'Blessed to have had you in our corner': Musicians and fans mourn passing of a music icon as the NME announces this week's issue will be its last in print after 65 years

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Iconic music magazine NME will stop producing a print edition from next week, ending a 65-year tradition.

Publisher Time Inc. UK said that it will be 'focusing investment on further expanding NME's digital audience.' 

The final weekly edition will appear Friday.

Time Inc's UK group managing director Paul Cheal said: 'NME is one of the most iconic brands in British media and our move to free print has helped to propel the brand to its biggest ever audience on NME.com. 

British music magazine NME, which helped mold musical tastes for several generations, will stop publishing its weekly print edition

NME said the publication had reached a point where its free print edition was 'no longer viable' 

Two legendary front pages from the magazine featuring David Bowey. The publication's final edition will appear Friday 

News of its print demise triggered a wave of nostalgia from fans and bands with many tweeting images of their favorite covers and the hashtag #RIPNME

Musicians, their fans and readers alike have taken to social media to mourn today's announcement 

British music magazine NME, which helped mold musical tastes for several generations, will stop publishing its weekly print edition

The Who's official Twitter wrote: '#RIPNME Thanks for everything NME. Nice to have known you. Love from the 'Orrible 'Ooo'

'The print re-invention has helped us to attract a range of cover stars that the previous paid-for magazine could only have dreamed of.

'At the same time, we have also faced increasing production costs and a very tough print advertising market. 

'Unfortunately we have now reached a point where the free weekly magazine is no longer financially viable.

'It is in the digital space where effort and investment will focus to secure a strong future for this famous brand.'

Heavyweights of the music world today paid their tributes to NME. Kasabian, Paul Weller and the Libertines all mourned the loss

Founded in 1952 as New Musical Express, the magazine became essential reading for fans and a coveted platform for musicians through the eras of Beatlemania, prog-rock, punk, indie and more.

News of its print demise triggered a wave of nostalgia from fans and bands with many tweeting images of their favorite covers and the hashtag #RIPNME.

Paul Weller wrote: 'RIP.' 

Famous readers, including Paul Weller and Billy Bragg, have taken to Twitter to express their sadness at NME's closure

NME will stop publishing a physical magazine after 65 years. The Slaves and journalists Simon Price and Caitlin Moran expressed their shock on Twitter

A tweet from Kasabian's Twitter account said: 'A truly sad day that such an icon is no more. Thank you for the memories. They're gonna miss you when you're gone. RIP NME.' 

Singer-songwriter Billy Bragg tweeted: 'When I first started out, my ambitions were to make an album, tour America and be on the cover of the New Musical Express.'

Journalist Danny Baker said: 'The NME never once asked me where I studied. Or what certificates I had. 

'Or where I saw myself in 5 years. They just sent you to see some band and asked for 400 words on them. 

'If they liked it they'd give you an album to review. Next thing you know you're in New York...' 

A 1994 edition of NME announcing the death of Kurt Cobain

The magazine's former editor, Conor McNicholas, wrote: 'I’m devastated. The NME is nothing to do with me these days but I feel like I’m losing a friend.' 

Readers also shared their memories on Twitter. 

Catherine Davies said: 'Very sad to hear that the NME is ceasing print publication. It once served as a lifeline to people in small, dead-end towns dreaming of a different life. 

'I hope the internet continues to provide this & many more sub- cultural spaces that everyone can find “their place” in.'

Michael Hogan said: 'RIP NME. Very sad day. Hate it when magazines close, especially ones so seminal. Thoughts with all its readers and staff.' 

Jonny Dee commented: 'Sad to hear that NME will no longer be kissing printed copies. 

'It impacted my music taste so much while I was growing up. I still listen to a bunch of 2000's indie bands that never made it past one album...' 

The development comes at a tumultuous time in the magazine world, with Glamour announcing it would be printing a paper magazine only twice a year, and with its online site focusing on beauty.