Martin Popoff – författare

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.

Between 1978 and 1982 Ian Gillan didn't so much reinvent himself; in fact he returned to his rock 'n' roll roots with his revitalised band, simply called Gillan.Aided by Colin Towns from the previous outfit, the Ian Gillan Band, and the rock solid John McCoy, Gillan started off running where Deep Purple had left off. With a settled lineup that included Mick Underwood and Bernie Torme, Gillan had numerous hit albums and even singles, with regular appearances on the UK's leading TV music show Top of the Pops.But the usual frictions that dog most bands from time to time led to the departure of the wild and flamboyant Torme and the introduction of Janick Gers for the final chapter that culminated with the band's last show at London's Wembley Arena.Having interviewed most of the band members, Martin Popoff takes us on a detailed ride, documenting the band's remarkable but frantic five-year-journey.

Take a lively look back at the most significant 12-month span in Kiss’s career, 50 years on, joining Paul, Gene, Ace, and Peter as they conquer the world.  1976 suffered no shortage of notable events…Cincinnati’s “Big Red Machine” beat the Yankees in the World Series. Jimmy Carter beat Gerald Ford at the ballot box. Rocky lit up the big screen. And some guy named Bruce Jenner lit up the Summer Olympics. And it was all set against the backdrop of the United States Bicentennial.Kiss stomped into the fray with their platform boots, barnstorming the world and still finding time to record and release two of their all-time bestselling albums. Formed in 1973, Kiss had already grabbed attention with their outrageous makeup, stage show, and (of course) music. But in 1976 the band truly took off, unleashing Destroyer and Rock and Roll Over in a span of just eight months and logging more than 100 performances in North America and Europe. In Kiss ’76, Martin Popoff presents month-by-month narratives following the band around the world, across stages and through studios. The book features:Detailed analyses of both albums, including the recording sessions, sleeve art, and moreInfo panels detailing the albums’ personnel, key dates, and track listingsListings of tour dates and venuesExclusive author interview material from figures like guitarist Ace Frehley, producer Bob Ezrin, and collaborator Kim FowleyMonth-by-month sidebars offering concurrent world, entertainment, and music news, putting the band’s impressive achievements in the context of that momentous yearStunningly illustrated pages featuring performance and offstage photography, as well as period memorabilia and flat artThis nostalgic and handsomely produced book offers a unique look at a critical chapter in the band’s career, sure to appeal to the legions of Kiss fans.

German heavy metal heroes Accepthave been headbanging their way around the world since 1979, creating along theway three of the finest metal albums of all time in Restless and Wild, Ballsto the Wall and Metal Heart, with 1981’s Breaker even servingas a cult favourite of those in the know.Fronted bydiminutive shrieker Udo Dirkschneider, the band crafted an intelligent andprofessional sound somewhere along the axis from AC/DC to Judas Priest, whichfound Accept going gold on the strength of their superlative Balls to the Wallrecord of 1983.Acrimonybetween Udo and the guys caused the shocking ouster of their lead singer for1989’s Eat the Heat, and a reunion in the ‘90s didn’t last, causingrenewed tensions before getting back with Mark Tornillo belting it out, andbeyond.Accept havecreated a trio of rock-solid records that finds the band back in charge andcranking out anthems new and old on stages the world over.Come celebrate the career of heavy metal’sbeloved Teutonic terrors, in this updated version of the first book ever on theband in any language. It’s guaranteed that Popoff’s celebrated song-by-songanalysis will have you scurrying back to the catalogue screaming for anotherlove-bite, faster than a shark out of the dark and headbanging over the courseof many long neon nights.

They were the heaviest of the gender-bending glam bands in Britain in the '70s, with smash hit after smash hit and a stronghold in Germany of all places.Soon Sweet-Brian Connolly, Andy Scott, Steve Priest and Mick Tucker-would extricate themselves from their producer puppeteers and make a clutch of classic albums still revered today.Desolation Boulevard, Sweet Fanny Adams, Give Us a Wink and Off the Record... these records formed the core before disaster struck, with lead singer Connolly falling prey to the demon drink and dying from it slowly over the following 20 years. Mick and Steve are now gone too, with Andy Scott being the last man standing from the UK institution that brought us "Ballroom Blitz," "Action" and "Fox on the Run."Come hear the band's singular and bizarre start as pop tarts, with one of rock's most revered drummers in Mick, and how it all went wrong in a blizzard of booze, cocaine and busted relationships. But also, in the spirit of the book's subtitle, come explore the band's plethora of singles, non-LP B-sides, hard rock album classics and otherwise weirdly released songs as Martin plays DJ, taking you to every corner of the band's crunchy catalogue blessed by the most angelic harmonies ever committed to virgin vinyl."Everybody wants a piece of the action!"

