Music

An important insight into the work of a truly great songwriter by legendary Rolling Stone Senior Writer Brian Hiatt.

Deeply researched, laced with insight from interviews with Springsteen and his closest collaborators - Hiatt has interviewed Springsteen five times - this landmark book is an exhaustive and unique look at the writing, recording and significance of Springsteen's singular catalog of songs.

Updated to include the albums Western Stars and Letter To You and packed full of insightful stories from Springsteen's long career, Bruce Springsteen: The Stories Behind the Songs takes a detailed look at each and every one of his tracks, providing a unique look at this rock legend's method, as well as some of the many anecdotes and tales from his long music history.

The first book to cover every officially released track, from hits to obscurities, from 1974's Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J. to 2020's Letter to You, this is a must-read for any Springsteen fan.

From blazing fires to deadly hurricanes, and from years of abuse on dive bar stages to decades forgotten in dusty corners, these stunning guitars have survived storied lives to sing as sweetly as ever.

The Guitar Chronicles celebrates fifty exquisite rare and vintage guitars and shares the stories they carry within their battle-scarred shells. Renowned photographer Eleanor Jane has travelled the world collecting breathtaking images that capture the souls of these forgotten heroes and documenting the fascinating lives they have led.

From long-lost prototypes to nicotine-stained soldiers, and from chipped Les Paul Goldtops to grubby Fender Telecasters, this glorious collection celebrates magical instruments that have lived through sweat, smoke, abuse and neglect - and emerged to tell their tales.

With beautiful photography in a luxury package, this is essential reading for the guitar enthusiast and a heartfelt homage to the enduring spirit of the six-string.

The life of an icon, in her own words.

Joni Mitchell had a unique relationship with the BBC, making appearances on 'the beeb' throughout her career. An anonymous talent, a blossoming starlet, a white-hot star and a bona fide legend: the BBC had the inside scoop on it all.

In this fascinating collection of BBC television and radio transcripts, Joni's life story is told in her own words, across more than a dozen appearances spanning over forty years. Each provides an illuminating snapshot of moments in a remarkable career. But read together, they offer a completely new take on Joni herself, a first-person look at the rise and rise of a star.

Compiled and guided by BBC journalist Tom Hagler, River of Words: Joni Mitchell at the BBC is the complete story of an incredible life lived on the airwaves.

'Tom captured the times - the lows and the many highs - and shared them all with us, documenting, encouraging and capturing a real, authentic timeline of fantastic pictures.'

This is the inside story of The Charlatans, told through the lens of legendary photographer Tom Sheehan and the words of the band's frontman Tim Burgess.

More than 250 of Sheehan's photographs - blending iconic shots with those seen here for the first time - are accompanied by moving and insightful text from Burgess, sharing his memories of a band at the very height of their powers.

Covering a decade of the band's story, the book captures recording sessions, live performances, cover shoots, tours and intimate moments snatched backstage and around the world.

Beautifully presented in a cloth-bound hardback, this book is a stunning visual history of The Charlatans, one of the defining bands of a generation.

'The best Oasis photo book...you won't find better than this'
-RECORD COLLECTOR

'Captures the rise and fall of Oasis over a wild decade'
-THE TIMES

'The definitive photographic chronicle...Sheehan's photographs tell the story of Oasis from the inside'
-OASIS FANS CLUB

'Enough to make you mad fer it all over again'
-ROLLING STONE

RELIVE ROCK 'N' ROLL HISTORY THROUGH THE LENS OF LEGENDARY PHOTOGRAPHER TOM SHEEHAN

More than 200 images of Oasis, with many seen here for the very first time, in a stunning cloth-bound hardback.

Renowned photographer Tom Sheehan (Melody Maker, NME, Uncut) worked with Oasis throughout their career. Starting with a wild trip to New York before the release of the band's debut album, this stunning book also documents seminal (What's the Story) Morning Glory? recording sessions as well as blistering live performances, intimate off-duty moments and portraits that graced iconic magazine covers down the years.

Featuring Tom's memories from his time with Oasis and a new biography by acclaimed writer Sylvia Patterson - drawing on personal interviews with Liam and Noel Gallagher - Roll With It is a breathtaking celebration of a band that will live forever.

