Martin Popoff

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.

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.

Buckle up for the wild and definitive month-by-month illustrated history of punk rock’s pivotal year, when the music, culture, and fashion exploded all over the mainstream. Music fans love to debate who invented punk rock—from the Velvet Underground to the Stooges to the New York Dolls to the Ramones, it sometimes seems there are more opinions than there were bands. But one fact is unarguable: 1977 was the year that punk rock detonated around the world. In Punk '77: The Year and Music That Revolutionized Rock, music historian Martin Popoff tells the story of twelve chaotic months when punk rock transformed from an underground provocation into a global cultural force. Moving through this pivotal year, Popoff traces the intertwined scenes of London and New York while also highlighting the genre’s spread to other regions, including Australia and cities throughout the US and UK. Featured inside: Popoff’s interview material with key musicians of the era, including Captain Sensible, Dave Vanian, Rat Scabies, and Brian James of the Damned; “Ross the Boss” Friedman, Handsome Dick Manitoba, Scott Kempner, and Andy Shernoff of the Dictators; Cheetah Chrome of the Dead Boys; Steve Jones, John Lydon, and Paul Cook of the Sex Pistols; Jerry Harrison of Modern Lovers and Talking Heads; John Holmstrom of Punk magazine; Billy Idol of Generation X; Marky Ramone; Lenny Kaye of the Patti Smith Group; Pete Shelley of the Buzzcocks; Sir Bob Geldof of Boomtown Rat; and more! 25 landmark 1977 releases from bands such as the Sex Pistols, the Clash, Ramones, the Heartbreakers, the Damned, the Jam, Buzzcocks, Wire, the Dead Boys, Richard Hell and the Voidoids, the Saints, Radio Birdman, Television, and more Sidebars describing concurrent events in the rest of the music world. Vividly illustrated pages that include evocative photography, classic punk record sleeves, gig flyers, and period ads. By focusing on a single electrifying year, Punk '77 offers a fresh perspective on punk history and captures the moment when a raw underground movement erupted into a global phenomenon.

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 Overin 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 eachInfo 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.

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.

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.

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.

German heavy metal heroes Accept have been headbanging their way around the world since 1979, creating along the way three of the finest metal albums of all time in Restless and Wild, Balls to the Wall and Metal Heart, with 1981’s Breaker even serving as a cult favourite of those in the know. Fronted by diminutive shrieker Udo Dirkschneider, the band crafted an intelligent and professional sound somewhere along the axis from AC/DC to Judas Priest, which found Accept going gold on the strength of their superlative Balls to the Wall record of 1983. Acrimony between Udo and the guys caused the shocking ouster of their lead singer for 1989’s Eat the Heat, and a reunion in the ‘90s didn’t last, causing renewed tensions before getting back with Mark Tornillo belting it out, and beyond. Accept have created a trio of rock-solid records that finds the band back in charge and cranking out anthems new and old on stages the world over. Come celebrate the career of heavy metal’s beloved Teutonic terrors, in this updated version of the first book ever on the band in any language. It’s guaranteed that Popoff’s celebrated song-by-song analysis will have you scurrying back to the catalogue screaming for another love-bite, faster than a shark out of the dark and headbanging over the course of many long neon nights.

In Walking in the Shadow of the Blues: The Whitesnake Story—the first ever full biography of the band—top music writer Martin Popoff tells the tale of rock legend David Coverdale, from his Deep Purple roots to the two distinct incarnations of his mega-popular creation. Whitesnake began life as a UK-based blues rock outfit, until the lad from England’s chilly east 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’s self-titled album went eight times platinum in the US alone before the band’s bright star waned in the face of grimy grunge. In this book—Popoff conducted 30 interviews of major characters, including Coverdale himself, to piece together the band’s roller-coaster history. He follows their story through the hirings and firings, the splits and reunions and the image changes which have enabled Coverdale, through his Whitesnake vehicle, to position himself firmly within the pantheon of hard rock greats. If you’ve rocked out to anthems like “Here I Go Again,” “Fool For Your Loving,” “Still Of The Night” or “Slow An’ Easy,” this is essential reading. Yes, for the job at hand, Popoff interviewed (and many of them multiple times), David Coverdale, Bernie Marsden, Neil Murray, Micky Moody, Adrian Vandenberg, Steve Vai, John Kalodner, Doug Aldrich, Keith Olsen, Ian Paice and many others, to deliver his usual album by chapter, with every song touched upon. So, what are you waiting for... Come An’ Get It!