The publication of Martin Popoff’s Uriah Heep: A Visual Biography is something of a bitter-sweet pill given recent events.Following the sad loss of Lee Kerslake in September 2020, Popoff — having interviewed various band members over the past few years — was all set to conduct another interview with Ken Hensley in mid November when the tragic news of Ken’s sudden departure reached Heep fans around the world. Undeterred, the decision that had already been made to immortalise Uriah Heep with a comprehensive visual biography remained.Popoff’s celebrated and detailed timeline takes us through more than fifty years of massive rock history from this much-loved band. From the early days with legendary front man David Byron, through the John Lawton years; the John Sloman and Pete Goalby fronted periods and from 1986 with Bernie Shaw taking centre stage; all eras are comprehensively covered.This differs from previous Uriah Heep books through the inclusion of so many previously unpublished photos, along with rare memorabilia and artefacts that makes this an indispensable addition to the vast Uriah Heep catalogue.

In Walking in the Shadow ofthe Blues: The Whitesnake Story—the first ever full biography of theband—top music writer Martin Popoff tells the tale of rock legend DavidCoverdale, from his Deep Purple roots to the two distinct incarnations of hismega-popular creation.Whitesnakebegan life as a UK-based blues rock outfit, until the lad from England’s chillyeast coast transported the act to America’s sunny west coast in search of fame,fortune, big videos and even bigger hair. Coverdale found them all, and 1987’sself-titled album went eight times platinum in the US alone before the band’sbright star waned in the face of grimy grunge.In this book—Popoffconducted 30 interviews of major characters, including Coverdale himself, topiece together the band’s roller-coaster history. He follows their storythrough the hirings and firings, the splits and reunions and the image changeswhich have enabled Coverdale, through his Whitesnake vehicle, to positionhimself firmly within the pantheon of hard rock greats.If you’verocked out to anthems like “Here I Go Again,” “Fool For Your Loving,” “Still OfThe Night” or “Slow An’ Easy,” this is essential reading.Yes, for thejob at hand, Popoff interviewed (and many of them multiple times), DavidCoverdale, Bernie Marsden, Neil Murray, Micky Moody, Adrian Vandenberg, SteveVai, John Kalodner, Doug Aldrich, Keith Olsen, Ian Paice and many others, todeliver his usual album by chapter, with every song touched upon. So, what areyou waiting for... Come An’ Get It!

Taking cue from the do-it-yourself attitude of their country’s punk movement, Britain’s up-and-coming heavy metal bands that comprised the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) were not content to wait for record labels to come knocking. Instead, they took to issuing their own music, typically in the form of 7 inch singles but also 12s and full-length album, many indie, some on small labels, and some on the major labels smart enough to get on board (essentially EMI and MCA).Martin Popoff, writer of more record reviews than anybody in history across all genres), has undertaken the task of documenting virtually every record large and small from heavy metal’s most fabled period (beginning essentially in `79 with a hard stop at 1983) providing catalogue information, mini reviews as only he can do, plus a gob of thumbnails of those wonderful 7” picture sleeves and LP covers.Additional features:* Includes hundreds of rare 45 picture sleeve and album cover images.* Every record rated out of 10.* Layout designed so that LPs are distinguished from 7”, 10” and 12” singles/EPs.* Label, year of release and catalogue number for almost every entry.* Two appendices, displaying all 9’s and 10’s for singles as opposed to LPs.

