Free monthly music magazine The Fly, which was once the most-read music title in the UK, is to close after 15 years, its publisher has announced, but could continue online.
The title was published by MAMA, a live music promoter and owner of the Camden Barfly and the Ritz in Manchester, and given out in pubs and concert venues.
In a short statement posted on its website, MAMA said ownership of the "digital and online brands" will now pass to the magazine's long-serving editor, JJ Dunning.
"We wish him luck in taking the brand forward," the publisher said.
In the first half of 2013, according to ABC, The Fly had an average circulation of 70,866 – down 9.7 per cent year on year. Its circulation had been over 100,000.
It was overtaken in this period by Mojo as the biggest circulation music magazine in the UK. The Fly had relied on HMV, which closed last summer, to distribute many of its copies.
The statement read: "After nearly 15 years of pioneering new music journalism, the owners of The Fly are officially closing the magazine as a result of current market conditions surrounding publishing.
"We offer gratitude and wish well all the staff and contributors that have allowed us to deliver the UK's longest serving monthly free sheet.
"To the multitude of artists and musicians that have graced our covers, the advertisers and sponsors who have supported us and our loyal readers, we salute you."
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