Dave Thompson – författare

Cheerfully unpretentious and brash with all the trimmings one would expect of a traditional seaside resort, Blackpool remains the iconic resort town, but there is more to its richly coloured history than you might think. This absorbing collection of images reveals the changing face of the town during the past century. Over 200 old postcards and photographs - many never previously published - help highlight Blackpool's remarkable transformation from a fledgling resort. Aspects of everyday life in the town are featured here, including social occasions, the pleasure steamers that once plied their trade from the piers, seaside entertainment and old cherished street scenes of bygone Blackpool. This book is a valuable pictorial history, which will waken nostalgic memories for some readers, whilst offering a unique glimpse at the past for others.

In 2009 Phil Spector, the legendary record producer, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of B-movie actress Lana Clarkson. It was an ignominious climax to a life of staggering highs and scarcely believable lows. "e;Wall of Pain"e;, Dave Thompson's biography of Phil Spector, has now been updated to include important details of the seemingly interminable trial. The architect of the "e;Wall Of Sound"e;, Spector's already iconic status in the music world was enhanced by his work with The Beatles. Writer and producer of countless hits, his innovative genius in the studio revitalised music production in the 1960s and changed the way we listen to music forever. But there was always a dark side to Phil Spector. His success became over-shadowed by his reputation for eccentricity and excess, his fractious personality and fascination with handguns eventually proving a lethal combination. Featuring interviews from those closest to him, including former wife Ronnie Spector, "e;Wall of Pain"e; concludes the painful tale of pop's tortured genius.

Alice Cooper is an American rock singer, songwriter and musician whose career spans more than four decades. With a stage show that features guillotines, electric chairs, fake blood, boa constrictors and baby dolls, Cooper has pioneered a grandly theatrical and violent brand of hard rock designed to shock. Drawing from exclusive and unpublished interviews with a variety of names and faces from throughout Alice’s career, the book follows Cooper’s tale from his life growing up as a preacher’s son in Arizona, through the early years of struggle in Phoenix and then Los Angeles, and then onto the rollercoaster ride that has been the years since then.Includes interviews with original bandmates Michael Bruce and the late Glenn Buxton, drummer Neal Smith, the late Frank Zappa, manager Shep Gordon and producer Bob Ezrin. Includes tributes and recollections from many of the artists who call Alice an influence - from the Damned and the Cramps, to White Zombie and Gwar. Session players and songwriters who have made their own contributions to the Alice story recall their days spent with this Prince of Hell-raisers.The result is a story that alternately thrills, shocks, surprises and delights.Includes full discography and bibliography.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is simultaneously one of the iconographic touchstones of 1970s cinema, and a timeless romp that appeals equally to every fresh generation. Created with a sharp eye for cult and context alike, Rocky Horror leaped effortlessly from stage to celluloid, losing none of its immediacy and spontaneity in the process – and maybe gathering more. Dave Thompson goes deep inside the phenomenon to trace the story and the strangeness that is The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

This book looks inside the artists and music that transformed the American and British soundscape of the 1980s and '90s. Scene-setting essays – some with interviews of key figures – explore alternative rock's primary influences, from Captain Beefheart to Brian Eno, and its many subgenres, from punk to grunge and Brit pop to trip hop. Reviews and profiles cover over 2 000 recordings and more than 500 musicians, such as The Beastie Boys, The Cure, R.E.M., Marilyn Manson, XTC and hundreds more. This comprehensive guide also examines the cultural scenes, technologies and people behind the alternative sound. From the author of Depeche Mode and Never Fade Away: The Kurt Cobain Story.

More than a listener's guide, this book reveals the rich historical development of a regional music that is now embraced worldwide. Packed with incisive essays, ratings and reviews of 2 700 recordings, plus fantastic photos and engaging biographies, this guide captures the allure of reggae, calypso, dancehall, rock steady, soca and other evocative styles of the entire English-speaking Caribbean region past and present. Featured artists include: Bob Marley and the Wailers, Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh, Lord Kitchener, Arrow, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Buju Banton, Brother Resistance, Prince Buster, David Rudder, Wailing Souls and many others.

One of the most successful rock acts of all time, Genesis enjoyed a longevity exceeded only by the likes of the Rolling Stones and the Kinks, and provided a launching pad for superstars Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins. Turn It On Again is the first book to document the complete history of this popular and influential band, bringing their story up-to-date while placing them in the context of their time. It explores the relationship between the band and the remarkable solo careers it spawned. Drawing on dozens of exclusive interviews with band members past and present, as well as the musicians' friends and associates, author Dave Thompson chronicles Genesis' evolution from progressive-rock visionaries to mainstream rock stars, and the continuing careers of its most famous alumni.

Bad Reputation is the unexpurgated story of Joan Jett, the single most exciting rocker of the American 1980s, one of the biggest-selling acts of the age, and one of punk rock's most valued elder statespeeps.Through its pages, a welter of exclusive interviews and observations paint what might well be the last great tale of rock hedonism, but one that comes with a twist in its tail. The rockers are women, the groupies are guys. It could have been the plot line for a movie or even a sitcom, but the Runaways, Jett's first band, made it happen, and Jett made it last.The first serious female rocker of the 1980s, Jett became the template for everyone that followed. But unlike so many of her peers and counterparts, she never lost her credibility, never sold out, and never gave up. And she has backed her reputation up with genuine star power, following the chart-topping “I Love Rock 'n' Roll” – one of the most played '80s anthems of all time – with “Crimson and Clover ” “Do You Wanna Touch Me ” and “I Hate Myself for Loving You” before the decade ended. And, while the 1990s saw Jett purposefully step away from the spotlight, she remained, and remains, America's number one Queen of Noise.

First Time Author goes beyond just teaching the mechanics of writing and publishing.It contains the condensed wisdom from 11 years of work in this field, helping over 300 coaches, healers and experts to publish their life’s work and inspirational story.If you are a First Time Author, this book contains everything I wish I’d known, before I wrote my first book in 2014. Equal parts energetic transmission and practical tactical guidebook, First Time Author will open you to the magic of your message.If you want to become a successful first time author, this book is for you. In this book, you will receive a transmission of:• Liberation and Authentic Expression: This book is the spark that encourages you to break free from conventional writing norms, embrace your unique voice (e.g. your “YOU-isms”), and write from a place of authenticity and vulnerability.• How To Overcome Mental Barriers: It tackles the psychological challenges of inspirational book writing—imposter syndrome, fear of judgment, and the perfectionism trap—guiding you to find your courage and deepen your trust in your message.• Purpose and Impact: Inspirational book writing is a tool for creating meaningful impact, inspiring transformation, and contributing positively to the world, especially in chaotic times when new voices and leaders are needed.• Success and Evolution: First Time Author shows you strategically how book writing is a pathway to personal growth, business success, and industry leadership. The book isn’t just about selling copies; it’s about using the book as a gateway to influence, legacy, and financial opportunities.• Practical, Relatable Guidance: You’ll receive relatable anecdotes, real-life examples, and self-coaching tips, with practical, actionable steps for First Time Authors to navigate the writing and publishing process with grace, ease and quantum flow.Dave Thompson is the founder of Inspirational Book Writers and a 7-time best-selling author who has helped over 300 coaches, healers, experts, and entrepreneurs turn their ideas into inspirational best-sellers. Dave’s WRITE – PUBLISH – LAUNCH system empowers first-time authors to write their book in a week, publish a high-quality book, and achieve international best-seller status. He is dedicated to helping impact-driven leaders share their message, accelerate their authority, and leave a lasting legacy.To find out more, go to www.inspirationalbookwriters