A beautifully produced, photo-packed celebration of the ultimate rock band, AC/DC at 50 examines the extraordinary history of the Australian rockers through the lens of 50 milestone events and an illustrated gatefold timeline.Formed in Australia in 1973, AC/DC became one of the most popular and best-selling bands in rock history with their loud, heavy, sweat-drenched, blues-based rock. This richly illustrated book from prolific rock journalist Martin Popoff pays tribute to the band on the occasion of their 50th anniversary by curating and examining the 50 most significant milestones.Popoff covers everything down through the decades:  The role played by the Angus and Malcolm Young’s older brother, GeorgeThe songwriting, legendary antics, and tragic death of vocalist Bon ScottThe mega tours undertaken in support of the LPsThe debut of singer Brian Johnson on the band’s mega breakthrough, Back in BlackThe band’s fallow 1980s and 1990s resurgenceLater difficulties, such as Malcolm’s onset of dementia and passing and the legal problems of drummer Phil RuddAnd, of course, each of the landmark studio LPsIn examining 50 touchstones, Popoff provides a unique presentation of AC/DC’s career arc from Sydney pub band to international mega-platinum stadium fillers. Every page is illustrated with stunning concert and candid offstage photography, including gig posters, 7-inch picture sleeves, ticket stubs, and more.The result is an epic tribute to one of the most influential and admired bands in rock history—in a milestone year.

Find out what 20 rock journalists and writers have to say about Rush's 20 studio albums.Formed in Toronto in 1968, the rock trio Rush has gone on to multiplatinum success behind the distinctive high register and virtuosic bass-playing of frontman Geddy Lee, the legendary drumming and lyric-writing of Neil Peart, and the guitar heroics of Alex Lifeson. Despite having just four chart-topping singles since the release of their debut LP in 1974, Rush has nonetheless sold more than 25 million albums in the U.S. and more than 40 million worldwide. Indeed, the Canadian trio may be the definition of an "album band," and this new book from prolific rock journalist and acknowledged Rush authority Martin Popoff pays tribute to the band's discography by moderating in-depth, frank, and entertaining conversations about all 20 of Rush's studio albums. Inside, the author gathers 20 rock journalists and authors who offer insights, opinions, and anecdotes about every release. Together, the conversations comprise a unique historical overview of the band, as well as a handsome discography. Popoff also includes loads of sidebars that provide complete track listings, details on album personnel, information on where and when the albums were recorded, and sidebar facts about the albums, their songs, and the band.

Required reading for any metalhead, this updated compendium of in-depth, entertaining, and profusely illustrated conversations spanning all of Iron Maiden’s studio albums includes 2021’s Senjutsu.In this new edition of Iron Maiden: Album by Album, prolific rock journalist Martin Popoff pays tribute to Iron Maiden’s discography through a series of in-depth, frank, and fascinating conversations about all of the legendary heavy metal band’s studio albums. Inside, Popoff gathers together metal journalists, authors, and musicians, who offer insights, opinions, and anecdotes about every release.Richly illustrated with thoughtfully curated performance and offstage photography, as well as rare memorabilia, the conversations comprise a unique historical overview of the band, covering:  Early albums with original lead singer Paul Di’AnnoThe songwriting of founder and bassist Steve HarrisThe impeccable talents of drummer Nicko McBrain and guitarists Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Janick GersMega tours undertaken in support of the LPsFights within the bandAnd much more—even their iconic mascot Eddie is sure to make an appearance or two!Popoff also includes loads of sidebars that provide complete track listings, details on album personnel, and information on where and when the albums were recorded.Reignite your passion for the masters of metal with this captivating album-by-album exploration. Up the Irons!Explore even more great albums and artists through the Album by Album series, including:Metallica, Judas Priest, Rush, and Taylor Swift.

In the follow-up to his Judas Priest: Decade of Domination book, which looked at the band's career from inception through the Defenders of the Faith album of 1984, Martin Popoff now tackles the band's incendiary "hair metal" years through to the triumphant return to form of 2018's Firepower.In between, Popoff tackles the live albums, Glenn Tipton's solo excursion, Fight, Two and Halford... all that good stuff that resulted from the Metal God's split with the band before his celebrated return to the throne.Turbo, Ram It Down, Painkiller, Jugulator, Demolition, Angel of Retribution, Nostradamus, Redeemer of Souls, Firepower... this is the story of nine records all quite different from each other, and all the details and tales in between. What results is the story of more than thirty years of Priest history, including the making of 1990's Painkiller, a record considered by a younger generation of Priest fans to be the greatest slammin' collection of metal anthems the band ever concocted and rocked.Judas Priest: Turbo 'til Now includes extensive colour commentary from Popoff's many chats over the decades with those who were there, including Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, K.K. Downing, Ian Hill, Scott Travis, Ripper Owens and Richie Faulkner, along with producers Tom Allom, Chris Tsangarides and Roy Z. The result is the most in-depth examination of Judas Priest's late '80s to present-day output ever attempted.

