ROCK CONNEXTIONS

The story of any great band includes walk-on parts by scores of musicians who left the picture before fame and fortune came calling. And all diehard fans relish the stories of the times before the Big Time, following the evolving line-ups of their favourite acts - the name changes, the false starts, the missed chances and the lucky breaks. Rock Connexions picks through the past fifty years to bring you the histories of some of the biggest names in music. Each section in this illuminating and entertaining book covers a decade or more of rock and pop music. From 50s rockers and 60s swingers to the stage heroes of today - the development of the most important bands is faithfully traced in original and absorbing subway-style maps. Rock Connexions is much more than just a collection of compelling band histories. Special sections trace the development of key record labels, producers and clubs (along with the stories of the bands who made them), as well as revealing the fascinating truth behind major music events, such as Woodstock, Live Aid and Lollapalooza. Throughout the book, colourful timelines and nodal mapping plots the changing line-ups of all rock 'n' roll's most significant, influential and memorable bands. Brilliant, evocative images -including work by some of rock's most acclaimed photographers - are a feature of every page, to complete the visual feast.