Original Rolling Stone magazine dated October 5th 1978, featuring The Who on the front cover in a distinctive illustrated caricature style. This striking artwork driven cover stands out as one of the more creative Rolling Stone designs of the late seventies, reflecting the band’s larger than life reputation and complex internal dynamics during their touring years.

The main feature The Who Why Don’t They Do It on the Road? by Dave Marsh examines the band’s intense live performances, internal tensions, and evolving relationship with touring at a time when they were firmly established as one of Britain’s most influential rock acts. The article provides sharp insight into the pressures of sustained success and the realities behind the spectacle.

Also featured is Muddy Waters The Real Rollin’ Stone by Robert Palmer, a deep dive into the blues pioneer whose work directly influenced generations of rock musicians. The issue additionally includes Last Notes From Home, a novel in progress by Frederick Exley, adding a strong literary element to the edition.

This issue captures Rolling Stone at its editorial peak, blending rock journalism, music history, original illustration, and long form writing. Highly collectible for fans of The Who, blues historians, and collectors seeking illustrated Rolling Stone covers from the seventies.

Original UK distributed copy. Magazine supplied exactly as photographed.

Discreet packaging

Private sale

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Combined postage available for multiple magazine purchases