In this second part of Genesis on Record, Martin Popoff, also author of multiple books on Yes and Pink Floyd, re-assembles his team of progressive rock experts to tacked the second half of the Genesis catalogue, namely: And Then There Were Three, Duke, Abacab, Genesis, Invisible Touch, We Can't Dance and finally... Calling All Stations.And defying possibility, the angles and opinions and concepts on offer are even more fresh and intriguing than those suggested in the first book. Perhaps that's because the second half of the Genesis catalogue has never been discussed this fervently and sincerely, given the band's embracing of pop conventions and the smash, multi-platinum success Phil Collins, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford enjoyed because of it.But the bottom line is this: if you were looking to have the art across these records highlighted and validated for you, then Popoff's panel of progressive pronouncers are at your service. Indeed, Martin is confident that after you read what these guys have to say, you'll be scurrying back to the albums looking for any number of the hundreds of details celebrated in these Q&A chapters of yummy music talk.

It’s one of the great debates in musicology and the answer is as complicated as it is hotly contested. Popoff’s Who Invented Heavy Metal? provides the most detailed, well argued, reasonable, ridiculously complete, and most lively and readable telling of the early history of heavy metal yet, arming the argumentative headbanger with all the facts and figures one needs on hand to win those bar room bets around this provocative question.Ultimately, Who Invented Heavy Metal? aims to be a book that doesn’t limit itself to heavy metal fans. The book provides wide instructional scope of teachable moments through unfolding, subconscious, telling by osmosis of the very history of heavy metal’s origins through events inside the genre but, surprisingly, many events outside of its own kerranging reverberations.Divided into four parts: Trace Elements: 1250 BC - 1966, beginning with the Battle Of Jericho through shocking concerts in ancient Greece, Vikings, Paganini, the blues, the invention of the electric guitar and why Little Richard, Elvis, Eddie Cochran, Jerry Lee Lewis — but most notably, Johnny Burnette, might be called the first headbangers. Lead: 1967 - 1969: Discussing extreme vocals, distortion, feedback, guitar heroes, psychedelics, amplification, the first riffs, the first power chords and the first heavy metal songs.Steel: 1970: where Martin argues for the “real” or “correct” answer to the titular question being Black Sabbath given their groundbreaking Black Sabbath album, but also that band’s Paranoid, Uriah Heep’s debut, and most important of this set of three, Deep Purple’s In Rock. Dozens of other bands are discussed as well.Titanium: 1971: In the final stretch Popoff talks about the wildest, heaviest full albums of 1971. Readers should come away with a new way to look at this question, whether they become convinced of Martin’s arguments completely or not!

Song-by-song,album-per-chapter book looking at the exemplary catalogue of King Diamond’sdevilish original band, from Melissa and Don’t Break the Oath inthe eighties to a vastly under-rated run of top-shelf reunion records in the nineties.The King Diamond catalogue gets a more informallook-in along the way, but most of this is about the hard, spooky work thatwent into one of the classiest metal catalogues of all time.

With this beautifully produced book, relive the extraordinary history of the of the hottest band in the land through 50 milestone events.Formed in New York City in 1973, Kiss became one of the most popular and best-selling bands in rock history with their inventive stage presence and heavy, hook-filled catalog, both ideally suited for packing hockey arenas and football stadiums. This richly illustrated book from prolific rock journalist Martin Popoff pays tribute to the band on the occasion of their 50th anniversary by curating and examining the 50 most significant milestones. This exquisite volume features:  Sturdy hardcover formatStunning concert and candid offstage photography, much of it never before publishedImages of memorabilia, including gig posters, 7-inch picture sleeves, ticket stubs, and moreGatefold Kiss timelinePopoff covers everything down through the decades:  The band’s formation on the New York club sceneTheir fortuitous signing to the Casablanca labelInfamous TV appearances, including Kiss Meets the Phantom of the ParkThe formation of the famous Kiss Army fan clubMega tours undertaken in support of the LPsInterband conflicts and personnel changesThe band’s 1980s “unmasking”Innovative marketing such as comic books and the Kiss ConventionAnd, of course, each of the landmark studio LPsThe result is an epic tribute to one of the most influential and admired bands in rock history—in a milestone year.

