Anyways, NME is set to become a free publication in a bid for the magazine to GET WITH THE TIMES BRAH and to increase circulation. The NME's editor, Mike Williams, who couldn't look more like the NME's editor if he tattooed his job title on his forehead, said this:

"The cat is out of the bag, and I couldn’t be more excited. For the past few months we’ve been working in secret here at NME on the next phase of our evolution. The goal, throughout all of our research and development, has been to find new and inventive ways to connect with you, our audience, better than ever. In the 63 years since NME launched we have evolved and transformed plenty of times. The evolution of 2015 is our boldest ever move, and I’m delighted to be able to share the news with you at last."

Mike Williams

The move, while kept in secret, should come as no surprise. The magazine's circulation has dwindled over the past decade thanks to the predictable dominance of the internet. So from September 18, 300,000 copies will be available at universities, train stations and all of the other locales best known for providing free publications (train floors, bins).

As news of the tranformation broke, NME stalwarts like Danny Baker reminisced with the rest of twitter:

Two more old NME Pics circa 79. Me & Monty Smith (went mad) in office. Me & Max Bell on the roof. #NewMusicalExpress pic.twitter.com/HY65YGTdYz

— Danny Baker (@prodnose) July 6, 2015

And so...the NME is a free sheet now. Why not? The games up & the fire's gone out. Here's me at the paper in 1979. pic.twitter.com/A7MdvIG8Tb

— Danny Baker (@prodnose) July 6, 2015

Good luck to the @NME as it goes free. Frankly, I would have worked there for nothing. pic.twitter.com/j1MupY6GtK

— Tony Parsons (@TonyParsonsUK) July 6, 2015