The masthead looks very original and iconic. It is instantly recognisable due the the band 'The Rolling stones'. Its dark red colour and grey outline connotes prestige with a stylish font. The font may appeal to a slightly older audience who are interested in music and the latest goings on in the music industry.

The celebrity chosen for this specific cover is Snoop Dogg, a well established rapper who became famous through Dr. Dre in the 90's. He is one of the most loved rappers to date, who still appeals to a young audience, as well as an older audience which he gained in the 90's when introduced by Dr. Dre. Snoop is pictured with a candy cane stick holding it up to his mouth. He was told to do this as he is a well known cannabis advocate, who uses the drug regularly which is and has been well documented. By him posing like this it may have appealed to a new audience when it was released, as many people who follow his belief in the uses of the drug would be tempted to read it because they are able to identify with the celebrity.

The layout of this magazine cover is basic, but looks well authored, as there isn't too much copy on the front. This may appeal to an audience who are looking for an easy read, which fulfils their need to be entertained and informed. As the cover suggests that this magazine was a Christmas edition because he is wearing a Santa Claus hat, and is wearing what looks like an elf outfit. An older generation may be appealed to on this cover because at the bottom right corner it advertises '300 classic concerts' which feature names like 'Hendrix, Zeppelin, Dylan'. People of an older age would want to read this magazine because of these names that are featured on the cover, because they are labelled as some of the worlds biggest rock stars, and would appeal to people who were around at the time of these people.

The magazine pulls us in at the top of the cover, by stating that this magazine is the 'Ultimate Rock & Roll Gift Guide'. This shows a strong level of confidence and certainty about the magazine, and attracts people to read further. The cover prepares the audience for the content which they will read inside. We are able to gather that this magazine's ideology is don't take life to seriously, and that it's just a but of fun and entertainment. And the cover reinforces this as the

This magazine would appeal to the mainstream audience, because Rolling Stone magazine is one of the biggest selling and most popular music/entertainment magazines out there. Therefore it would be followed regularly by many people, specifically those who are into music, entertainment and the latest news within the industry.