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Mark Elliott

Mark Elliott balances a passion for all things pop with a day-job managing the content and commercial fortunes of one of Britain’s largest specialist magazine publishers. His career has taken him from the boardroom of Time Out London (where he was Managing Director) to the publishing hotseat at brands such as Closer and Empire. All of this interesting career stuff pales in comparison besides his – frankly ridiculous – record-collecting habit (how many overseas variant covers of Like A Virgin does anyone really need?) and The Ministry Of Pop, his book on Stock Aitken Waterman, published in 2017.

Articles by Mark Elliott

Vogue: The Story Behind Madonna’s Most Celebrated Video

In Depth

Vogue: The Story Behind Madonna’s Most Celebrated Video

As iconic as it gets, the promo video for Madonna’s Vogue single proved that the “Queen Of Pop” was all about making high art.

Crazy For You: Behind The Classic Ballad That Reshaped Madonna’s Career

In Depth

Crazy For You: Behind The Classic Ballad That Reshaped Madonna’s Career

The breakout hit from the ‘Vision Quest’ movie, Crazy For You set Madonna on a new path – and ushered her into Hollywood.

Best LGBTQ+ Albums: 12 Essential Records That Have Championed The Cause

List & Guides

Best LGBTQ+ Albums: 12 Essential Records That Have Championed The Cause

Helping to bring sexuality and acceptance into the mainstream, the best LGBTQ+ albums have truly given voice to the community…

LGBTQ+ Musicians: 60 Pioneering Artists You Need To Know

List & Guides

LGBTQ+ Musicians: 60 Pioneering Artists You Need To Know

From androgynous icons to convention-flouting rulebreakers, these pioneering LGBTQ+ musicians helped give the community a voice.

Keep It Together: Remembering The “Forgotten” Single From Madonna’s Classic ‘Like A Prayer’ Album

In Depth

Keep It Together: Remembering The “Forgotten” Single From Madonna’s Classic ‘Like A Prayer’ Album

Issued as the final single from Madonna’s ‘Like A Prayer’ album, Keep It Together inadvertently led to the release of the mega-hit Vogue.

You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You’re Drunk: Behind Pet Shop Boys’ Surprising Turn To Country Music

In Depth

You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You’re Drunk: Behind Pet Shop Boys’ Surprising Turn To Country Music

Featuring a country twang and personal lyrics, You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You’re Drunk was a highlight of Pet Shop Boys’ ‘Nightlife’.

Take A Bow: The Story Behind Madonna’s Biggest American Chart Hit

In Depth

Take A Bow: The Story Behind Madonna’s Biggest American Chart Hit

Topping the charts for seven weeks in the US, Take A Bow has become one of Madonna’s most enduring ballads.

Madonna’s Material Girl Video: The Full Story Behind This Iconic Promo

In Depth

Madonna’s Material Girl Video: The Full Story Behind This Iconic Promo

With more than 100 million views on YouTube, Material Girl one of Madonna’s most iconic videos, arguably doing the most to define her image…

‘Like A Virgin’ At 40: A Guide To Every Song On Madonna’s Career-Making Album

List & Guides

‘Like A Virgin’ At 40: A Guide To Every Song On Madonna’s Career-Making Album

As shown by this track-by-track guide to Madonna’s ‘Like A Virgin’, the album was a titanic release in what might be pop music’s finest year.

‘Bedtime Stories’: A Track-By-Track Guide To Every Song On Madonna’s Sultry Album

List & Guides

‘Bedtime Stories’: A Track-By-Track Guide To Every Song On Madonna’s Sultry Album

A masterful reinvention, the ‘Bedtime Stories’ album saw Madonna reposition herself as an R&B-pop act across 11 unforgettable songs…