Through a confluence of grinding hard rock grooves, pioneering electronics and liquid lighting, Dave Brock and his assembled astronauts of mind and space have been defining for more than fifty years now what it means to be the ultimate cult band. Ripping into the public consciousness with the Space Ritual live album of 1973, Hawkwind have never looked back, discovering new ways to equate the subatomic with the infinite, the endless void of space with totality, using the exotic language of their ever-evolving yet complex musical language, one that defies genre classification, but perhaps creates a genre all its own, namely space rock.Accompanying their more than thirty studio albums and myriad companion pieces along the way are the graphics thereof, visuals that further attempt to explain themes that are hard to articulate. Hawkwind: A Visual Biography concentrates the third eye on this part of the package, presenting pretty pictures of record covers, promo items, advertisements, ticket stubs, paper goods pertaining to side-projects and numerous photos, most previously unpublished, of Brock and crew resplendent in their live space, in hopes that the Hawk manifesto just might become a little more knowable. Aiding in that cause, Martin Popoff has provided a detailed timeline of the band's complicated and dramatic career goings-on, helping to guide one's way through each year and era, each hiring and firing and misfiring, each cluster of notions, audio magic potions, each sailing upon inter-stellar topographic oceans.The ultimate aim is to send older fans as well as the next generation of blaster-offer back to the original scriptures, the studio albums serving as space-flung signposts, in search of the charming and astounding sounds that gave rise to Hawkwind: A Visual Biography.

Take a deep dive into one of the best-selling albums ever on the 50th anniversary of its release with this beautifully produced and authoritatively written slipcased edition.Veteran rock critic Martin Popoff leaves no stone unturned in taking apart Pink Floyd’s generation-spanning masterpiece, The Dark Side of the Moon, while exploring each of the album’s 10 tracks and their themes of madness, anxiety, and alienation. Chapters cover:The state of Pink Floyd as of 1972, with special emphasis on deposed founder Syd BarrettThe recording sessions at famed Abbey Road Studios, including techniques used and the roles of personnel such as engineer Alan ParsonsSong-by-song studies of each album side, including analyses of lyrics and the guitars, drums, keyboards, and synthesizers employed by members David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Nick Mason, and Richard WrightThe ground-breaking art and packaging created by design firm Hipgnosis and its founder Storm ThorgersonThe continent-hopping tours that supported the album and also introduced the songs before its releaseThe rock group’s trajectory post-Dark Side, including notable albums, tours, and the departure of WatersPopoff also takes you on side journeys examining each band member, session players, prog rock, the Live at Pompeii concert and film, Waters’ singular writing technique, Dark Side collectibles, awards, and more. There’s even a brief discography and complete LP tour dates.Presented in a 10.5" × 10.5" slipcased book, Pink Floyd and The Dark Side of the Moon is illustrated with stunning performance and candid off-stage photography as well as rare memorabilia.The result is a richly presented celebration and your ultimate tribute to the prog-rock masterpiece.The Great Albums series presents authoritative explorations of rock’s most revered records, beautifully packaged for fans to treasure. Delve into even more groundbreaking releases with: The Who & Quadrophenia, Prince and Purple Rain, Bruce Springsteen and Born to Run, and Queen & A Night at the Opera, with more to come.

Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first commercial LP with this authoritative, highly illustrated, and multi-faceted look at the history and culture of vinyl record collecting and turntables.Vinyl records continue to be hot commodities among everyone from obsessive audiophiles to newbie collectors getting their toes wet. In the Groove: The Vinyl Record and Turntable Revolution is the book for both—and everyone in between. Published to mark the 75th year since the introduction of the commercial LP, In the Groove is written by a roster of well-known music journalists, vinyl junkies, and stereophiles teaming up to present a gorgeous tribute to the vinyl LP and the culture it has spawned:  Richie Unterberger explores the history of the 33 1/3 LP, including its predecessor, the 78rpm record, the first commercial LPs, the pressing process, stereo vs. mono, and formats like the 7-inch/45rpm record.Gillian Gaar tackles those temples to the turntable: record stores. Inside, she examines the history of LP merchandising everywhere from department stores to headshops, Record Store Day, the artist in-store appearance, and swap meets and record shows.Martin Popoff pens a paean to the physical object itself, discussing the advent of the sleeve, the great LP covers, famous sleeve designers, liner notes and packaging, colored vinyl, and more.Matt Anniss looks at the collecting hobby and topics like obsessive collectors, what makes a great listening space, playing and caring for vinyl, collecting and vinyl in DJ and hip-hop cultures, and the mixtape phenomenon.Ken Micallef, a top hifi journalist, has the gearheads covered with explanations of turntables from portables to audiophile-quality units, the workings and parts of a turntable from motors and tonearms to plinths and cartridges, and the components of a system.In the Groove is illustrated throughout with images of gear, listening spaces, record stores, sleeve art, and celebrities and musicians enjoying the vinyl hobby through the decades. Brief, entertaining sidebars cover topics like famous labels from Stax to Sub Pop, famous EPs, well-known record stores, milestone LP covers, a beginner’s guide to grading, and formats that have challenged the supremacy of the LP, including 8-track, reel-to-reel, and cassette.Feel the groove with this effervescent ode to vinyl.

