscenities than the Marine Corps has uttered in its entire history.”
Some of the fans’ reactions:
“You should be hung by your toes and have your throat slit …”
“I wish you would be shot in the mouth by a canon, you big bum!”
Needless to say the gossip magazine had the final saying in the matter. In their next issue (from April 1957) they would present a huge article entitled How Elvis Milks Teen-Age Morons, spread over no less than 14 pages.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen this gossip mag …
In the early 80s, con man first class Paul Lichter, offered me
this mag as a 100% all Elvis publication “Rave Elvis”.
Hell, what did I know back then? With so many Elvis magazines
I still needed for my collection, I figured “Rave Elvis” was yet
one more obscure 50s publication to get hold of …
Yet, when the mag arrived in the mail I was surprised. In a
absolute shitty way. 25 bucks , back then, was a lot of money
for a gossip mag that I would normaly have picked up for less
than 10 dollars ! It’s amazing , thiefs like Lichter are still in
bizniz. Still screwing over naive fans. The bastard!
For the Dutch speaking fans: his name is Paul Oplichter…. ;-))
Well said Ger. We have all been there with Mr. L. But still, its a nice collectible.
Those RAVE mags kind of define 50’s culture in so many different ways. Its good to have them if you love the 50’s.
They sure got a lot of mileage out of Wertheimer’s shots. I think he’s made up for it now though.
I enjoy your site very much.
You site should team up Mr. Schrembs of http://www.elviscollector.info
Just had a quick look at Mr Schrembs page…You must be joking!
Sorry, Bob, had to speak my mind…even though I don´t officially work
here anymore…
Thank you very much for everything you share!!! Please, can you also upload the James Dean part of this magazine? Thanks!!!!