Limelight’s Editor Francis Merson bids a fond farewell after leading the magazine for four years.

Over the past four years, I have produced 44 issues of Limelight, amounting to some 5,016 pages of content – or around 3.5 million words. I think this might be quite enough for one man. As of next issue, the magazine will be edited by Clive Paget (below left), currently the deputy editor of Limelight. Clive is a brilliant writer, a splendid chap and also a walking Grove’s Dictionary. I’m sure he’ll take the magazine to new heights. I’ll still be involved with Limelightin an informal capacity as editor-at-large.

I’ve enjoyed my time here immensely, and I hope you’ve enjoyed what I’ve done with the magazine. My aim has been to make Limelight a serious title for the serious music lover – without being too serious about it. To those readers who have stuck with us over the years, I express my gratitude. If you don’t like the direction I took Limelight, I apologise (but I suspect you’re not reading this).

The most personally exciting thing about the past four years has been working with some of the most talented musicians in the business. Collaborating on issues of Limelight with the likes of Richard Tognetti and Sir Simon Rattle has been very, very fun. I’ve also been blessed with some gifted collaborators behind the scenes, whom I’d like to thank for putting up with my disconcerting mix of laissez-faire time management and psychopathic attention to detail.

I’d also like to thank the publicists who have helped me each month with images, comps, interviews and information – indispensable elements of the magazine. Helpful folk like Katherine Stevenson at the SSO, Steven Godbee at the ABO and Mary Stielow at the ACO have made my job easier. And there are many more kind people besides them to whom I am indebted.

Well, that’s all from me. Thank you, dear readers, for all your support. Any comments or questions about these changes will be gratefully received at letters@limelightmagazine.com.au.

And long live Limelight!

The February 2015 issue of Limelight hits the newsstands today, available at retailers across Australia, through our online store and digitally through Zinio.