Explore the extraordinary history of Van Halen through the groundbreaking band’s 50 most important moments, brought to vivid life with photos and memorabilia.Formed in Southern California in 1974, Van Halen became one of the best-selling bands in rock history and one of the highest-grossing tour acts with their rock-solid rhythm section, the histrionics of outrageous frontman David Lee Roth, and the wildly inventive and until-then unimaginable guitar heroics of Eddie Van Halen. In Van Halen at 50, prolific rock journalist Martin Popoff pays tribute to the band on the occasion of their 50th anniversary by curating 50 significant milestones, from their formation in 1974 to the passing of Eddie Van Halen in 2020. This volume features:Stunning concert and candid offstage photographyImages of memorabilia, including gig posters, vinyl record sleeves, ticket stubs, period ads, and moreGatefold Van Halen timelineAcross five decades, Popoff covers it all:The band’s formation in Pasadena, California, and early years as a So-Cal party band13 best-selling studio albums and the tours undertaken in support of the LPsThe departure of Roth and his replacement by “The Red Rocker” Sammy HagarNotable appearances like Texxas Jam, Farm Aid, and Monsters of RockA selection of their greatest singles, like the classic-rock standards “Runnin’ with the Devil,” “Hot for Teacher,” “Jump,” and “Why Can’t This Be Love?”Awards such as MTV Music Video Awards, platinum and diamond album certifications, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of FameEddie Van Halen’s battle with cancerBassist Michael Anthony’s replacement by Eddie’s son, WolfgangIn addition, Popoff includes a selection of sidebars covering specialized topics like Eddie’s finger-tapping technique, the band’s album art, and the eternal Dave vs. Sammy question. Every page is illustrated with incredible images, including on- and off-stage photography, gig posters, 7-inch picture sleeves, ticket stubs, and more. The result is an apt tribute to one of the most popular bands in rock history.

Required reading for any metalhead, this collection of entertaining illustrated conversations spans all of Judas Priest’s studio albums, right up through 2024’s Invincible Shield.In Judas Priest: Album by Album, prolific rock journalist Martin Popoff pays tribute to Judas Priest’s discography through a series of in-depth and fascinating conversations about all 19 of the legendary British heavy metal band’s studio albums. Inside, Popoff gathers together musicians and metal journalists who offer insights, opinions, and anecdotes about each release.The interviewees include names like Slash (Guns N’ Roses), Marty Friedman (Megadeth), Charlie Benante (Anthrax), Todd La Torre (Queensrÿche), Bobby Ellsworth (Overkill), and more. Popoff also includes sidebars that provide complete track listings, details on album personnel, and information on where and when the albums were recorded.Richly illustrated with thoughtfully curated performance and offstage photography, as well as rare memorabilia, the conversations comprise a unique historical overview of the band, covering:  Legendary guitarists K. K. Downing and Glenn TiptonThe work of iconic lead singer Rob HalfordThe roles of various producers in the band’s discographyMega tours undertaken in support of the LPsAnd much more—even controversies surrounding the band are covered.Reexamine the rich catalog of these metal masters with this entertaining and insightful album-by-album exploration.Explore even more great albums and artists through the Album by Album series, including:Metallica, Iron Maiden, Rush, and Taylor Swift.

