10 Books About Hair Metal That You Need To Get Right Now
Explore the ultimate list of 10 must-read books about hair metal. From the rise of glam rock to behind-the-scenes stories, discover the essential reads for any hair metal fan. Dive into the world of excess, hairspray, and rock ‘n’ roll with Junkyard Rock Stories.
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When it comes to our favorite music, the best possible way to delve into its depths is to find literature written by critics, music analysts and people who actually lived through it. No matter in what format it is, if you know how to enjoy a good book, there’s nothing more satisfying than reading about your favorite bands. That’s why we’ve gathered a list of the best books about hair metal available on Amazon for you right now. Every year, authors worldwide treat us to fresh perspectives, because, let’s admit it, this genre, like many others, is an endless wellspring of inspiration where we can always unearth something new and enlightening. Hence, here are the top 10 books about hair metal that you absolutely must add to your collection right away.
Nöthin’ but a Good Time: The Uncensored History of the ’80s Hard Rock Explosion (2021)
This book is a captivating journey through the wild and decadent era of 1980s hard rock and hair metal. Authors Tom Beaujour and Richard Bienstock offer a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of the music, fashion, and culture that defined the period. Through interviews, anecdotes, and insights from musicians and industry insiders, the book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the rise of iconic bands, the excesses of the scene, and its lasting impact on popular culture. From stadium anthems to backstage scandals, this book leaves no stone unturned in chronicling the larger-than-life personalities and unforgettable moments of ’80s hard rock. Nöthin’ But a Good Time is the definitive, no-holds-barred oral history of 1980s hard rock and hair metal, told by the musicians and industry insiders who lived it. Probably the best one you can find on the market right now.
Authors: Tom Beaujour, Richard Bienstock
The Big Book of Hair Metal: The Illustrated Oral History of Heavy Metal’s Debauched Decade (2014)
The Big Book of Hair Metal” by Martin Popoff is a comprehensive and immersive exploration of the rise, reign, and eventual fall of the iconic 1980s hair metal genre. Through an extensive oral history comprised of firsthand accounts from musicians, producers, promoters, and industry insiders, Popoff vividly captures the essence of this era of excess, spotlighting bands like Twisted Sister, Bon Jovi, Poison, Mötley Crüe, and many more. From the infectious energy of MTV to the societal backdrop of Reagan’s America, Popoff delves into the cultural, musical, and economic factors that propelled hair metal into the mainstream spotlight, while also examining its eventual decline with the advent of grunge in the early 1990s. With a kaleidoscope of outrageous anecdotes, photos, and memorabilia, “The Big Book of Hair Metal” offers readers a nostalgic journey through the primped-up glory days of one of rock ‘n’ roll’s most flamboyant and unforgettable eras.
Author: Martin Popoff
Don’t Call It Hair Metal: Art in the Excess of ’80s Rock (2023)
Don’t Call It Hair Metal” is a heartfelt homage to the often overlooked and snubbed music of the 1980s hard rock era. Celebrating the joyous and exuberant spirit of the time, the book delves into the sonic evolution, musical diversity, and artistic intentions of commercial hard rock through candid interviews with members of iconic bands such as Twisted Sister, Def Leppard, Poison, Whitesnake, and Guns N’ Roses, among others. From the attention to songcraft and showmanship to the electrifying virtuosity of the electric guitar, the book explores how ’80s hard rock reached dizzying heights of neon excess, leaving an indelible mark on music history.
Author: Sean Kelly
The Rise, Fall and Rebirth of Hair Metal (2020)
This book is an exhilarating journey through the spectacular rise, fall, and resurrection of ’80s Hair Metal, a genre defined by its flamboyant bands, shredding guitars, and larger-than-life personalities. With a focus on iconic acts like Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, and Guns N’ Roses, readers are treated to a thrilling exploration of the genre’s enormous highs and unspeakable lows. From the decadent excesses of the ’80s to the genre’s near-extinction in the ’90s and its triumphant comeback in the 21st century, this intoxicating chronicle offers a definitive account of Hair Metal’s history, complete with behind-the-scenes drama and spectacle. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply intrigued by the era, prepare for an electrifying journey through one of rock ‘n’ roll’s most extraordinary and influential periods.
Author: Christopher P. Hilton
A Hair Metal Journey (2023)
A Hair Metal Journey” takes readers on a thrilling ride through the highs and lows of the 80s glam metal scene, guided by the charismatic podcast host “Metal” Mike. Featuring exclusive anecdotes from luminaries like KISS, RATT, Winger, and more, this book immerses readers in the backstage chaos and onstage glory of hair metal’s golden age. From epic concerts to headbanging fandom, the narrative traces the genre’s meteoric rise and its eventual collision with the grunge revolution of the early 90s. With a mix of nostalgia and candor, rockers reflect on the excesses and challenges that defined the era, crafting a captivating homage to a legendary chapter in music history.
