Drum Solos, Bottles and Bands - Memories of a Concert-goer 1981-1999


Book Description

Recollections from a selection of concerts the author went to in the UK during the 1980s and 90s. Ranging from big names like Queen and ZZ Top to less well known bands such as Stump and Urge Overkill, the book describes events that made the gigs memorable such as a fire alarm going off during a gig, a guitarist performing an encore naked and a singer pushing a drunken fan off the stage.




Our Band Could Be Your Life


Book Description

The definitive chronicle of underground music in the 1980s tells the stories of Black Flag, Sonic Youth, The Replacements, and other seminal bands whose DIY revolution changed American music forever. Our Band Could Be Your Life is the never-before-told story of the musical revolution that happened right under the nose of the Reagan Eighties -- when a small but sprawling network of bands, labels, fanzines, radio stations, and other subversives re-energized American rock with punk's do-it-yourself credo and created music that was deeply personal, often brilliant, always challenging, and immensely influential. This sweeping chronicle of music, politics, drugs, fear, loathing, and faith is an indie rock classic in its own right. The bands profiled include: Sonic Youth Black Flag The Replacements Minutemen Husker Du Minor Threat Mission of Burma Butthole Surfers Big Black Fugazi Mudhoney Beat Happening Dinosaur Jr.




Liverpool


Book Description

The second book in the popular series recording inner city life in Liverpool in the 60s and 70s.







All Up


Book Description

“With its fascinating personalities that only Rinzler could describe, All Up can’t be put down.”—David Mandel, Veep executive producer All Up plunges its readers into the cloak-and-dagger espionage and blitzkrieg battles of World War II that swirled around rocketry; it introduces them to extraterrestrial phenomena, secret organizations, and the nail-biting missions launched from Cape Canaveral—as well as the secrets and unknown history behind Apollo 11’s legendary trip to the Moon. All Up tells the incredible true story of Nazi Germany’s Wernher von Braun, Soviet Russia’s Sergei Korolev, and America’s Robert Goddard as they work feverishly to fulfill their countries’ technological, military, and geopolitical objectives while satisfying their own personal obsessions. Alongside the Space Age history is the strange but well-documented trail of UFOs—one that leads to a desperate struggle in the highest corridors of power. Who will control the alien technology for their hidden agendas during the Cold War? Secret services compete worldwide in that ruthless game—and no one is a more deadly player than the mysterious agent named Rachel, hot on the trail of war criminal, former SS Brigadeführer Hans Kammler.




Reinventing Pink Floyd


Book Description

In celebration of the 45th anniversary of The Dark Side of the Moon, Bill Kopp explores the ingenuity with which Pink Floyd rebranded itself following the 1968 departure of Syd Barrett. Not only did the band survive Barrett’s departure, but it went on to release landmark albums that continue to influence generations of musicians and fans. Reinventing Pink Floyd follows the path taken by the remaining band members to establish a musical identity, develop a songwriting style, and create a new template for the manner in which albums are made and even enjoyed by listeners. As veteran music journalist Bill Kopp illustrates, that path was filled with failed experiments, creative blind alleys, one-off musical excursions, abortive collaborations, general restlessness, and—most importantly—a dedicated search for a distinctive musical personality. This exciting guide to the works of 1968 through 1973 highlights key innovations and musical breakthroughs of lasting influence. Kopp places Pink Floyd in its historical, cultural, and musical contexts while celebrating the test of fire that took the band from the brink of demise to enduring superstardom.




Echoes


Book Description

From their gigs in tiny church halls to multimillion-selling albums--"The Dark Side" "of the Moon," "Wish You Were Here," and the rock opera "The Wall"--and elaborate stadium shows, this tome celebrates legendary rock band Pink Floyd. Lavishly illustrated with previously unpublished photographs and rare graphic memorabilia, including posters, advertisements, handbills, and tickets from every era of the band's remarkable history, this survey provides a comprehensive overview of the group, its members, and the times. In addition to a biographical account of the band's collective and individual careers--from their pre-Floyd times in the early 1960s to the present day and their music's evolution from psychedelic and space rock to progressive rock genres--this definitive reference presents a meticulously researched chronological listing of every Pink Floyd and solo concert with set lists, radio and television appearances, and a UK and U.S. discography.




We Were Hooked


Book Description

Thirteen teenagers relate their experiences with drugs and describe the different treatments that helped them "kick the habit."




Here Comes Everybody


Book Description

“Everything a really great music memoir should be.” —Colin Meloy The Pogues injected the fury of punk into Irish folk music and gave the world the troubled, iconic, darkly romantic songwriter Shane MacGowan. Here Comes Everybody is a memoir written by founding member and accordion player James Fearnley, drawn from his personal experiences and the series of journals and correspondence he kept throughout the band’s career. Fearnley describes the coalescence of a disparate collection of vagabonds living in the squats of London’s Kings Cross, with, at its center, the charismatic MacGowan and his idea of turning Irish traditional music on its head. With beauty, lyricism, and great candor, Fearnley tells the story of how the band watched helplessly as their singer descended into a dark and isolated world of drugs and drink, and sets forth the increasingly desperate measures they were forced to take. James Fearnley was born in 1954 in Worsley, Manchester. He played guitar in various bands, including The Nips with Shane MacGowan, before becoming the accordion player in The Pogues. Fearnley continues to tour with the band and lives in Los Angeles.




Thin Lizzy: The Boys Are Back in Town


Book Description

One of the defining rock groups of the 20th Century, Thin Lizzy began life in Dublin in 1969 when childhood friends Phil Lynott and Brian Downey were approached by two former members of Van Morrison's band 'Them', Eric Wrixon (keyboards) and Eric Bell (guitar). Now for the first time, their story is told by guitarist Scott Gorham and rock journalist Harry Doherty.The band’s story is told by the people who were involved directly including former guitarists, road crew, management, family and friends. Their origins in Dublin as a three piece with the Whiskey in the Jar single and a string of unsuccessful but highly creative albums. The move to London to chase the dream of being a major rock band. The chaotic arrival and departures of various members including Eric Bell (who left the band mid concert), Irish guitarist Gary Moore, Brian Robertson and co-author Scott Gorham. How the albums Jailbreak and Boys Are Back in Town took the band to the top of the charts just as they were to become bankrupt. Includes stories of the band on the road, the drink and drugs and how the years of partying, drug-taking and non stop touring eventually took its toll on not only the band members but on their families. The death of front man Phil Lynott and their legacy following his death.