Bob Stanley

The definitive biography of one of the most influential UK bands of all time, featuring a foreword by Cliff Richard. This is the first definitive biography of the Shadows, one of the most influential British groups of all time. A book that rightly places the band in the pantheon of all time British greats who changed music forever. It is a story of soaring triumphs and crushing lows. Of Soho coffee bars and northern cabaret. Of faith and disillusionment and of some of the most unique and deathless recordings of all time. Told by lifelong fan and bestselling, critically acclaimed music historian Bob Stanley, and featuring a foreword by Cliff Richard, this is the story of how a group of working-class boys from Newcastle upon Tyne became the biggest act in the UK before the Beatles revolution of 1963. Scoring thirty-four hit singles under their own name, the Shadows landed a further thirty-five hits alongside Cliff Richard who – along with other surviving members – has spoken exclusively to Bob for the book. 'The Shadows' aims to cement the group’s legacy as one of the most significant and commercially successful British acts of all time and the world's first pop group. Bob Stanley is an award-winning, critically acclaimed author, journalist and pop culture historian, whose previous publications include Yeah Yeah Yeah: The Story of Modern Pop, Let’s Do It: The Birth of Pop and Bee Gees: Children of the World. He co-founded the band Saint Etienne in 1990 with his childhood friend Pete Wiggs.

THE LOUDER THAN WAR #1 BOOK OF THE YEARA ROUGH TRADE, THE TIMES, MOJO, UNCUT BOOK OF THE YEAR'Thoroughly engrossing, insightful and immersive.' Record CollectorOver a prolific forty-year career, the Fall created a world that was influential, idiosyncratic and fiercely original; it was an education. Who wouldn't want to be armed with a working knowledge of M. R. James, contemporary dance and Manchester City. Bringing together previously unseen artwork, rare ephemera and handwritten material, alongside essays by a slate of fans, Excavate! is a vivid, definitive record - an illumination of the dark corners of the Fall's wonderful and frightening world.'As jagged and as curveball-hurling as peak-period Fall, Excavate! is a box of tricks, lovingly curated . . . tantalising' The i'To 50,000 Fall Fans: please buy this inspired & inspiring, profound & provocative, beautiful & bonkers Book of Revelations.' David Peace'Gorgeous' The Washington Post

***Nominated for the 2024 Penderyn Music Book Prize***A Times Book of the YearA Telegraph Book of the YearA Waterstones Book of the YearA Mojo Music Book of the YearA Classic Pop Book of the YearA Shindig Book of the YearAn Uncut Book of the Year Everyone has their favourite era of the Bee Gees' career, but so much is still unclear about this celebrated but often misunderstood band. This book will provide the perfect route in, pulling together every fascinating strand to tell the story of these pioneering, melancholic masters of pop. Uniquely, the Bee Gees' tale spans the entire modern pop era - they are the only group to have scored British top-ten singles in the '60s, '70s, '80s and '90s - and includes world-conquering disco successes like 'Stayin' Alive' and 'More Than a Woman', both from the soundtrack of hit film Saturday Night Fever. But the Bee Gees' extraordinary career was one of highs and lows. From a vicious but temporary split in 1969 to several unreleased albums, disastrous TV and film appearances, and a demoralising cabaret season, the group weren't always revelling in the glow of million-selling albums, private jets and UNICEF concerts. Yet, even in the Gibbs' darkest times, their music was rarely out of the charts, as sung by the likes of Al Green, Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton and Diana Ross. Award winning author Bob Stanley captures the human story at the heart of the Bee Gees in this lyrical and stylish read. 5/5 - CLASSIC POP5/5 - RECORD COLLECTOR4/5 - TELEGRAPH4/5 - MOJO

A dazzling biography of one of the bestselling bands of all time, told with brilliant insight by renowned pop music scholar Bob Stanley. The world is full of Bee Gees fans. Yet for a band of such renown, little is known about Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb. People tend to have their favorite era of the Bee Gees's career, but many listeners are also conscious that there is more to uncover about the band. This book will provide the perfect solution, by pulling together every fascinating strand to tell the story of a group with the imagination of the Beatles, the pop craft of ABBA, the drama of Fleetwood Mac, and the emotional heft of the Beach Boys. Uniquely, the Bee Gees's tale spans the entire modern pop era--they are the only group to have scored British top-ten singles in the '60s, '70s, '80s, and '90s--and includes world-conquering disco successes like 'Stayin' Alive' and 'More Than a Woman', both from the soundtrack of the hit film Saturday Night Fever. But the Bee Gees's extraordinary career was one of highs and lows. From a vicious but temporary split in 1969 to several unreleased albums, disastrous TV and film appearances, and a demoralising cabaret season, the group weren't always revelling in the glow of million-selling albums, private jets, and UNICEF concerts. Yet, even in the Gibbs' darkest times, their music was rarely out of the charts, as sung by the likes of Al Green, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, and Destiny's Child. Capturing the human story at the heart of the Bee Gees, this book is a lyrical and stylish read, delighting hardcore fans with its details while engaging casual pop readers who simply want to know more about this important and enigmatic group.

