Tag Archives: Rock Biography

ALICE COOPER, new book: ‘I’m Eighteen and School’s’ Out, by Ian Hoey

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How the Journey Between Two Rock Anthems Took the Alice Cooper Group from Obscurity to International Infamy

Ian Hoey, who is a “sometime radio reviewer, writer, host & stranger in the crowd”, has authored his first book – I’m Eighteen and School’s Out, out now. The book focuses on the ALICE COOPER era from Love It To Death to after School’s Out, the albums that made such a huge impact, particularly with the anthems that title this book.

Ian Hoey: “I really wanted the added context of where they were at the time and the public and press attitudes to them as their success grew. I also aimed to write a book that would be equally entertaining and informing for people who knew next to nothing about the band and people who knew a huge amount already”.

The book pulls from online archives, and many of his own interviews. “Not just with the obvious candidates, but also people who worked for them, with them, or just happened to be around at the times some of the things were going on.”

A lot of research went in to I’m Eighteen and School’s Out through research, with another aim being to give credit to those around the band, who, according to Ian, “are often treated as minor characters in the history, or even ignored completely. Joe Greenberg and Cindy Smith Dunaway being the two main examples.”

Looking forward to reading this and talking with Ian in the near future. You can order I’m Eighteen and School’s Out on Amazon and various online shops (including Indigo).

*You can look up Ian’s new Facebook page to promote the book – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581636807359

Below is the press info on the book:

The Alice Cooper group are one of the most influential rock bands of all time. And yet, when the histories of popular music are written, they are often in the margins or even overlooked completely. This book redresses that and puts the spotlight on their pivotal period of development from the winter of 1970 to the summer of 1972, bookended by the hit singles I’m Eighteen and School’s Out.

Containing numerous new interviews and contributions alongside detailed research, I’m Eighteen and School’s Out places the Alice Cooper story in context with the music scene of the time, paying special attention to the acts who were often considered their rivals, from Screaming Lord Sutch to David Bowie.

This is the extraordinary tale of the people who made the band what it is and how they ultimately triumphed against the odds in a most spectacular way.

DEEP PURPLE – Seven Decades of, by Martin Popoff

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Canadian rock writer Martin Popoff has a new book on DEEP PURPLE, coming out October 28. Popoff has penned a number of Deep Purple and related books, notably Gettin Tighter (2005) and Castle Full Of Rascals (2009). *Check out book info below, as well as ordering link at the bottom.

Dive into the saga of Deep Purple and unravel the untold stories behind the legendary band, from their groundbreaking albums to their tumultuous journey through rock history to the present.

Seven Decades of Deep Purple tells the electrifying story of one of the most iconic bands in rock history.

From the band’s explosive formation in 1968 to the classic Mk. II lineup—Gillan, Blackmore, Glover, Lord, and Paice—and through all the iterations to the present day, this book delves deep into the band that brought the world unforgettable hits like “Hush,” “Speed King,” “Child in Time,” “Smoke on the Water,” “Highway Star,” “Burn,” and “Perfect Strangers.”

Through nearly 50 interviews by the author with Purple alumni, plus dozens more with others who are part of this story, readers will journey through the group’s formation, lineup changes, album sessions, and live performances, with the narrative emerging as the story of creativity itself, a tale enhanced by the use of over 450 images.

Album by album, it’s Deep Purple’s music that gives this book its solid-rock foundation. Starting with 1968’s Shades of Deep Purple, the book discusses all their genre-defining albums, including In Rock, Fireball, Machine Head, Burn, Purpendicular, Whoosh!, and 2024’s =1.

Seven Decades of Deep Purple captures the essence of a band whose influence transcended generations and shaped the sound of modern rock.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to their music, this book is a must-read for anyone wanting to explore the legacy of one of rock’s most enduring and relentlessly vital and creative forces.

https://schifferbooks.com/products/seven-decades-of-deep-purple?srsltid=AfmBOopUfFQIenrLF6_u2XgdIkobuVwunp7tlJwwKCtdqnrYFm5Q_B5h

WISHBONE ASH ‘No Easy Road: Live in the 70s’ book

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WISHBONE ASH ‘NO EASY ROAD – WISHBONE ASH LIVE IN THE 70s’ Coffee Table Book Set For Release on Madfish August 30, 2024

