Rolling Stone Issue #309 "Rock & Roll Tragedy" — The Who Cincinnati 1980 | Johnny "JW" Roberts Closet

An original Rolling Stone Magazine Issue #309, January 24, 1980 from the personal collection of Johnny "JW" Roberts.

This is one of the most significant issues in Rolling Stone's history. The cover headline says it all: "Rock & Roll Tragedy — Why Eleven Died in Cincinnati." On the evening of December 3, 1979, eleven people were killed in a crush outside Riverfront Coliseum before a Who concert — a catastrophic failure of festival seating that changed the concert industry forever. SHOWCO provided the production for The Who's 1979 North American Tour, including the Cincinnati date. JW Roberts was part of that world — this issue hit differently when you were on the inside of it. Rolling Stone's coverage, written by Chet Flippo, is a landmark piece of rock journalism: unflinching, deeply reported, and essential reading for anyone who cares about the history of live music. The issue also features a Larry Magid "promoter under fire" profile and the full Cincinnati investigation spread across multiple pages with photographs.

This is a genuine, original magazine from JW's personal archive — verified provenance, one of a kind.

• Publication: Rolling Stone Magazine
• Issue: #309 — January 24, 1980
• Cover story: "Rock & Roll Tragedy — Why Eleven Died in Cincinnati" by Chet Flippo
• Production connection: SHOWCO produced The Who's 1979 North American Tour
• Also inside: Larry Magid profile, Cincinnati investigation, Steven Spielberg feature
• Price on cover: $1.25 US / 70p UK
• Condition: Original vintage — see photos for details
• Provenance: Johnny "JW" Roberts personal collection

Proceeds from Johnny "JW" Roberts Closet benefit SHOWCO alumni and music industry charities.