This value-priced reissue of Bowie at 75 (2022) celebrates the beloved rock star with expert commentary, hundreds of images, and an illustrated gatefold timeline.Hendrix, Joplin, Mercury…few rock artists garner as much adulation after passing as they did in life. In David Bowie, veteran rock journalist Martin Popoff examines the rocker’s extraordinary life through the lens of 75 significant career achievements and life events, guiding you through all 27 studio albums, as well as a curated selection of earworm singles. But Popoff delves deeper to reveal the events that helped chart the course of Bowie’s career:  Guest appearances with artists like Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, Tina Turner, and QueenKey performances such as Live AidCollaborations with an incredible roster of guitarists that included Mick Ronson, Adrian Belew, Robert Fripp, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Nile Rodgers, and Earl SlickFilm and television rolesRomance…and more.From his eponymous 1967 debut LP and ending with Blackstar, released just two days before his death, Bowie is regarded as one of the most influential musicians and performers of the previous five decades, during which he constantly redefined himself. In examining 75 touchstones, Popoff gives you a unique view of Bowie’s career arc from folkie to the breakthrough single “Space Oddity” to his flamboyant glam rock alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, and beyond.Illustrated with live concert and candid offstage photography as well as memorabilia including gig posters, 7-inch picture sleeves, and more, this incredible package also includes a gatefold timeline, making for a stunning tribute to one of the most influential and admired stars in rock history.

Celebrate four exhilarating and rebellious decades of Guns N’ Roses with this lushly illustrated journey through the band’s biggest moments.Formed on Los Angeles’ famed Sunset Strip in 1985, Guns N’ Roses worked their way up from the club scene in less than three years to become a best-selling recording act and a top tour draw. Along the way, there was no shortage of controversy to accompany the accolades. In Guns N’ Roses at 40, prolific rock biographer Martin Popoff curates 40 key touchstones in GN’R’s career, charting their formation and early history, key concert appearances, groundbreaking releases, notable collaborations, business challenges, personal difficulties, band quarrels, and more. This beautifully produced tribute features:Sturdy hardcover formatStunning photography, both on and off the stageImages of band memorabiliaGatefold Guns N’ Roses timelineComplete studio discographyPopoff covers it all:A history of the band’s scruffy early days on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip club sceneBackgrounds of founding members Axl Rose, Duff McKagan, Slash, Izzy Stradlin, and Steven AdlerRundowns of the key studio albums and the processes behind themAnalyses of the infamous incidents and controversies that seemed to follow the bandThe departures (and sometimes the returns) of key membersFirst-person interviews with bassists Duff McKagan and Tommy StinsonIn examining 40 key pivot points in GN’R’s now-forty-year history, Guns N’ Roses at 40 provides a concise documentary-like view of the band that as much as any other helped drive a spike through the heart of hair metal. Combine this unique perspective with a gorgeous package and you have an indispensable addition to the collection of every fan.

Over 400 of the finest examples of metal poster and cover art, spanning the entire 50-year history of metal, and how that art has helped define the genre Without the larger-than-life character andimagination of the art that complements it, metal wouldn’t have had the same impact in capturing the intense spirit and visual identity that define its rebellious essence. From the colorful,outlandish, and sophisticated use of visuals for album artwork and posters, to the immediately recognizablelogos of such bands as Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Motörhead, Metallica, Slayer, and a host of others across many subgenres, there’s a close-knitrelationship between the riffs that thunder from theguitar and the images that have come to represent thesongs, anthems, and sheer nature of the beast. Does anyother form of music immediately conjure up suchevocative and distinctive images as the mere mention ofthe term "heavy metal"? From its inception in the 1960s through today’sgiants, the art has been closely connected to the music. Every quintessential album brings to mind a readilyidentifiable album cover. Each great band has animmediately identifiable logo. All of the landmark gigshave a poster that quintessentially depicts the time,place, and passion of the event. Today, the art that has been used toillustrate the music now stands on its own. What might have begun as a way of packagingmetal has taken on a life of its own. It’s now possible to trace the way the genre itself has evolved,and changed, by looking at its art. The Art of Metal explores theways in which the art has helped define each of thecrucial subgenres that make up the multifaceted and colorful centipede that is metal.

