So … what year is it, again?

First I got the new issue of Rolling Stone, which features Guns ‘N’ Roses on the cover.

Then I got a press release announcing the Black Crowes’ upcoming show at the Cuthbert.

Sorry, but did I miss something? Did I wake up in 1990? Should my jeans be tighter and stretchier and my hair a couple feet longer? (The shirt, it will remain black and plain. Some things never change.)

There’s a rant to be written here about summer concerts and their tendency to look ever backward, ignoring the current crop of artists â€”Â in large part, I suspect, because the somewhat-out-of-date acts aren’t charging as much. (It should go without saying that this isn’t always true â€” there are good summer shows; take a peek at the Edgefield’s summer lineup. But you don’t often see Def Leppard and Foreigner on tour in the winter. The Black Crowes aren’t quite at that level of Former Arena Rock Glory, but can you name their last two albums? I don’t think so. (Yes, yes, I know, some of you can. But you’re in the minority. Sorry)

But anyway. Yeah. 1990. Around there. In case you’re wondering, the GNR cover is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Appetite for Destruction’s release. How old do you feel now?

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!