Author: Metal Mike
The Decade That Rocked: The Photography Of Mark “Weissguy” Weiss (2020)
Decade that Rocked” is a mesmerizing journey through the lens of legendary rock photographer Mark “Weissguy” Weiss, whose unparalleled career captured the essence of the golden age of rock. From his humble beginnings sneaking into concerts with a borrowed camera to gracing the covers of albums and magazines with iconic images of Van Halen, Ozzy Osbourne, Aerosmith, Mötley Crüe, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Bon Jovi, KISS, and many more, Weiss’s work defined an era. With over 700 never-before-seen or rarely seen photos, exclusive interviews with rock legends like Ozzy Osbourne, Dee Snider, Nikki Sixx, and Joe Perry, and untold stories of his remarkable journey, “Decade that Rocked” is a testament to Weiss’s enduring legacy and his indelible impact on rock history.
Authors: Mark Weiss, Richard Beinstock
Soundtrack of Our Youth: History of Hair Metal Music (2018)
From the glamorously decadent to the raw and raucous, the history of hair metal and sleaze rock roars to life in this expansive celebration. Spanning over 440 pages, this meticulously crafted tome delves deep into the heart of the era, featuring over 50 exclusive interviews with superstar musicians including Billy Sheehan and members from an array of iconic bands like Warrant, Twisted Sister, Winger, White Lion, L.A. Guns, Dokken, Danger Danger, and many more. With an exhaustive year-by-year breakdown from 1981 to 2017, readers are immersed in the evolution of the genre, accompanied by rankings of the top 1,000 songs and 350 albums of all time. Now professionally edited to ensure a flawless reading experience, this definitive volume is a must-have for fans and aficionados alike, offering unparalleled insight and nostalgia into the unforgettable era of hair metal and its enduring legacy. There is also a book called “Demos and B-Sides: Hair Metal Music”, that comes as the companion to this book by the same author that delves into the scene of 2000’s hair metal.
Authors: Hall Laurel, Brad Groghan
The Biggest Big Hair Book of Metal Trivia (2022)
Something for the trivia lovers! Step into the spandex-clad world of ’80s hair metal with Ron and Don’s “The Biggest Big Hair Book of Metal Trivia”! Brothers Don and Ron Higgins unleash a barrage of 1001 headbanging questions, challenging even the most die-hard fans of Winger, Warrant, Whitesnake, and beyond. Whether you’re debating the nuances between Riot and Quiet Riot or recalling which guitarist shredded their way into a legendary band, this book is your ultimate test of metal mastery. So grab your leather pants, crank up the power ballads, and prepare to be transported back to the glory days of the Sunset Strip!
Authors: Don and Ron Higgins
The Sunset Strip Diaries (2010)
Lost in the Glitter: A Memoir of Survival on the Sunset Strip” is a raw and harrowing tale of Amy Asbury’s tumultuous journey through the decadence of Hollywood’s music scene in the early 1990s. From the chaos of her troubled upbringing to the allure of power and escape, Amy’s story navigates the highs of wild parties and glittering excess, juxtaposed with the lows of addiction, violence, and despair. As the Grunge movement rises, Amy finds herself spiraling further into darkness, grappling with the haunting grip of heroin and the inevitable consequences of her choices. In this gripping memoir, she lays bare the fragile balance between self-destruction and redemption, offering a poignant reflection on the fragility of hope amidst a landscape of chaos and excess. – very personal story.
Author: Amy Asbury
I got more Crickets Than Friends – Unhappy Endings- Angst for the Memories (1999-2011)
Did you know that the legendary Love/Hate and Quiet Riot singer Jizzy Pearl is a hell of a great writer too? Conjuring the restless spirits of Bukowski and Burroughs, he delivers a whirlwind of visceral tales in his three books. With a blend of humor and darkness, Pearl navigates the realms of life, love, fantasy, and horror with unyielding candor. From the gritty streets to the depths of the human psyche, his narratives captivate and enthrall, offering a raw and unapologetic glimpse into the human experience. With a style that echoes the energy of a live performance, this collection guarantees a gripping read, perfect for those with short attention spans craving an electrifying literary ride. In other words, this is not your ordinary rock biography literature, this is much deeper, sophisticated and interesting.
Author: Jizzy Pearl
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