Martin Popoff

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!"

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.

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.

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.

Did Genesis represent the best and most classic definition of a progressive rock band? Were they the most British? What kind of personalities and sensibilities did we get out of Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Steve Hackett, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford and where did all these 12-string guitars come from? What's a "Giant Hogweed" and who is "Harold the Barrel?" Finally, what the heck is The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway about, anyway?! These are some of the questions grappled with, as Martin Popoff assembles a crack team of art rock analysts to examine the early-days records of this legendary band, namely: From Genesis to Revelation Trespass Nursery Cryme Foxtrot Selling England by the Pound The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway A Trick of the Tail and finally... Wind & Wuthering Indeed, each of the above is dissected track by track with side-trips into the album covers, the productions, lyrical narratives and individual performances of note. It is the hope of the author that by the end of this fantastical excursion, the reader will have discovered multiple new layers to this intensely cerebral band, prompting a reacquaintance and subsequent richness of experience when confronted with this-let's face it-often daunting catalogue.

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!

In Run with the Wolf: Rainbow on Record, Martin Popoff—also author of Sensitive to Light: The Rainbow Story, as well as multiple books on Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and Dio—assembles a panel of interested interviewees in celebration of Ritchie Blackmore’s legendary band Rainbow, one album at a time, every song considered. The sacred texts discussed are 1975’s Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, 1976’s Rising, 1978’s Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll, 1979’s Down to Earth, 1981’s Difficult to Cure, 1982’s Straight Between the Eyes, 1983’s Bent Out of Shape and 1995’s Stranger in Us All. Look for debates on the comparative value of the band’s four different singers (Ronnie James Dio, Graham Bonnet, Joe Lynn Turner and Doogie White), along with ponderings on production, lyrics, Ritchie’s solos, favourite keyboard flourishes, Cozy Powell’s sound and style and then finally, what is the deal with Stranger in Us All?! Popoff uses the celebrated structure used on similar previous titles embracing the works of The Cure, Blue Öyster Cult, Robert Plant and Thin Lizzy, with Martin serving as pull-no-punches moderator and presenting the panel’s arguments in easy-to-read Q&A format. It is the author’s hope that by the end of this quite scholarly exercise, every last moat-metal Rainbow fan will find multiple new ways to approach and enjoy this classic catalogue.

Tens of millions of Queen fans around the world never got to see the classic line-up live, due to the tragic illness and death of rock's greatest front man, Freddie Mercury, who left us 24th November 1991 at the age of 45. To help assuage that absence and loss, Martin Popoff, author of Queen: Album by Album, has assembled Queen Live! to document the band's all too brief and precious touring history. Throughout the course of the resulting action-packed symphony of live photography and memorabilia, every known gig is touched down upon, with myriad bits of trivia among the way, including wrinkles in the set list, on-stage mishaps, wardrobe quirks, day-of-show and after-show hijinks and, most amusingly, what goofy things Freddie might have said to the crowd on any given night. There's a three-stage narrative flow as well, with chapters emerging that frame the band pre-debut, 1970 to 1973, and then as a regular working band-mere mortals even-playing venues and package gigs just like everybody else, working hard through the late seventies. As we roll into the 1980s, the itinerary gets lighter and each show becomes more special, with the band finally bowing out on 9th August 1986 with a massive multi-band bash at Knebworth Park. If you were at one or more of these shows, Queen Live! will serve as the ultimate tour program-type memento of those magic days. And if you weren't, this book goes a long way toward putting you in that hallowed space, watching what one of the most talented bands in the world could deliver night after night, year after year until the bitter end, fully five years before Freddie's death finally closed the book on this most eminent of British institutions.

Led Zeppelin, II, III, IV, Houses of the Holy, Physical Graffiti, Presence, In Through the Out Door and Coda… these are the sacred texts written and expertly executed by Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and John Bonham that made Led Zeppelin one of the most revered—and commercially massive—bands of all time. In Led Zeppelin A Visual Biography, Martin Popoff, author of Led Zeppelin: All the Albums, All the Songs and Robert Plant: Album by Album, delivers one of his meticulous and detailed reference-styled timelines, charting the history of this esteemed UK institution, from its inception to the band’s posthumous last album, the Coda compilation, issued in 1982. But of course, the chronological history is just the start. The main driving force behind the project is housed within the titling. In that spirit, what this elegant coffee table book proposes to do is chart the explosive live stage history of the band, along with the iconic albums and their attendant pioneering cover arts. Tour posters, backstage passes, 45 sleeve and enigmatic record ads combine to complete this symphony of design and colour, turning the book into a visual feast that coexists with Popoff’s scholarly marking of the band’s many milestones.

