Michael Lacey-Writer, Editor, New Times-In the
spring of 1970, the country was in the midst of turbulence. The Vietnam
War, college protests, Kent State, the sexual revolution, Easy Rider.
Lines were being drawn between the old guard and the new and the “new”
was winning. The Arizona Republic’s take on this cultural change
portrayed this “ new generation” as mad dog anarchists.
It was in this climate that Michael Lacy became a founding member of
the Phoenix New Times. Michael was member of a group of amateurs who
had opinions, a Mickey Rooney/ Judy Garland “ can do” spirit,
and a do it yourself work ethic. Lacy believed he could change the world
or at least his corner of it. The New Times would be created to connect
with his generation. Originally from Binghamton, NY, Lacey moved to
Tempe in 1966 to attend ASU. While he was a student, Mike recalled,
“I found writing to be a more meaningful alternative to drinking.
Writing was a way for me to make sense of sense of politics and share
with others the appreciation of music.” The first edition of Phoenix
New Times rolled off the press in 1970. For the past 35 years, Executive
editor, Michael Lacy and the Phoenix New Times have been a partner with
the Arizona arts and music community; always keeping it’s readers
informed of the newest sights and sounds; always keeping its finger
on the pulse of politics and music. Michael Lacy and the Phoenix New
Times continues to change the world, or at the very least, our corner
of it.
