Gulcher 1975–1977

Following the rock fanzine Beyond our control, Bob Richert started another title in 1975 with more of a punk ethos: Gulcher. Seven issues were published—the first numbered “0”–-in Bloomington, Indiana until 1977. Punk groups like Kiss and The Dictators were featured, as did The Gizmos, a local group founded by fanzine writers Eddie Flowers and Ken Highland. Other styles were also given space, including the psychedelia of The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, and reggae, the subject of the seventh and final issue. Longer lasting than the fanzine, Gulcher Records, also founded by Richert, released a number of The Gizmos’ early recordings and continues to exist. Beyond our control, Gulcher, and Vulcher testify to U.S. fanzine and musical cultures outside the well-known scenes of California and New York City.