Yesterday brought about the heartbreaking news that popular Belfast based music magazine AU (Alternative Ulster) has been forced to cease publishing after its funding was withdrawn by the Belfast Arts Council. Since its first issue was published in 2003, AU has been one of the leading music publications in Ireland. Their magazine has been fronted by many big names of the music scene over the years, including the likes of Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody (pictured above) and Conor Oberst’s Bright Eyes.
The people behind the magazine have expressed a desire to continue their website on a voluntary basis but it remains to be seen whether, in the current economic climate, that they can maintain the same standards that we have become accustomed to over the last decade or so. I personally would like to wish everyone at AU the very best of luck in all of their future endeavours.
You can read AU’s full statement here.