The prequel to Bob Stanley's universally acclaimed Yeah Yeah Yeah, Let's Do It is the only book that brings together all genres to tell the definitive story of the birth of Pop, from 1900 to the mid-fifties. 'An absolute landmark/joy/gossip-fest/door to Narnia: the history of pop music before rock'n'roll. Fascinating. I can't recommend it enough.'CAITLIN MORAN'An encyclopaedic introduction to the fascinating and often forgotten creators of Anglo-American hit music in the first half of the Twentieth Century.'NEIL TENNANT'A perfect guidebook, filled with smart thinking and the kind of communicable enthusiasm that sends you rushing to the nearest streaming service, eager to hear what all the fuss was about.'ALEXIS PETRIDIS, GUARDIANPop music didn't begin with the Beatles in 1963, or with Elvis in 1956, or even with the first seven-inch singles in 1949. There was a pre-history that went back to the first recorded music, right back to the turn of the century . . . Who were the earliest record stars, and were they in any meaningful way 'pop stars'? Who were the likes of George Gershwin writing songs for? Why did swing, the hit sound for a decade or more, become almost invisible after the Second World War? The prequel to Bob Stanley's Yeah Yeah Yeah, Let's Do It is the first book to tell the definitive story of the birth of pop, from the invention of the 78 rpm record at the end of the nineteenth century to the beginnings of rock and the modern pop age. Taking in superstars such as Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington and Frank Sinatra alongside the unheralded songwriters and arrangers behind some of our most enduring songs, Stanley paints an aural portrait of pop music's formative years in stunning clarity, uncovering the silver threads and golden needles that bind the form together. Bringing the eclectic, evolving world of early pop to life - from ragtime, blues and jazz to Broadway, country, crooning and beyond - Let's Do It is essential reading for all music lovers.'Stanley has provided something invaluable to the growing numbers who get their music via streaming services: a guide to pop's back pages, where artists mostly remembered in sepia tones are brought into vivid colour by the author's enthusiastic sense of discovery.'BILLY BRAGG, NEW STATESMAN'Inspired.' THE TIMES'Remarkable.' CLASSIC ROCK'Exhilarating.' CAUGHT BY THE RIVER'Essential.' DAILY TELEGRAPH'A joyous read.' THE ECONOMIST'Wholly entertaining.' MOJO'Enthralling.' DAILY MAIL'Great fun.' LITERARY REVIEW'Colossal.' UNCUT'A joy.' RECORD COLLECTOR'A triumph.' LOUD & QUIET

'Stanley is both a fine writer and an impassioned celebrant of pop in all its mongrel, misfit glory.'STUART MACONIE, THE TIMESThere have been many books on pop music but none have attempted to chart its entire story, from the dawn of the charts in the fifties to pop's digital switchover in the year 2000, from Billy Fury and Roxy Music to TLC and Britney via Led Zeppelin and Donna Summer. Audacious and addictive, Yeah Yeah Yeah is a landmark work that will remind you why you fell in love with it in the first place.

The must-read music book of the year--and the first such history bringing together all musical genres to tell the definitive narrative of the birth of Pop from 1900 to the mid-1950s. Pop music didn't begin with the Beatles in 1963, or with Elvis in 1956, or even with the first seven-inch singles in 1949. There was a pre-history that went back to the first recorded music, right back to the turn of the century. Who were these earliest record stars--and were they in any meaningful way "pop stars"? Who was George Gershwin writing songs for? Why did swing, the hit sound for a decade or more, become almost invisible after World War II? The prequel to Bob Stanley's celebrated Yeah Yeah Yeah , this new volume is the first book to tell the definitive story of the birth of pop, from the invention of the 78 rpm record at the end of the nineteenth century to the beginnings of rock and the modern pop age. Covering superstars such as Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington and Frank Sinatra, alongside the unheralded songwriters and arrangers behind some of our most enduring songs, Stanley paints an aural portrait of pop music's formative years in stunning clarity, uncovering the silver threads and golden needles that bind the form together. Bringing the eclectic, evolving world of early pop to life--from ragtime, blues, and jazz to Broadway, country, crooning, and beyond--Let's Do It is essential reading for all music lovers. "An encyclopaedic introduction to the fascinating and often forgotten creators of Anglo-American hit music in the first half of the twentieth century."--Neil Tennant (The Pet Shop Boys)

A compelling and unique biography of one of the best-selling bands of all time, told with synapse-rattling insight by renowned pop scholar Bob Stanley.

A compelling and unique biography of one of the best-selling bands of all time, told with synapse-rattling insight by renowned pop scholar Bob Stanley.

