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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

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…

Oh Father: The Story Behind Madonna’s Most Revealing Ballad

In Depth

Oh Father: The Story Behind Madonna’s Most Revealing Ballad

A song from Madonna’s ‘Like A Prayer’ album, Oh Father redefined what a Madonna single could be, and it has enjoyed a surprising afterlife.

Gary Kemp At 65: From Spandau Ballet Icon To ‘Rockonteurs’ Host

In Depth

Gary Kemp At 65: From Spandau Ballet Icon To ‘Rockonteurs’ Host

The creative force behind New Romantic icons Spandau Ballet, Gary Kemp endures today as one of the elder statesmen of pop music.

‘Nightlife’: A Track-By-Track Guide To Every Song On Pet Shop Boys’ Transitional Album

List & Guides

‘Nightlife’: A Track-By-Track Guide To Every Song On Pet Shop Boys’ Transitional Album

Featuring 12 diverse songs, the ‘Nightlife’ album signposted Pet Shop Boys’ 21st-century incarnation, as this track-by-track guide shows.

Secret: The Revealing Story Behind Madonna’s Most Critical Reinvention

In Depth

Secret: The Revealing Story Behind Madonna’s Most Critical Reinvention

The lead single from Madonna’s ‘Bedtime Stories’ album, Secret realigned the “Queen Of Pop”’s musical career in the mid-90s.

Cherish: The Story Behind Madonna’s Perennial Summer Hit

In Depth

Cherish: The Story Behind Madonna’s Perennial Summer Hit

Adding some light to the shade of the ‘Like A Prayer’ album, Cherish is a firm fan favourite notable for its classic promo video.

Celebration: The Story Behind Madonna’s 2000s Dancefloor Classic

In Depth

Celebration: The Story Behind Madonna’s 2000s Dancefloor Classic

Capping another decade of dancefloor classics, Celebration is the song that asserted Madonna’s continued chart dominance in the 2000s.