Embark on a thrilling journey through the superlative recorded canon of one of the world’s most legendary heavy-metal bands. Music journalist Martin Popoff provides an intimate and scholarly look into the life and times of Iron Maiden. From their humble beginnings in the dingy clubs of East London to headlining arenas and festivals worldwide, the band’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and unrelenting dedication to remaining prolific and vital in the present day. Dive deep into their music, stage performances, and the iconic figure of Eddie, their undead mascot. Readers will discover the stories behind all their albums—such as Killers, The Number of the Beast, and Powerslave, through to their most recent, Senjutsu (and all solo releases)—as well as the inspiring creative and commercial resurgence that the band experienced beginning with the return of Bruce Dickinson to the fold in 1999. Anchored by the author’s 1995–2024 interviews with all band members, this book is framed most pertinently as an analysis of each Iron Maiden album, one per chapter, every song discussed musically and at the literary end, along with the album covers and the finer points of the recording process. All told, Hallowed by Their Name is the most voluminous and career-spanning reference-level book on Iron Maiden ever written. And with an explosion of photographic images as well, it’s sure to have fans scurrying back to the sacred texts—Iron Maiden’s beloved records—for additional and enriching reconsiderations of the many essential metal songs this band has given us over the years. This is a must-read for any music enthusiast, a tribute to the indomitable spirit of Iron Maiden, and a celebration of the band’s enduring six-decade legacy in the realm of heavy metal.

Embark on a thrilling journey through the superlative recorded canon of one of the world’s most legendary heavy metal bands. Music journalist Martin Popoff provides an intimate and scholarly look into the life and times of Iron Maiden. From their humble beginnings in the dingy clubs of East London to headlining arenas and festivals worldwide, the band’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and unrelenting dedication to remaining prolific and vital in the present day. Dive deep into their music, stage performances, and the iconic figure of Eddie, their undead mascot. Readers will discover the stories behind all their albums—such as Killers, The Number of the Beast, and Powerslave, through to their most recent, Senjutsu (and all solo releases)—as well as the inspiring creative and commercial resurgence that the band experienced beginning with the return of Bruce Dickinson to the fold in 1999. Anchored by the author’s 1995–2024 interviews with all band members, this book is framed most pertinently as an analysis of each Iron Maiden album, one per chapter, every song discussed musically and at the literary end, along with the album covers and the finer points of the recording process. All told, Hallowed By Their Name is the most voluminous and career-spanning reference-level book on Iron Maiden ever written. And with an explosion of photographic images as well, it’s sure to have fans scurrying back to the sacred texts—Iron Maiden’s beloved records—for additional and enriching reconsiderations of the many essential metal songs this band has given us over the years. It’s a must-read for any music enthusiast, a tribute to the indomitable spirit of Iron Maiden, and a celebration of the band’s enduring six-decade legacy in the realm of heavy metal. The features of this special limited edition include: • A limited print run of 666 copies worldwide (AVAILABLE WHILE SUPPLIES LAST, EXCLUSIVELY AT SCHIFFERBOOKS.COM AND SELECT RETAILERS)• Each edition is individually numbered on an etched metal plate (NUMBERS WILL BE SHIPPED AT RANDOM AND CAN NOT BE CUSTOM ORDERED OR SELECTED) • Slip case packaging• Red, edge-printed pages and bifurcated ribbon marker• Bound in stamped leather with ribbed spine and metal corners

In Dio: The Unholy Scriptures, embark on an electrifying journey through the tumultuous yet triumphant saga of one of heavy metal’s most legendary bands: Dio. Told through gripping anecdotes and candid interviews conducted with the author over the decades, Dio: The Unholy Scriptures unveils the untold stories behind the Dio band’s timeless anthems, revealing the passion, perseverance, and sheer audacity that defined the band’s unparalleled sound and style. Formed in 1982 by iconic vocalist Ronnie James Dio after departing from Black Sabbath, Dio emerged as a pioneering force in the heavy-metal scene. The band, initially comprising Dio, guitarist Vivian Campbell, bassist Jimmy Bain, and drummer Vinny Appice, released their debut album, Holy Diver, in 1983, which quickly became a classic, featuring anthems like “Rainbow in the Dark,” “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” and the triumphant title track. Throughout the 1980s, Dio continued to solidify their status as one of metal’s premier acts with albums like The Last in Line (1984) and Sacred Heart (1985), characterized by Dio’s powerful vocals, Campbell’s virtuosic guitar work, and epic songwriting. Despite lineup changes, including the departure of Campbell and Bain, Dio’s momentum remained strong into the 1990s with albums like Lock Up the Wolves (1990) and Strange Highways (1993). From epic stage performances to backstage dramas, experience the full spectrum of Dio’s rollercoaster ride through the annals of rock history, from the formation of the band through to Ronnie’s death in 2010. A must-read for metal heads and music enthusiasts alike, Dio: The Unholy Scriptures celebrates the enduring legacy of Ronnie James Dio’s namesake band, ensuring that their thunderous legacy reverberates through the ages.