Music Magazine Fender: Stratocaster Handbook Sixth Edition Back Issue

“It’s supposed to be bad. And the worse it is, the more fun it is.” So said Sir Terry Wogan of the musical bonanza that he covered for over 30 years for the BBC. Most Eurovision fans would probably agree with his playful assessment, but many may never have stopped to wonder why there was ever a multinational music contest for the beloved Irishman to comment on in the first place. How, and just as importantly, why did Europe come together to create such a unique and widely celebrated festival of funny songs, fantastic outfits and fiercely political voting?

Well, put on your finest flashy attire, brush up on Eastern European hits from the ’80s and let’s take a plunge into the history of this intriguing show. From its origins in the mid-1950s to the show’s most remarkable moments and the recent technologically charged contests that gave us Måneskin, Sam Ryder and many more brilliant acts, this is the story of the show that united a continent through its love of music.