Dave Thompson

Twenty eventful years have passed since the Chili Peppers first blazed; years during which the band have achieved global recongnition, thanks to huge hits like 'Under The Bridge', 'Californication', and 'By The Way' accepted every reward and sustained every blow that rock'n'roll could throw at them: from linup changes to drug overdoses. Fully revised and updated, Red Hot Chili Peppers tells the full, true story of the band that dare to play and say it all.

The definitive A-to-Z guide to a period of pomp, glitz, glamour, and parent-worrying fashion unlike any other Despite its disposable appearance, glam rock has survived and thrived for four decades, and is now viewed as one the best loved and most productive periods for pop music. From the UK, its influence spread and fused with ideas blossoming in Europe and the U.S., spawning artists such as Alice Cooper and Kiss. This book chronicles every band and artist who made a significant impression on the art form, both in its heyday and during its conception and later years. Detailing their output and recording significant events and contributions, it provides a wealth of information on numerous much-loved acts, such as T. Rex, Wizzard, Slade, Bay City Rollers, Mud, Sweet, David Essex, Suzy Quatro, Mott The Hoople, Sparks, Kenny, Spiders from Mars, Alvin Stardust, and hundreds more, ranging from household names to lesser known acts.

The True Story of The Sweet.

The Sparks Story.

Dave Thompson, author of best-selling biographies of Kurt Cobain, John Travolta, David Bowie and many more, turns his attention now to the longest life of them all, Doctor Who. Packed with crucial revelation and candid insight, "Eclectic Gypsy" is the first book ever to examine this remarkable life as it has unfolded through the pages of the media, not only on Planet Earth, but across the universe. Drawing upon historical documentation, newspaper and magazine articles, hundreds of hours of interview tape and, of course, a vast corpus of television, audio and written material, Eclectic Gypsy traces the legendary Doctor from his birth on the planet Gallifrey over 700 years ago, through ten regenerations and countless adventures in time and space. From his epic encounters with such alien races as the Daleks, the Cybermen and the Slitheen, through the string of companions that have accompanied the Doctor on his perilous journey, and onto the world of Gallifrey itself, Eclectic Gypsy explores the life and times of the Doctor, as seen through the eyes of the inter-galactic news corps.From the driest academic journal to the most sensationalist tabloid, it reveals the truth behind the being that fans across the cosmos know simply as "the Doctor" -- and asks whether they really know him at all?

Cheerfully unpretentious and brash with all the trimmings one would expect of a traditional seaside resort, Blackpool remains the iconic resort town, but there is more to its richly coloured history than you might think. This absorbing collection of images reveals the changing face of the town during the past century. Over 200 old postcards and photographs - many never previously published - help highlight Blackpool's remarkable transformation from a fledgling resort. Aspects of everyday life in the town are featured here, including social occasions, the pleasure steamers that once plied their trade from the piers, seaside entertainment and old cherished street scenes of bygone Blackpool. This book is a valuable pictorial history, which will waken nostalgic memories for some readers, whilst offering a unique glimpse at the past for others.

The town of Rhyl was born around the turn of the nineteenth century when the novel idea of 'sea bathing' and 'taking the air' at coastal resorts began sweeping the country. At Rhyl splendid villas and a terraced promenade were built, spelling out the importance of this salubrious spot on the North Wales coast. This absorbing collection of more than 200 old postcards and photographs, many never previously published, provides a nostalgic glimpse into the history of Rhyl during the last century, and explores the town's remarkable transformation into a flourishing seaside resort.The people, landmarks and events of 'Sunny' Rhyl's past are captured in this fascinating volume, including the crowning of Rhyl's May Queen, the beach fashions of the 1900s and a century of top seaside entertainment. Past stars associated with Rhyl include The Beatles, Laurel and Hardy and Paul Robeson. Cherished street scenes have made it into print, revealing how High Street, Wellington Road and other well-known Rhyl streets once appeared. Rhyl will reawaken fond memories for many, while offering others a unique glimpse at the past for others. It is sure to captivate all who know the district.

The first book to document the complete history of Genesis charts the rise of this British art rock band to superstardom and discusses its role in launching the successful solo careers of Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins. Original.

Dave Thompson's new book brings the long history of Runcorn to life. The chapters include: Changing Face (the transformation of the area after the coming of the New Town); Bridging the River; People's Century; Chapels & Churches; Streets; Waterways; Sporting Life; School Days; Industry; and Modern Runcorn. It is sure to be an invaluable point of reference for anyone interested in the town and its history.

Through the 1960s, he was the Tycoon Of Teen. Through the 1970s, he was the Mad Genius. And for the next 20 years, until the death of actress Lana Clarkson threw him back under the spotlight, he was rock's most legendary recluse. Phil Spector defined the way we listen to music and, by refusing to play the game, helped to define the way we look at modern celebrities. Wall Of Pain: The Biography Of Phil Spector tells the complete story of the producer's remarkable journey, from working-class Brooklyn boy to universally respected recording wizard. Going beyond the lurid headlines to investigate the truths behind the myths, Wall Of Pain unravels the career of one of rock's most misunderstood figures. And through interviews with ex-wife Ronnie Spector, close friend Doc Pomus, Sonny Bono and others, the legend of the studio is brought to life.

Llandudno has an intriguing history stretching back to the Bronze Age over 4,000 years ago. Much of its past focuses on the magnificent Great Orme where St Tudno first established a church in the sixth century, yet it is in the development of the stylish resort town in the mid-nineteenth century that Llandudno was truly shaped, creating what is now regarded as Britain's best preserved Victorian resort. This fascinating collection of over 200 photographs offers an in-depth look at the history of Llandudno over the last 150 years, taking the reader on a journey around the streets and buildings, recalling people and events which have shaped the character of the town. The result is a volume which will delight anyone who has lived in, or has fond memories of visiting the 'Queen of the Welsh Resorts'.

More than a listener's guide this book reveals the rich historical development of a regional music that is now embraced worldwide. Packed with incisive essays ratings and reviews of 2 700 recordings plus fantastic photos and engaging biographies this guide captures the allure of reggae calypso dancehall rock steady soca and other evocative styles of the entire English-speaking Caribbean region past and present. Featured artists include: Bob Marley and the Wailers Jimmy Cliff Peter Tosh Lord Kitchener Arrow Lee Scratch Perry Buju Banton Brother Resistance Prince Buster David Rudder Wailing Souls and many others.

This book looks inside the artists and music that transformed the American and British soundscape of the 1980s and '90s. Scene-setting essays – some with interviews of key figures – explore alternative rock's primary influences, from Captain Beefheart to Brian Eno, and its many subgenres, from punk to grunge and Brit pop to trip hop. Reviews and profiles cover over 2 000 recordings and more than 500 musicians, such as The Beastie Boys, The Cure, R.E.M., Marilyn Manson, XTC and hundreds more. This comprehensive guide also examines the cultural scenes, technologies and people behind the alternative sound. From the author of Depeche Mode and Never Fade Away: The Kurt Cobain Story.

This is the first in-depth examination of U2's epochal fifth album, the record which catapulted the Irish band to the apex of the stadium rock world. The book documents the recording of the album itself, a process born of both triumph and tragedy. Detailed track breakdown is illuminated with quotes from group members, while a look into the world of record company promos unearths some of the rarest U2 records of all.

"Never Fade Away "is Dave Thompson's inside look at the life of one of the most thought-provoking men of all time - Kurt Cobain. Examining an artisitic genius who was light years ahead of his time, this is an unfailing account of Nirvana's rise and Cobain eventual descent.