The original autobiography of a 20th century Australian superstar, updated with a new biographical chapter covering the time from its publication in 1985 to his death in 2008, and almost to the present day. It includes more than 200 photos and illustrations.
Lowell Tarling recorded Martin Sharp's life, and his effect on his friends, over twenty years. Now two volumes in one, in advance of the film of these books - GHOST TRAIN... Fully illustrated with a cast of characters including Brett Whiteley, Eric Clapton, Abe Saffron… As Sharp has said: “Like the Ancient Mariner it’s also a ghastly tale. I could ......
A novel about a high school band by Lowell Tarling with artwork by Martin Sharp. You may finish school with no plans, no money, and no direction. But if all you want is to play guitar with your teeth, smash a Rickenbacker or grow your hair long - then being in a high school band could be the last thing you need... It is 1967. Tom is 18, and ......
Nigel Kennedy changed the course of classical music in the late 1980s with his interpretation of Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’. He was revolutionary: in his performance and presentation; in his technique and his open-minded attitude. A natural boundary-pusher and musical adventurer, Nigel Kennedy blew minds
'Don't live life worrying about it, just T. Rex the s*** out of it.' - Sylvain Sylvain The New York Dolls were called many things; glam, proto-punk, hard rock, but are probably best understood as a 'dirty rock & roll' band. Combining an aggressively androgynous style with street smart New York attitude and campy humour, the New York Dolls ushered ......
Lowell Tarling interviewed Tiny Tim many times during his numerous visits to Australia. Weird, whacky, this is a great biography of the Worlds most unusual performr, perhaps most famous for his falsetto hit - Tiptoe through the Tulips.
A powerful memoir from one of the world's most successful orchestral conductors, whose life story, talent and dedication to music is an inspiration to read. The book documents an insider's view of the complex relationships between an opera house, its orchestra, the conductor and singers.
In 1936, the celebrated American author Zane Grey arrived in the sleepy New South Wales town of Bermagui, with the express reason of angling for the world’s largest fish – Marlin, sharks and Swordfish. Here is his little classic of the chase, augmented with photographs of Grey in Bermagui and Watsons Bay, his an historical overview of his time in ......
In 2009, the legendary Les Paul passed away at the age of 94. In celebration of his life, this book, capturing Pauls own reflections on his remarkable inventions and guitar playing, was published as a high-end collectors edition. In 2015, Les Paul reached his centennial, and Backbeat Books is pleased to celebrate the legend once more in the ......
With commentary from key players and close friends including Vivienne Westwood, Paul Cook, Marco Pirroni, Holly Johnson, and her partner behind the SEX counter, Michael Collins - plus a wealth of never-before-seen images - Jordan reveals her outrageous life story.
Voted Drummer of the Year by Rolling Stone magazine, living legend Kenny Aronoff first became a recognizable personality behind the drum kit playing for 17 years for John Mellencamp on hits including the #1 single Jack and Diane, Hurts So Good, Pink Houses (Ain t That America), and Small Town, among many others, and he s been keeping the beat ......
Rick Bucklers autobiography is the first from a member of The Jam. He provides a year by year account of The Jam's progress whilst describing what it was like being a part of the music industry during the 70's and 80's. A must read for any Jam fan.
Conducting an orchestra is something that is seen as well as heard, but it is quite misunderstood when it comes to knowing what this person actually does for a living. This most mysterious of jobs is brought to life for the music lover as well as for the aspiring maestro in a new book by Leonard Slatkin.
Presents the inside story of Robert Lindsay, one of Britain's best loved, best known actors. This book describes not only the lasting influences of his childhood, schooling and family, but also how his acting started and then took off with Citizen Smith.
(Amadeus). The piano music of Maurice Ravel is among the most thrilling, the most colorful, and, for pianists, the most challenging of the repertoire. This book is about how performers and listeners can discover it and relate to it how it sounds and feels under the fingers and within the receptive imagination. But to write about those experiences, ......
A rock memoir covering the authors life from wouldbe teenage rocker, to recording session and playing the organ on Highway 61, to forming Blood, Sweat and Tears, and masterminding the Super Sessions.
