The Backstory

About Raw Power Magazine

Raw Power Magazine was launched in 1976 by two rebellious sixteen-year-olds from Woodland Hills, California—Scott Stephens (aka Quick Draw) and Robert Olshever (aka Bobalouie). They were soon joined by Larry Jordan (aka Bullwinkle), with Murray Schwartz (aka Pink Diamond) and Joey Wahl (aka Wallbanger). movie was based on their wild teenage escapades. Originally a scrappy fanzine focused on the buzzing Los Angeles music scene, Raw Power quickly evolved into a glossy publication featuring exclusive interviews with rising and established rock icons from across the country.

Though its run was brief, the impact was lasting. Rare copies of Raw Power have become coveted collector’s items, with even battered editions fetching serious money—one recently sold on eBay for $100 despite its poor condition. The magazine’s legacy extended far beyond print. It transformed into the nation’s first “rock & roll travel incentives” company, RPMC, with offices eventually established in major cities like London, New York, Chicago, and L.A. While RPMC was recently acquired, the Raw Power spirit remains alive and untamed.

The late ’70s were a golden age for L.A.’s rock scene, and Raw Power was on the front lines. The magazine caught the eye of major record labels and scored interviews with both emerging talent and industry legends. Its editorial style was bold and unconventional—mixing hard rock and punk in the same issue, long before the genres learned to tolerate each other.

From 1976 to 1979, the teen-led team made serious waves, conducting classic interviews and, in some cases, nudging rock history in new directions. Scott, Robert, Murray, Joey, Larry, and their ever-expanding crew became fixtures at legendary venues like the Whisky a Go-Go and the Starwood, rubbing shoulders with icons like KROQ’s Rodney Bingenheimer. (Fun fact: Scott once set Rodney up on a blind date with the most sought-after girl at his high school—Rodney was smitten, but it wasn’t meant to be.)

Raw Power didn’t pull punches. The mag featured an irreverent “obituaries” section dedicated to bands they despised, along with brutally honest album reviews and predictions—some hilariously off, others eerily spot-on. Letters to the editor ran unfiltered, including those filled with profanity and outrage. The controversy was part of the charm.

Some of the interviews were rough around the edges. Others have become underground treasures. And when Almost Famous hit theaters, more than a few people who knew the Raw Power crew thought the movie was based on their wild teenage escapades.

The Power Board – Command Central

Quick Draw (Scott Stephens) – Founding Madman & Editor-in-Chief
The visionary spark behind the mag. If it was loud, lewd, or legendary, Quick drew first.

Bobalouie (Robert Olshever) – Deputy of Mayhem & Co-Editor
Kept the chaos in check and the copy flowing. Right-hand man with a red pen and a sharp tongue.

Pink Diamond (Murray Schwartz) – Glam Lens & Hype Machine
Photographer with a flair for the dramatic—and the only guy who could charm both bands and their managers.

The Wallbanger (Joey Wahl) – Visual Saboteur & Layout Assassin
Made the pages scream. Fonts flew, borders bled, and the art punched you in the face.

Bullwinkle (Larry Jordan) – Camera Slinger & Scene Stirrer
Snapped the goods and stirred the pot. Had the energy, the charm, and the timing.  

Ink Slingers – The Writers Who Lit the Fuse

Listed below with total contributions to Raw Power:

Shadow Crew – The Power Behind the Pages

Jim Davidson (Issue 1)

Linda Hartman (Issue 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

Craig Sackheim (Issue 2)

Amos Talbert (Issue 2, 3)

Leslie Ballew (Issue 2)

Kevin DuBrow (Issue 3) 

Mervyn Griffiths (Issue 3)

Paul Phraser (Issue 3, 4)

Plaster Caster (Issue 4)

Andy Kent – Photographer (Issue 4)

Gilbert Leos – Photographer (Issue 4)

Mark Hanauer – Photographer (Issue 4)

Tim Bell (Issue 4)

Glen Buxton (Issue 4)

Laurine Jones (Issue 4) 

Ron Friedman (Issue 5)

Wayne Myers (Issue 5)

Roxy Barouh (Issue 5)

Tim Bell (Issue 5)

Rodney Bingenheimer (Issue 5, 6)

Harvey Kubernik (Issue 5, 6)

Jeff Lubetkin (Issue 5)

Joe Molina (Issue 5)

Chuck Thagart (Issue 5)

Jeff Hight (Issue 6)

Rick Margolis – Advertising (Issue 6)

Howie Bennet (Issue 6)

Dawna Kaufman (Issue 6)

Kerry Trueman (Issue 6)

Sue Berman (Issue 6)

Larry Butler (Issue 6)

Len Epand (Issue 6)

Craig Gagnon (Issue 6)

Evan Hosie (Issue 6)

Michael Jenson (Issue 6)

Michael Kesen (Issue 6)

Peggy King (Issue 6)

Melissa Kojan (Issue 6)

Barry Levine (Issue 6)

Jeffrey Mayer (Issue 6)

Kathy Miller (Issue 6)

Marie Nehls (Issue 6)

Nancy Parkinson (Issue 6)

Justin Pierce (Issue 6)

Sue Sawyer (Issue 6)

Shelly Selover (Issue 6)

Kyo Sharee (Issue 6)

Sue Stewart (Issue 6)

Dana Strum (Issue 6)

Andy Martin (Issue 6)

Craig Paul (Issue 6)

Craig Zager (Issue 6)

Mike Harrison (Issue 6)