  • Madfish are proud to present ‘No Easy Road’, an exclusive Wishbone Ash Coffee Table Book and the first official tribute to the band’s life on the road during their classic years from 1970-1980. This beautifully crafted 216-page set, set for release on 30th August, offers a unique glimpse into the band’s journey and features contributions from Martin Turner, Andy Powell, Steve Upton, Laurie Wisefield and head roadie Mark Emery.
  • WATCH THE TRAILER FOR ‘NO EASY ROAD’
Heidelberg Germany 27th September 1977. Photo: Dick Barnett
  • ‘No Easy Road’ includes many previously unseen photographs captured by renowned photographers Jill Furmanovsky (Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin), Michael Putland (The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney), Barry Plummer (Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley) and Dick Barnatt (Alice Cooper, Rod Stewart), alongside personal photographs from the band members’ private archive plus images of rare memorabilia and tour ephemera.Limited to just 1000 copies, each book comes with a photo signed by four band members: Laurie Wisefield, Andy Powell, Steve Upton and Martin Turner.
  • The book comes packed in a rigid slipcase containing a bonus 10-track KRO-NCRV concert CD, originally broadcast in Holland during the landmark Startruckin’ 75 Tour – an essential addition for any Wishbone Ash enthusiast.
  • The ultimate chronicle of one of the world’s greatest live bands, ‘No Easy Road’ follows Madfish’s recent 50th anniversary edition of the band’s 1972 classic, ‘Argus’.

Metal Mike issues ‘A Hair Metal Journey’.

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‘Metal’ Mike has written his own story on the 80s Metal bands he grew up with and interviewed. Independently published, at 214 pages, and available on Amazon for a mere $15! Check it out. Also, check out the press info below and links at the bottom.

80’s Glam Metalcast podcaster, “Metal” Mike, takes the reader on a journey through Hair Metal’s highs and lows, from 1986 to 1991. “A Hair Metal Journey” is loaded with stories about Metal’s glory days from past and current members of bands like KISS, RATT, Winger, Dokken, Britny Fox and more! You get a peak behind the scenes of Hair Metal’s classic albums and tours. All along the way, the author looks at back at his own 80’s adolescent journey, going to EPIC concerts, and keeping up with all the head banging fandom that came along with this legendary genre!

The rockers tell similar stories that help paint the picture of what it took for them to get to the top and stay there. It seemed liked the party would stay wild forever until it all came to a clashing halt in 1991. Many reflect on the challenges they faced as Hair Metal got bloated and Grunge emerged. “It’s a breath of fresh air to see someone like Mike release a book that is based on true research and experience.This guy knows his stuff when it comes to Glam Metal. He is a true fan of the genre and proves without a doubt, that his knowledge is deep and genuine. He knows how to ask the right questions and give credit where it is due to the bands who created this genre of Rock music. Great job Mike!!!!” – Steve Blaze (Lillian Axe)

“80’s Glam Metalcast podcaster Metal Mike knows what people want to hear about when he does interviews. That’s what makes his interviews interesting and fun to read.” – Olivier (Editor-In-Chief, Sleaze Roxx)

“Mike the 80’s Metal Man will take you back 40 years. Back when the music had balls, the hair had spray, and bands knew how to party their arses off and entertain a crowd for a cheap price. Bring me back Mike!” – Doc “Killdrums” Wacholz(Savatage/Reverence)

“From one Hair Metal fanatic to another, Mike’s knowledge, passion, and commitment to Rock n Roll’s most exciting, flamboyant, and decadent era is completely unparalleled” – Rob Wylde (Midnite City/Ex Tigertailz)

“Hair Metal Mike knows his shit! He knows how to take you on a trip to way back when. He’s always tasteful in how he gets the artists and readers involved.” – Chris Laney (Pretty Maids)

“I love Metal Mike’s insights into the history, songwriting, and musicianship of my favorite bands. I’ve always been a fan of this music… but I’ve never learned so much as I have from Mike. That’s what makes this book so fantastic. It’s not only packed with more insight, knowledge, and appreciation than could ever fit in a single podcast episode, it’s chock full of Mike’s personal stories and experiences. This is a book not just for the Metalcast audience, but for anyone who loved this music when it first came out… and still loves it today.” – Chad Gervich (Co-Executive Producer, “I Wanna Rock: The 80s Metal Dream)”

LNKS:

https://www.facebook.com/80sglammetalcast

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPIOdVmAzIR6RTfkExogf-w

JOHN VERITY to release his own book

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Former ARGENT member John Verity has penned his own story, titled This Rock ‘N’ Roll Won’t Last You Know! Well after 50 years in the music business, Verity played guitar, sang and wrote on Argent’s Circus and Counterpoints albums, and went on to form Phoenix, Verity, as well as release a number of solo albums, and just recently released – an album with. Del Bromham (Stray), titled Live at Last (which can ordered at http://www.johnverity.com)

For more info on John’s book And to pre order – https://www.wymeruk.co.uk/webshop/books/rock/john-verity/this-rock-n-roll-won-t-last-you-know-by-john-verity/

ALICE COOPER: CONFIDENTIAL (the book!)

