It is with mixed feelings that I write my last editorial for AMZ. Due to circumstances beyond my control, my webmaster, Associate Editor and friend, Robert Lewis, took the helm on 01/01/01, so that AMZ can continue the way I founded it. I will sorely miss being intimately involved in the day to day operation, but I will continue as a consultant and occasional reviewer.

When I think over the past 4+ years, I have many fond memories of people I've met and worked with. Since the continuing success of on-line magazines is only about 10% beyond the first year, I feel we've accomplished a lot with AMZ. We're still here and going as strong as ever. From it's very humble beginnings, with only me writing reviews and publishing from my ISP's domain name, AMZ has grown from about 15 articles per month with about 500 visitors, to nearly 80 articles per month, a staff of close to 20, our own domain name and well over 50,000 subscribers. I think these statistics show all the hard work put into AMZ by myself, my Associate Editors and all of the writers and photographers that have made their contributions over the past 4 yrs.

For an independent e-zine, with no backers or sponsors, we've managed to bring you reviews of new bands, established bands, indie bands and a very wide variety of music. Hopefully you've enjoyed the discovery of the real gems we got to before they were famous, as well as the albums of bands/artists you'll never hear on the radio but are still excellent additions to your music collection. During my time as the Editor-In-Chief, I really tried to give good artists a place where they could have their music reviewed, even if they weren't chart toppers or were just starting out. It will be interesting to see how far some of these artists go in the future.

I remember when I was so star-struck conducting interviews I couldn't believe it was me talking to these various "rock stars." Older and wiser, I'm no longer star-struck, but I've found that VERY few of the people I interviewed and met were not nice, normal folks like the rest of us. Sometimes egos got in the way, but I didn't run across that very much. I also had the privilege to see just about all of my favorite bands/artists in concert over the past 4 yrs. Whether it was 15 groups at one of the arena tours like Ozz Fest, or small, intimate performances at clubs or venues that only hold 2,000 people, this has been a dream job. Some of my favorite concerts weren't with the super-stars, although I saw a lot of them too, and some of my favorite interviews were with the up and coming artists yet to make their big splash. I've interviewed entire groups in their tour bus, or one band member sitting on a box behind a venue. I've heard stories from groups in many different genres and they've all made my life richer because of them.

From my first Metallica concert 3 mos. after AMZ started, to their performance with the San Francisco Symphony in 1999, I've been so lucky to see my favorite band live. Aerosmith blew me away, as did Rod Stewart. The reunion of Black Sabbath was worth sitting in an outdoor venue in the middle of June in Phoenix when it was about 110 degrees for 11 hrs. Marilyn Manson was a real trip at that same concert! As recently as this past September I finally got to see Queensryche and Iron Maiden live and that was amazing too. Just a few weeks ago I attended the Christmas tour of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, a band I discovered on the Rosie O'Donnell show when they're first album had only been out a few months. Now they've hit the big time following on the heels of Savatage, some of whose members are part of TSO.

I could go on and on about all the great things I was able to do with AMZ, but now it's time to hand over the reins to Robert. Thanks to all of you for your support, your letters, your requests and even your disagreements with the reviews in AMZ. It's all been much appreciated. Instead of saying good-bye, which is so final, I'll just end with my usual signature.

Later!
Mary Ellen Gustafson