Julien Bitoun – författare

An encyclopedia of more than 100 guitars and the musicians who have mastered them. Guitars & Heroes is organized by era, from the rockabilly pioneers to the guitar heroes of the future. Each chapter contains portraits of guitarists (past and present) and their favourite instruments. The authoritative text describes the musician’s favoured guitar or guitars and why they are preferred, often revealing a hidden facet of the musician’s artistic approach. Special photo spreads include The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Van Halen, Prince, Billie Joe Armstrong, AC/DC, Les Paul, anatomy of a Stratocaster, 5 Replica Guitars; Burst, the world’s most expensive guitar; 5 Most Desirable Amplifiers, 5 Pedals That Changed the World, 5 Groundbreaking Sounds, The Chicago Blues in 5 Albums, 5 Essential Hard Rock Albums and 5 Design Gibson Mistakes. The book is organized into three sections (Birth of an Art, The Golden Age, Modern Times) and nine chapters, each with a selection of artists and their guitars, including these: Delta Blues & Rockabilly Robert Johnson, Jimmie Rogers, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Buddy Holly; Chicago Blues & Jazz Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Trini Lopez, George Benson; British Blues Boom Dave Davies, Pete Townshend, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Peter Green; Surf, Garage Rock & Psychedelic Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, Santana, Ry Cooder, Duane Allman; Birth of Hard Rock Ritchie Blackmore, Neil Young, Brian May, Peter Frampton, Joan Jett; Arena Rock, Shred & New Wave Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Edge, Joe Satriani, Slash; Grunge & Alternative Rock Kurt Cobain, Buzz Osborne, Sonic Youth, Rivers Cuomo, John 5; Metal to Djent Dimebag Darrell, John 5, Buckethead, Meshuggah, Tosin Abasi; Guitar Heroes of the Future St. Vincent, Joe Bonamassa, Jack White, Ron Thal, Matthew Bellamy. Guitars & Heroes is a sensational encyclopedia for all guitarists, guitar geeks, collectors and avid listeners, and an essential purchase for all collections.

The complete story of the Gibson Les Paul.Produced in collaboration with Gibson, this is the ultimate history of rock's greatest guitar – with unprecedented access to behind-the-scenes stories and unseen photography.- The greatest Les Paul models - Stunning photography, including never-before-seen images - Detailed technical information - Iconic Les Paul players, songs, albums and concerts - Other treasures from the Gibson vaultsCelebrating 70 years of a music icon, this is an ode to a magical guitar and the music made with it.

Get an intimate and exclusive look at the instruments of the beloved Irish guitarist, Rory Gallagher, in this stunningly photographed official volume.When it comes to guitar heroes, Rory Gallagher is considered one of the greats, a “player’s player” forever linked with his iconic, well-worn 1961 Stratocaster. But like most virtuosos, Gallagher owned many noteworthy guitars, lap steels, and mandolins, 40 of which are featured in this breathtaking collection, along with selected amplifiers and effects pedals. Photographed in cooperation with Bonhams before the 2024 auction of the collection, the gear spans Gallagher’s entire career and showcases instruments from all the major manufacturers. Exquisitely detailed photography of the instruments by guitar photographer Eleanor Jane is accompanied by authoritative text from guitar historian Julien Bitoun, including interview material with Rory's brother and manager, Dónal, as well as archival photography from the Gallagher family.  In addition to the legendary ’61 Strat, Gallagher’s Guitars includes:1958 backup Stratocaster1966 Fender Telecaster1959 Fender Esquire1968 Martin D-351968 Gibson Les Paul Junior1959 Gretsch Chet Atkins1965 Airline “JB Hutto”And that’s just a small sampling. Even Rory’s first guitar, a flat-top acoustic acquired when he was nine years old, is included.In addition to major manufacturers like Fender, Gibson, Gretsch, Rickenbacker, Epiphone, National, Vox, Martin, and Marshall, the collection includes pieces from names that grab the attention of discerning gearheads and collectors—Airline, Teisco, Mosrite, Stella, Silvertone, Kay, Guyatone, and Supro. Featuring a foreword by acclaimed guitarist and Gallagher superfan Johnny Marr, this carefully curated and display-worthy book is a fitting tribute to the life and career of one of the most revered guitarists of the rock era.

The ultimate collection of 100 legendary guitarsFrom the beginnings of the American guitar in the 19th century to the avant-garde Canadian creations of a few months ago, from folk to electric to archtop; from the cheap guitar of the bluesmen of the 1960s to the Les Paul worth half a million dollars; all the instruments presented in this book are exceptional, whether it's because of their sound, their craftsmanship, the way they play, their aesthetics or the artists they inspired.Julien Bitoun, musician and great specialist in the history of rock, has lovingly selected each of the instruments. He tells the story of their creation and the reasons they entered history.Enough to make the most jaded collector pale or the most occasional enthusiast definitely addicted!

Foreword by Woodstock co-founder, Michael Lang.3 days. 33 concerts. 2 deaths. 2 births. 500,000 people. And another 250,000 stuck in traffic trying to get in. Woodstock was a festival like no other. Now, on its 50th anniversary, relive every moment.Detailed text and evocative photographs tell the full story of every single act that performed - when they took to the stage, what songs they played, who was there, what they were like. From The Who to Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane to Creedence Clearwater Revival, every single second is an experience to enjoy over and over again.Also includes fascinating features on the stories around Woodstock, from the unique social and political context to the drugs, the free love, the film, the albums and the legacy.