No question Scorpions, Germany's loudest and proudest rock band ever, have been one of that country's most successful musical exports. Taken by Force: Sixty Years of Scorpions documents the band's career with analysis of every song on every album the Teutonic tone-masters ever crafted. Beginning with Lonesome Crow back in '72 through to the triumphant "retirement" album Sting In The Tail, and into Rock Believer— the stories of their making are all here. Taken by Force: Sixty Years of Scorpions draws on the authors interviews with all of the principals and beyond, including Klaus Meine, Uli Jon Roth, Herman Rarebell, Rudolf Schenker and Matthias Jabs, along with the likes of legendary manager David Krebs, Ralph Rieckermann and Francis Buchholz.

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

Dubious, unlikely, improbable... ...but indeed, verifiable and certifiable! The book is in fact the story of the finest rock ‘n’ roll band that ever was. Zeppelin, The Beatles, U2, Springsteen, Queen, King’s X... none can hold an expiring lighter to the conflagration that was the near mythical Max Webster. Consume these pages, and you will learn the secrets—often in the impenetrable code of the band’s top-shelf wordsmith Pye Dubois—of the wily Canuck wizards who made the above boast sing with unassailable truth. “Toronto Tontos,””Hangover,” “High Class In Borrowed Shoes,” “America’s Veins, Oh War!,” “Beyond The Moon,” “Lip Service,” “Charmonium,” “Paradise Skies,” “A Million Vacations,” “In The World Of Giants,” “Battle Scar”... these are towering anthems from the band’s tight catalogue of five classics spanning the years 1976 to 1980. And so, the time has come to re-celebrate and re-calibrate their majesty, along with dozens of other Kim Mitchell classics stuck in cult status... until now?!

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 • Black, edge-printed pages and bifurcated ribbon marker • Bound in stamped leather with ribbed spine and metal corners

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.

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 Stinson In 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.

If any band deserves to have homage paid to them with a lavish, limited edition photographic book, look no further than Thin Lizzy. With their origins going back to the late sixties, by 1971 with the first album release, Lizzy's journey really began. Incredibly no one has published a visual biography before, but now that has been rectified. Drawing on several thousand images and items of memorabilia this large format 240-page book is a treasure trove for Thin Lizzy devotees - crammed full of live and off-stage shots that portray the band's journey through the decades. It also includes loads of super cool memorabilia including backstage passes, gig posters, media adverts and much more, all reproduced on high quality art paper. This is one future collector's item that every self-respecting Lizzy fan will want to own. Rounding it off, Thin Lizzy: A Visual Biography is topped and tailed with 20,000 words by Lizzy biographer and world-renowned rock author Martin Popoff. This lavish book will prove to be a valuable addition to any fan's collection.

Yes: A Visual Biography I: 1968 - 1981 documents the progressive rock pioneer's first twelve years from the release of their eponymous debut album through to 1980's Drama: A suitable name for a band whose career has been full of drama as documented in Popoff's narrative that charts Yes's ups and downs as the band glided out of the sixties with a full-on assault on the seventies music scene that saw them become one of the biggest global acts-selling out venues around the world from New York's Madison Square Garden to London's Wembley Arena. Popoff takes you on a journey from the early days of the band with original members Chris Squire, Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Peter Banks and Tony Kaye; to the hugely successful seventies when the likes of Steve Howe, Patrick Moraz, Rick Wakeman and Alan White all added their individual stamps on the band's identity. Then the surprise union with The Buggles that saw Yes enter the eighties a world apart from the way they had entered the seventies but continuing to delight their legion of fans.