This memoir from one of the most respected figures in the history of the Australian music industry has been acclaimed by the movers and shakers who knew the popular author – Nick Hampton.
Paul Woods' narrative - drawing on interviews with Suzuki himself, family members, bandmates and friends - evokes the decades-long odyssey of a musical enigma.
Grudgingly acknowledged as the main mentor for the Courtaulds in building their art collections, the London and Paris art dealer, Percy Moore Turner, is now largely forgotten in this country. Yet, in France, he was honoured by the French Government with the award of Officer and then Commander of the Legion d’Honneur and feted by the Museums of ......
This collection of interviews across the entirety of Fleetwood Macs career features articles from such celebrated publications as Crawdaddy, New Musical Express, Circus, Creem, Mojo, Goldmine, Classic Rock, Blender, and Elle, as well as interviews that have never previously appeared in print.
My Life with the Turtles, Flo and Eddie, and Frank Zappa, Etc...
If Howard Kaylan had sung only one song, the Turtles' 1967 number 1 smash hit "Happy Together", his place in rock-and-roll history would still be secure. But that recording, named in 1999 by BMI as one of the top 50 songs of the 20th century, with over five million radio plays, is only the tip of an iceberg. This title tells his story.
Long out of print and virtually impossible to find even in the rare book market, this autobiography recalls to life one of the most eminent actors of his time. Sherlock Holmes fans will be much interested in Basil Rathbones remarks on the character with whom he has been so closely identified.
Taking in his early life in New York, the rise, fall and rise again of the New York Dolls, and all his misadventures between, There's No Bones in Ice Cream is the true story of one of rock's greatest, told in his own authentic voice.
Tom Petty was one of the greatest songwriters in rock n roll history, as well as a standard bearer for integrity in the music business. This expanded edition of the first authorized book on Tom Petty, and the only one in his own words, includes additional interviews, articles and reviews.
Essayist Catherine Ricketts combines intimate meditations on motherhood with portraits of the work, lives, and studios of mother artists, placing us in the company of women from the past and the present who persevere in both art and caregiving.
Are caregiving and creative labor fundamentally at odds? Is it ......
From his earliest days as a culture-beat reporter, through a wildly successful four decades in the book business, to his latest philanthropic ventures, Stephen Rubin has witnessed up close the highs and lows of publishing, music, and entertainment over the last half-century. Now, in this refreshingly forthright and uninhibited memoir, he shares ......
In this beautifully designed, illustrated autobiography, renowned interior designer Geoffrey Bradfield explores 50 years of inspired creativity and innovation.
Memories of a London Art Dealer is the distillation of a lifetime's experience and expertise in the art world. Neither an autobiography nor a traditional memoir, the book consists of reflections, anecdotes, telling conversations, encounters, touches of humour and a choice selection of the triumphs and disasters, heroes and villains ......
Follow the authoritative text charting a nostalgia-packed journey from when the band was formed in Muswell Hill North London, by brothers Ray Davies and Dave Davies in 1964. This unique book features extensive interviews with former band members. The book also includes rare photographs and a review of every Kinks Album from 1964 with a complete ......
BOOK OF THE YEAR 2017 - MOJO MAGAZINE & UNCUT MAGAZINE "In early '77 I asked Grant if he'd form a band with me. `No,' was his blunt reply." Grant McLennan didn't want to be in a band. He couldn't play an instrument; Charlie Chaplin was his hero du jour. And yet, when Robert Forster wrote Hemingway, Genet, Chandler and Joyce into his lyrics, ......
Written for fans of wine, travel, and the rich and famous, California Celebrity Vineyards is a fascinating journey that will delight, charm, and educate your palate and your knowledge of winemaking.
There can be no potter in the world whose name is more widely known and respected than that of Bernard Leach. He is as famous in Japan and the East as he is in Europe and America, not only as an artist-craftsman but also as a thinker.
From the Wall of Sound to the Wrecking Crew and Other Incredible Stories
A collection of little known, behind the secens, stories from Don Randi a hugely influential keyboard musican who played for some of the greatest names in music
