About the Book

Words and Music: Excursions in the Art of Rock Fandom

A new book by Michael Anthony

Why does rock music mean so much to us? What’s so special about a rock gig? What really happens when you play ‘Stairway to Heaven’ backwards? Does the devil really have all the good songs? Which rock vocalist did the author smuggle in to see Metallica? How did Heidi the dog help her owner meet guitar legend Ritchie Blackmore? What are you supposed to say to your rock idol after you say hello? Is Bob Dylan right about the origins of his name? Are all Marillion songs about death and water? And what was Motörhead’s Lemmy up to, lecturing Welsh politicians on the dangers of drug abuse?

Words and Music is a thought-provoking and entertaining guide to the joys and perils of rock fandom. Blending anecdote and analysis, the author discusses the value of rock music, drawing on a growing rock literature and his experience of the work of a wide range of artists and bands including Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, Marillion, the Doors, Magnum, Saxon, Iron Maiden, Motörhead, Metallica, Twelfth Night and Geoff Mann.

Author Michael Anthony says: “Rock music means an awful lot to an awful lot of people, but this is often obscured by tales of rock star excess and mainstream media portrayals. My book tries to redress this a little by offering thoughts and experiences from beyond the tired old ‘rock ‘n’ roll’ clichés. I have written from a fan’s perspective with the aim of speaking to other fans. I think my experience is very common and that rock fans everywhere will derive pleasure and sustenance from this book. I see rock fandom as one big discussion and this is my contribution to it.”

Check out the Chapters section of this site to find out more.

Artwork for Words and Music has been provided by Antonio Seijas, whose recent work includes album covers for bands like Marillion and Gazpacho. For more on Antonio’s work, check out his official website: http://www.antonioseijas.com/

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