After almost eight years as Ireland's clubbing bible, the last chapter in the illustrious life of BBm Magazine came to a close in June 2003.

Publishers Eddie Wray and Judith Farrell-Rowan decided to redirect their energies into expanding their event promotion business Planet Love Music and festival Planet Love.

"We had eight good years with BBm, but the magazine had run its course," said Judith Farrell-Rowan.

"The clubscene in Ireland was no longer able to support a magazine of BBm's calibre. Closing it was the toughest decision we have ever taken as it was 'our baby' so to speak, but there was little doubt that commercially, things had seen a seismic shift within the clubscene."

The last issue of BBm in June 2003 was one the third largest selling issue of the magazine ever.

Eddie Wray and Judith Farrell-Rowan launched BBm initially as Bassline Magazine in September 1995. It was an overnight success story, connecting with the burgeoning dance music scene at that time and growing with it. In 1998, Bassline merged with Belfast magazine Blank to become BBm and the following year, the magazine became the first in local history to win the prestigious IPR/BT Magazine of the Year award, fending off competition from all the major Northern Irish titles. Annually, thereafter, the magazine and its staff were awarded high commendations for their journalism and design talent in these coveted awards.

The magazine also spawned the authoritative Irish Music Awards which over eight years acted as the marker board of achievement among Northern Ireland's clubbing scene.

BBm Magazine was part of the multi-faceted Planet Love Music organisation, now known as PLM Promotions, which has blossomed in recent years with annual expansion of their festival Planet Love, and the branching out of its event promotion arm into the pop and nightclub market. The company now comprises event management, promotion & marketing, artist/DJ bookings, and flyer & poster distribution.

"The magazine was a major part of our lives, so we were very sad to see it go," said Judith. "We built up an extensive and fiercely loyal readership of 75,000 people over 8 years. That's pretty good going for an independent, niche market magazine. There were many disappointed readers who considered the closure as the end of an era. It was for us too. But it was also the start of a new bright new era and one that will see the clubscene in Ireland evolve and adapt to the high demands of our clubbers and continue its place as the most thriving, liberating and exciting movement of all time.

"Our successes with BBm exceeded Eddie and I's wildest expectations. We thought it would be a bit of fun for a few years, a hobby. I didn't expect to give up my day job within 2 months then lead it into becoming one of the best known clubbing organisations in Ireland, and win the most coveted awards of my career along the way! BBm was the most determining force in the life of Eddie and me. We have both cried and laughed about it, and we have loved and loathed it. Because of this, BBm impacted the Irish dance scene with incredible force and more than anything; that makes us incredibly proud.

"Hence, we'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the readers and advertisers who supported BBm over the years. In particular we'd like to thank our hugely talented staff team and contributors who believed in BBm, made it what it was, and who were devoted to it as much as we were.

"It was a phenomenal journey of learning and experience."

BBm Magazine - RIP.

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