Whether it's David Bowie, Gwen Stefani, Michael Stipe, or Joan Jett, rock stars are never at a loss for words. Often obnoxious, sometimes introspective, and remarkably honest, these musings are collected here for fans who want an insight into what makes their favourite artists tick, how they view their roles as 'stars' in a celebrity-obsessed society, and what does (or doesn't) differentiate musicians from everyone else. Organised by subject matter, it presents a broad cross-section of artists offering diverse commentary on each subject. Drawing from his extensive career as a rock journalist, the author has culled these gems from countless interviews, selecting quotations about subjects such as religion, rock critics, drug use, and the battle of the sexes. Appealing to fans, musicians, and industry mavens alike, it offers familiar foibles and a glimpse into a world often perceived as glamorous and charmed.

Drooling fanatic, n. 1. One who drools in the presence of beloved rock stars. 2. Any of a genus of rock-and-roll wannabes/geeks who walk around with songs constantly ringing in their ears, own more than 3,000 albums, and fall in love with at least one record per week. With a life that’s spanned the phonographic era and the digital age, Steve Almond lives to Rawk. Like you, he’s secretly longed to live the life of a rock star, complete with insane talent, famous friends, and hotel rooms to be trashed. Also like you, he’s content (sort of) to live the life of a rabid fan, one who has converted his unrequited desires into a (sort of) noble obsession. Rock and Roll Will Save Your Life traces Almond’s passion from his earliest (and most wretched) rock criticism to his eventual discovery of a music-crazed soul mate and their subsequent production of two little superfans. Along the way, Almond reflects on the delusional power of songs, the awkward mating habits of drooling fanatics, and why Depression Songs actually make us feel so much better. The book also includes: • sometimes drunken interviews with America’s finest songwriters • a recap of the author’s terrifying visit to Graceland while stoned • a vigorous and credibility-shattering endorsement of Styx’s Paradise Theater • recommendations you will often choose to ignore • a reluctant exegesis of the Toto song “Africa” • obnoxious lists sure to piss off rock critics But wait, there’s more. Readers will also be able to listen to a special free mix designed by the author, available online at www.stevenalmond.com, for the express purpose of eliciting your drool. For those about to rock—we salute you!

'I was amazed at how many people have shared an experience I though was so rare' - Eric ClaptonIn this exciting and inspiring book, 75 of the world's most iconic musicians reveal - many for the first time - their thoughts on creating music. Psychologist Jenny Boyd has probed the minds and souls of these artists and has delved into the drive to create, the importance of nurturing creativity, the role of unconscious influences and the effects of chemicals and drugs on the creative process.Music legends who contributed exclusive interviews include: ERIC CLAPTON - GEORGE HARRISON - JULIAN LENNON - JACKSON BROWNE - DAVID CROSBY - STEPHEN STILLS - GRAHAM NASH - DON HENLEY - HANK MARVIN - KEITH RICHARDS - RAVI SHANKAR - RINGO STARR - STEVE WINWOOD - MICK FLEETWOOD - STEVIE NICKS - JONI MITCHELLWith candid photographs and in-depth analysis of what makes great musicians tick, this is the ultimate book for any music fan.

London's rock 'n' roll history is in many ways the world's rock 'n' roll history. It has given birth to some of the most influential rock bands ever -- The Beatles, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Elton John, The Sex Pistols -- and many popular movements -- psychedelia, mod, punk, ska, and Brit-pop. This meticulously researched and entertaining guide explores London's long and occasionally sordid rock history from the 1950s to the present day, providing the casual traveler with a neighborhood-by-neighborhood look at the venues, clubs, pubs, people, studios, stores, and events that rocked the world. Where was David Bowie brought up? Where did the Beatles play their last gig? Where did Keith Moon spend his last night? Each chapter/neighborhood is accompanied by locator maps and detailed street directions, and is filled to the brim with stunning photographs, ephemera, and rock trivia.

Once you're dead, you're made for life. --Jimi Hendrix Hendrix. Janis. Morrison. Elvis. Lennon. Cobain. Garcia. Their reckless brilliance held the key to their self-destruction. Their deaths had much in common--and, surprisingly, so did their lives. From lonely childhoods marred by loss to groundbreaking music and turbulent careers that ended tragically and suspiciously, David Comfort explodes the myths as he probes: • The sinister roles of Hendrix's manager and girlfriend in his death and subsequent cover-up • The bizarre odyssey of Jim Morrison's corpse • Why Kurt Cobain was worth more dead than alive to Courtney Love • The twisted motives that caused John Lennon to sail through the Devil's Triangle to Bermuda--nearly going down in a storm--shortly before he was fatally shot • The crippling disease and "miracle" drug that drove Elvis to suicide Charismatic and gifted, but also isolated and conflicted, these are not the rock icons you thought you knew. Here are their larger-than-life stories of turmoil and excess that led to their early deaths and ultimate immortality. It's a wild ride to the other side of fame. "Fame is the soul eater." --Jerry Garcia "Everybody loves you when you're six foot in the ground." --John Lennon Includes Rare Photos David Comfort is the author of three bestselling nonfiction books. His short fiction has appeared in numerous magazines, including Eclectic Literary Forum, Pacific Review, Coe Review, and Belletrist Review. He has been the recipient of several literary prizes and a finalist for such prestigious awards as the Nelson Algren Award and America's Best. A former rock musician, he has spent over 30 years studying rock music, particularly the revolutionary and fatalistic pioneers of the 1960s. He lives in Santa Rosa, California.

A bite-sized collection of quotes by and about the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Elvis was one of the most significant cultural icons of the twentieth century, and his music and movement changed the course of rock. This collection of more than 170 fascinating quotes captures what made the star so special. They come from Elton John, Mick Jagger ("He was a unique artist--an original in an area of imitators"), Cher, and of course Presley himself.

A bite-sized collection of more than 170 quotes by and about the world's greatest rock 'n' roll band. "There's the sun, there's the moon, there's the air we breathe, and then there's the Rolling Stones." --Keith Richards. Fans who endorse the legendary guitarist's sentiments will pore through every engaging quote in this collection, which shows exactly why the Stones remain in the spotlight after 50 years of performing. In addition to the band members, quotes come from such figures as producer Andrew Oldham and Paul McCartney ("I see a good little rock 'n' roll band--not as good as the Beatles, but good.")