Tony Barrell – författare

"An engaging journey into the wild and wonderful world of drumming."-CLEM BURKE, Blondie To have a great band you need a great drummer. For the first time, Tony Barrell shines a long-overdue spotlight on these musicians, offering an exciting look into their world, their art, and their personalities. In Born to Drum, he interviews some of the most famous, revered, and influential drummers of our time-including Chad Smith, Ginger Baker, Clem Burke, Sheila E., Phil Collins, Nick Mason, Patty Schemel, Butch Vig, and Omar Hakim-who share astonishing truths about their work and lives. He investigates the stories of late, great drummers such as Keith Moon and John Bonham, analyzes many of the greatest drum tracks ever recorded, and introduces us to the world's fastest and loudest drummers, as well as the first musician to pilot a "flying drum kit" onstage. Filled with fascinating insights into the trade and little-known details about the greats, Born to Drum elevates drummers and their achievements to their rightful place in music lore and pop culture."As Born to Drum proves, there's a lot more to be told about drums and drumming than the Rolls-Royce in the swimming pool and the pyro beneath the bass drum."-NICK MASON, Pink Floyd "Everyone should read this book-especially if you're not a drummer. A great insight into a great sport."-Joey Kramer, Aerosmith

When the world's greatest pop band played their final public concert, in January 1969, there were no tickets or posters printed. When John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr emerged at lunchtime from the headquarters of their own company, Apple, five storeys above London's Savile Row, only a select group of people knew what the hell was happening.The rooftop concert was one of the Beatles' most spontaneous acts. Beatles on the Roof studies the rooftop concert in penetrating detail, uncovering new truths and debunking old myths about the event. Nobody knew it yet - not even the band - but this was the last time they would play live to the public.

London teemed with top-rated singers and musicians during the '60s and '70s, whether they were squatting, playing gigs or investing in multi-million pound mansions. Follow McCartney and co. to the quiet flat on Green Street that was their refuge before the Beatlemaniacs sought them out. Wind back time to when Loog Oldham locked Mick and Keith in their flat and demanded they compose a song. From the zany to the tragic - it was in St Mary Abbot's Hospital, Kensington where Jimi Hendrix was pronounced dead - this is a guidebook like no other, a pilgrimage dedicated to the rock 'n' roll greats.Also in the series:Vinyl London ISBN 9781788840156,London Peculiars ISBN 9781851499182, andArt London ISBN 9781788840385.