PRESS RELEASE
Perth’s iconic live music guide, X-Press Magazine marks 40 years of being at the forefront of Western Australia’s music and arts scene with the imminent release of a limited-edition coffee table book and celebratory event at the Astor Theatre.
Rewind: 40 Years of X-Press Magazine is currently being written by former X-Press editor and contributor of 18 years, Bob Gordon. The commemorative 200-page coffee table book is due for release in January 2026. In addition to new copy, Gordon is also taking a deep dive into the X-Press archives to produce a comprehensive four-decade record unearthing the gigs, artists and stories that defined Western Australia’s vibrant arts culture from 1985 to 2025.
The city’s respected leading live entertainment source is further celebrating this milestone achievement with a commemorative showcase event at the Astor Theatre in March 2026 that will bring together local bands, industry legends, X-Press readers and supporters.
Vanguard Media Group's* Managing Director, Chad van Heemst, is grateful to former X-Press publisher, Joe Cipriani for floating the idea of the book. “Joe approached me 12 months ago, so I must credit him with spearheading the project. He assembled the team that is working alongside Vanguard and current X-Press editor, Brayden Edwards, to bring it to fruition - Bob Gordon, John Starr, Joe Kapiteyn, and Leanne Casellas - all well-known names in local music industry circles. I am thrilled with what we have embarked upon and am extremely proud that both the book and the anniversary event are shaping up to be seminal milestones in the local music industry.”
“X-Press Magazine has been the entertainment lifeblood of thousands upon thousands of Perth readers for 40 years,” said Gordon. “I had the privilege of working on it for many of those years during the print era. So, it’s my deep honour to document that history for the book that will become Rewind. If it’s not everyone else’s (social) lives flashing before their eyes, it’s certainly mine!”
For the perfect Christmas gift for music lovers and nostalgia seekers alike, advance purchase gift vouchers for Rewind: 40 Years of X-Press Magazine are available online at the X-Press website here.
- Soft cover version Rewind: 40 Years of X-Press Magazine - $50
- Hard cover version Rewind: 40 Years of X-Press Magazine - $75