Music

Guitar World to stop publishing sexist Bikini Gear Guide

by Tyler Munro

Using sex to sell rock and roll is nothing new. But, yo: This is 2016. And so it’s with an “about time” look on our face that we’re happy to report that after decades on newsstands, Guitar World magazine has finally vowed to stop publishing its bikini gear guide.

Of course, the context here says a lot about sexism in the music industry. Though we first stumbled upon this story late on Friday, we were cautious to report on it. Could it be an April Fools’ Joke? The sentiment might seem strange, but don’t forget that this year saw American Eagle’s Aerie pull a series of bizarre “just a prank bro” fat shaming jokes.

But this seems to be real, and in this case, it’s better late than never.

“The main driver of this decision was economic, but bikini models were outdated,” said publisher Bill Amstutz. “And we didn’t want to associate the brand with what could easily be viewed as sexist, as a misrepresentation of women guitar players, or that women in general may find offensive.”

Amstutz says Guitar World wants to “reach female readers and cultivate them,” and while he’s about 30 years too late, it’s a start. “It’s a bit of a boys’ club and we are taking steps this year to change that.”

Thanks to She Shreds Mag for the heads up!