If any band deserves to have homage paid to them with a lavish, limited edition photographic book, look no further than Blue Oyster Cult. With their origins going back to the late sixties, by 1972 with the first album release, Blue Oyster Cult's journey really began. Five decades on and Blue Oyster Cult is still touring to its devoted following, both in North America and Europe. 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 the Cult 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 BOC fan will want to own. Rounding it off, Blue Oyster Cult A Visual Biography is topped and tailed with 15,000 words by Cult biographer and world-renowned rock author Martin Popoff. With a new record deal and the first album of new material for two decades touted as being released in 2020, Blue Oyster Cult A Visual Biography will prove to be the perfect companion and a valuable addition to any fan's collection.

Popoff turns the microphone outward to an assembled panel of Lizzy scholars and devotees. Together, the moderator and his brain trust deconstruct each of Thin Lizzy's 12 studio albums and every single song inside of them. What emerges is a series of 12 substantive conversations, with theories proposed and debated, parts of songs pointed out and praised, and, repeatedly, punches not pulled. It's likely that the most demanding of Thin Lizzy fans will come away with fresh perspectives on the band they hadn't as of yet considered. And that's the point of Popoff's panel presentation-to send the devoted listener back to the sacred texts for a reminder of why he or she fell in love with Thin Lizzy in the first place.

Author Martin Popoff assembles a panel of experts to roll through the records one by one, no stone unturned, no songs left unaddressed. There's been little written about Plant's journey from solo icon of the '80s through to his repeated deep-dives into Americana, world music, tributes to other writers, and the singular symphony of sounds that results when he mixes these parts. This book deconstructs each of Plant's 11 thought-provoking albums. It's hoped that the reader emerges with a new and nuanced appreciation for what Robert's been trying to achieve over the decades.

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 format Stunning concert and candid offstage photography, much of it never before published Images of memorabilia, including gig posters, 7-inch picture sleeves, ticket stubs, and more Gatefold Kiss timeline Popoff covers everything down through the decades: The band’s formation on the New York club scene Their fortuitous signing to the Casablanca label Infamous TV appearances, including Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park The formation of the famous Kiss Army fan club Mega tours undertaken in support of the LPs Interband conflicts and personnel changes The band’s 1980s “unmasking” Innovative marketing such as comic books and the Kiss Convention And, of course, each of the landmark studio LPs The result is an epic tribute to one of the most influential and admired bands in rock history—in a milestone year.

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.

An updated version of Loud 'n' Proud: Fifty Years of Nazareth, drawing on copious images and items of memorabilia, this large format 240-page book is a treasure trove for Nazareth 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. From the early days of the seventies through to the current day, nestling alongside the wonderful imagery, the band’s whole career is documented by esteemed rock writer Martin Popoff who was assisted through the whole narrative by Nazareth’s founder and only remaining original member Pete Agnew. Popoff also interviewed Agnew for the book in addition to previous interviews the author has conducted, not only with the bass player extraordinaire but with many other band members past and present, all neatly laid out in a timeline, making this the essential go to Nazareth book.

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 The Who’s generation-spanning masterpiece, Quadrophenia, while exploring each of the album’s 17 tracks and their themes of identity, anxiety, and mental health. Chapters cover:The state of The Who as of 1973, including their role in Mod cultureThe recording sessions at famed Olympic Studios and the band’s own Battersea location, including techniques usedSong-by-song studies of each album side, including analyses of lyrics and the guitars, drums, keyboards, and synthesizers employed by members Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, and Keith MoonThe 1979 motion picture based on the album’s song cycleThe continent-hopping tours that supported the albumThe rock group’s trajectory post-Quadrophenia, including notable albums and toursPopoff also takes you on side journeys examining each band member, mod vs. rocker culture, the album’s famous graphic design, manager/producers Chris Stamp and Kit Lambert, Quadrophenia collectibles, and more. There’s even a brief discography and complete LP tour dates. Presented in a 10" × 10" slipcased book, The Who & Quadrophenia 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 rock opera 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: Pink Floyd and The Dark Side of the Moon, Bruce Springsteen and Born to Run, Prince and Purple Rain, and Queen & A Night at the Opera, with more to come.