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Canadian rock biographer Jeffrey Morgan has a new book out titled Alice Cooper Confidential: Confessions! Secrets! Fan Mail! Morgan wrote for many years for iconic 70s & 80s rock mag Creem, being invited by the legendary Lester Bangs. Creem was the next biggest music publication after Rolling Stone. Morgan became Alice’s official biographer writing Alcohol and Razor Blades, Poison and Needles: The Glorious Wretched Excess of Alice Cooper, All-American, which came in the 1999 box set The Life and Crimes of Alice Cooper. With Alice Cooper Confidential, Jeffrey Morgan puts together a pile of Alice features, most notably being pages of fan mail (emails) from AC fans who want to contact Alice. Interesting to read, as so many fans have no problem inviting Alice over for a BBQ, a birthday party, a wedding, out for a game of golf – you name it! Or they just want to share some odd story about something to do with him, most of which will leave you shaking your head. Beware if you think you wrote to him in the past! Elsewhere this138 page coffee table read book is full of fantastic photos from every era of Alice’s career, on & off stage (cool to see the late Nash the Slash’s early photos of the AC band in Toronto), various other images! Most interesting is a previously unpublished interview from 2009. An interesting addition to any Alice fan’s collection.

Links:

Alice Cooper Confidential

10/’22

John Sloman – Lost On Planet Artifice (book review)

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I’ll admit I don’t read a lot of books…in full, but rock bios are always of interest, and this one penned by Welsh musician John Sloman definitely is of interest. Sloman has had a lengthy roller-coaster ride of a career in the music business, having once fronted Lone Star (featuring Paul Chapman, pre UFO) and then Uriah Heep, and going on to tour with Gary Moore, Paul Young, and has recorded a number of solo albums (his latest Two Rivers, having just recently come out!). Lost On Planet Artifice takes us through John’s journey growing up in Grangetown, Cardiff (Wales) – his childhood, his intro to music, girls, his first band,… I do not usually read a book beginning to end, but more so pick out chapters and bits I want to know about first, then go back and forth, so picking up this 400+ page monster I went right to the Heep content to start! It goes without saying that this book should be a must-read for any Heep fan, and in particular those that either brushed over John’s 18 months in the band or lay the blame of the band’s demise in 1980/81 squarely with him. John finally gets to tell his version of events after decades of being dumped on by former band members, misguided fans, and unknowing journalists. So some stories may be a bit shocking, but worth the read. John has a natural knack for writing, and relaying recollections and events, as well as a pretty detailed memory.

Beyond the Heep era, John’s career would come across even more painful periods, such as the details of his time with Gary Moore, his solo album deal(s) and recording with Todd Rundgren. John’s story is a very brave and honest one, as he not only gets out all the things he’s bottled up over the years, but also talks about the depression and anxiety various situations and setbacks brought up, and how he dealt with them. Despite the ‘name’ and rock star tag, John’s story is. about his everyday struggles – as a musician trying to earn a living, as well as dealing with family and personal tragedies. Lost On Planet Artifice is Not one of those retrospective rock star books that simply recounts how great they once were! It also includes John’s insight into worldly issues, which some may take or leave (John’s well read on many topics, so I’m good with it). Throughout this you want to route for the guy that some big break or payday with finally go his way, as in later years John has threatened a few times to quit making music altogether, but he carries on, and anyone who’s heard his latest album Two Rivers, knows he still has plenty to offer. I think Two Rivers makes a great companion to his story here, so I’m guessing it won’t be his last! John seems a natural at writing as well, so hopefully there’ll be another book!? *There’s also a few pages of black & white photos, most of which have never been seen.

An excellent read and can be easily purchased for a good price on Amazon.

URIAH HEEP : A Visual Biography – by Martin Popoff

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The latest in the ‘visual biography’ series from Canadian rock writer Martin Popoff just happens to be on the mighty Uriah Heep. A project I had a slight hand in. And having said that – has made it hard for me to write much about it It is a very nice coffee-table book, chalk full of photos from throughout the band’s history, with photos mainly coming from fellow Heep fans who were fortunate to have seen the band over the decades, with different line-ups. So credit must go to those who contributed their photos, and time in scanning as well.

The visual history also comes with a timeline of Heep’s history, noting many birthdays, important dates, related releases, etc…

It is a fine addition to an avid Heep fan’s collection. It is heavy (weight), but will make for a cool conversation piece.

For the record, someone commented ‘enough with the Heep books‘ – well, I for one am in favor of seeing more, and preferably more from those (players & participants) who were there. Uriah Heep was/is a major band in the golden era of heavy rock, an era that will disappear sooner than later. So, if you’ve got something to say, photos you’re stashing, recordings you’re holding on to, unprinted interviews to share — Now is the time!

*For more info and to order please check out the link below. +Martin also has copies of his Thin Lizzy book in the same series.

Uriah Heep: A Visual Biography (martinpopoff.com)

Uriah Heep: A Visual Biography: Popoff, Martin: 9781912782567: Amazon.com: Books