The prequel to Bob Stanley's universally acclaimed Yeah Yeah Yeah, Let's Do It is the only book that brings together all genres to tell the definitive story of the birth of Pop, from 1900 to the mid-fifties. 'An absolute landmark/joy/gossip-fest/door to Narnia: the history of pop music before rock'n'roll. Fascinating. I can't recommend it enough.'CAITLIN MORAN'An encyclopaedic introduction to the fascinating and often forgotten creators of Anglo-American hit music in the first half of the Twentieth Century.'NEIL TENNANT'A perfect guidebook, filled with smart thinking and the kind of communicable enthusiasm that sends you rushing to the nearest streaming service, eager to hear what all the fuss was about.'ALEXIS PETRIDIS, GUARDIANPop music didn't begin with the Beatles in 1963, or with Elvis in 1956, or even with the first seven-inch singles in 1949. There was a pre-history that went back to the first recorded music, right back to the turn of the century . . . Who were the earliest record stars, and were they in any meaningful way 'pop stars'? Who were the likes of George Gershwin writing songs for? Why did swing, the hit sound for a decade or more, become almost invisible after the Second World War? The prequel to Bob Stanley's Yeah Yeah Yeah, Let's Do It is the first book to tell the definitive story of the birth of pop, from the invention of the 78 rpm record at the end of the nineteenth century to the beginnings of rock and the modern pop age. Taking in superstars such as Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington and Frank Sinatra alongside the unheralded songwriters and arrangers behind some of our most enduring songs, Stanley paints an aural portrait of pop music's formative years in stunning clarity, uncovering the silver threads and golden needles that bind the form together. Bringing the eclectic, evolving world of early pop to life - from ragtime, blues and jazz to Broadway, country, crooning and beyond - Let's Do It is essential reading for all music lovers.'Stanley has provided something invaluable to the growing numbers who get their music via streaming services: a guide to pop's back pages, where artists mostly remembered in sepia tones are brought into vivid colour by the author's enthusiastic sense of discovery.'BILLY BRAGG, NEW STATESMAN'Inspired.' THE TIMES'Remarkable.' CLASSIC ROCK'Exhilarating.' CAUGHT BY THE RIVER'Essential.' DAILY TELEGRAPH'A joyous read.' THE ECONOMIST'Wholly entertaining.' MOJO'Enthralling.' DAILY MAIL'Great fun.' LITERARY REVIEW'Colossal.' UNCUT'A joy.' RECORD COLLECTOR'A triumph.' LOUD & QUIET

The first book of its kind – a car book like no other – offering a deeply nostalgic look at beautiful vintage cars through the superb literature, leaflets and pamphlets that sold them to us. Auto Erotica covers the gamut of motoring in Britain during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. These rare ephemeral booklets are full of unusual graphic ideas and concepts. Their fabulous photography, dazzling colour charts, daring typography, strange fold outs and inspiring styles symbolise the automobile aspirations of generations of Britons. The book is also packed full of era-defining classic cars, from those we love to those you can’t remember. Expect fast Fords, the XJS, the TR8, MGs, minis, Maxis, Renaults, Beemers, VWs, Vivas, Citroens, DeLoreans and a whole lot more – amazing motors from the past and even some from the future – as you've never seen them before.

THE LOUDER THAN WAR #1 BOOK OF THE YEAR A ROUGH TRADE, THE TIMES, MOJO, UNCUT, THE HERALD BOOK OF THE YEAR This is not a book about a rock band. This is not even a book about Mark E Smith. This is a book about The Fall group - or more precisely, their world. 'To 50,000 Fall Fans: please buy this inspired & inspiring, profound & provocative, beautiful & bonkers Book of Revelations.' DAVID PEACE 'Mind blowing . . . there is so much to enjoy in this brilliant book.' TIM BURGESS 'A container sized treasure trove . . . I strongly advise you to buy it.' MAXINE PEAKE 'The most wonderful, unashamedly intellectual, pretentious, ridiculous, exciting hymn to this incredible group.' ANDY MILLER, BACKLISTED Over a prolific forty-year career, the Fall created a world that was influential, idiosyncratic and fiercely original - and defied simple categorisation. Their frontman and lyricist Mark E. Smith spun opaque tales that resisted conventional understanding; the Fall's worldview was an education in its own right. Who wouldn't want to be armed with a working knowledge of M. R. James, shipping-dock procedures, contemporary dance, Manchester City and Can? The group inspired and shaped the lives of those who listened to and tried to make sense of their work. Bringing together previously unseen artwork, rare ephemera and handwritten material, alongside essays by a slate of fans, EXCAVATE! is a vivid, definitive record - an illumination of the dark corners of the Fall's wonderful and frightening world.

A monumental work of musical history, Yeah Yeah Yeah traces the story of pop music through songs, bands, musical scenes, and styles from Bill Haley and the Comets' "Rock around the Clock" (1954) to Beyonc 's first megahit, "Crazy in Love" (2003). Bob Stanley--himself a musician, music critic, and fan--teases out the connections and tensions that animated the pop charts for decades, and ranges across the birth of rock, soul, R&B, punk, hip hop, indie, house, techno, and more. Yeah Yeah Yeah is a vital guide to the rich soundtrack of the second half of the twentieth century and a book as much fun to argue with as to quote.