The magazine had a full-time editorial staff that were prolific in rock journalism, such as Paul Nelson, Judy Wieder, David Fricke, and Kurt Loder.

[5] Gerald Rothberg originally published the magazine under the name Hullabaloo in 1966 (23 issues), before changing the name to Circus in 1969.

[2] In its early years it covered hard rock acts like the Doors and Grand Funk Railroad.

Rock critic Kurt Loder was also a contributor, as was Lance Loud of An American Family fame.

As the 1990s progressed, Rothberg changed the longtime design and logo of the magazine, reduced the staff complement, and made use of freelance writers.