"Debs, without you we would be nowhere." - Chris Martin

"A superb history of the band with outstanding photos. Debs has been with us every step of the way since 1998. Comprehensively updated for 2025. Highly recommended." - Phil Harvey

Explore the makings of a musical phenomenon in this definitive, fully illustrated celebration of Coldplay.

Life in Technicolor is the ultimate tribute to Coldplay, telling the complete story one of the most successful bands of the twenty-first century. Co-authored by Debs Wild, the A&R scout who discovered Coldplay in 1998, this fully illustrated book reveals rare, behind-the-scenes moments from the band's rise to global superstardom - from their acclaimed debut album Parachutes to the record-breaking Music of the Spheres World Tour.

This definitive new edition features original interviews with Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, Will Champion and Jonny Buckland, as well as Coldplay's manager and fifth member Phil Harvey, plus the inner circle of personnel who've helped shape their world. Alongside that, there are hundreds of stunning photographs, plus exclusive memorabilia from Chris Martin's personal archives - handwritten setlists, early track listings, flyers and images - offering readers a rare insider perspective on Coldplay's remarkable story.

A must-read for any Coldplay fan, this is the most complete celebration to date of the biggest band in the world.

INCLUDES COMPLETE JOHN LENNON LYRICS FOR THE FIRST TIME

Lennon's life after the Beatles was eventful and fascinating. He moved from stardom in the world's biggest pop group to global peace campaigner and figurehead for radical causes. He left England for a new life in the USA with Yoko Ono. He later abandoned public life and retired to his New York apartment to raise their son and live the life of a recluse. In 1980 he re-emerged with a new album, but the plan to resume his career was cruelly curtailed on a fateful night outside the Dakota Building when he was murdered.

Upon first publication, this book was the first to examine and assess all of John Lennon's solo work. This updated edition includes lyrics and is released on the 40th anniversary of his death and the 80th anniversary of his birth.

Experience the K-Pop phenomenon of BTS in this best-selling fanbook - FULLY UPDATED!

BTS are much more than just a group of seven talented individuals, they are a band acclaimed for their record-smashing, barrier-breaking, trend-setting dance-pop and hip-hop tunes and personal philosophies. Featuring brand new content and sensational new photos, BTS: The Ultimate Fan Book includes everything you need to know about Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook, as well as the BTS ARMY.

A celebration of the K-Pop phenomenon, exploring in stunning technicolour detail the group's origins, members and super rise to success, this Ultimate Fan Book is beautifully accompanied by photographs showcasing the band's kaleidoscope of personalities and passions that have made them famous. BTS are more than just a boy band - they are a way of life.

Discover the fascinating stories that lie behind the music.

In a career spanning 75 glorious years, Dolly Parton has written some of the greatest songs in music history. Join award-winning author Annie Zaleski (Rolling Stone, Billboard) as she uncovers the fascinating inspiration behind more than 150 of Dolly's finest compositions from across her long and hit-filled career.

From her biggest hits to hidden gems, Zaleski explores and explains the details of each song, from Jolene and 9 to 5, to Here You Come Again and the timeless I WIll Always Love You.

A journey through some of the biggest songs ever written - plus some surprising, lesser-known deep cuts - this is the story of a true country legend, told through her music.

Discover the full story behind every single song Beyoncé has ever released.

From Destiny's Child to Cowboy Carter, this is the definitive guide to one of music's greatest ever talents, covering hundreds of songs including:

- hit singles
- hidden gems
- soundtracks
- cover versions
- deep cuts

...and much more besides.

Award-winning music writer Annie Zaleski (Rolling Stone, Billboard, the Guardian) explores and explains the fascinating details of every song, from early group hit 'Say My Name' to solo work such as 'Crazy In Love' and 'Run The World (Girls)' - and including the all-conquering Cowboy Carter.

A journey through pop, hip-hop, R&B, gospel and even country, this is Beyoncé's story told through her incredible music.

Camp, theatrical and fierce. Chappell Roan is serving fashion with a plot twist on stage and the red carpet.

From her humble midwestern roots to her rapid rise to global pop superstar, Chappell Roan is known for turning a look and putting on a show. Creating her own definition of camp, wearing chainmail on stage at the VMAs and turning heads at Paris Fashion Week, Roan has always carved her own aesthetic.

With this beautifully illustrated guide to her style evolution, key looks and signature pieces, dive into the outrageous, experimental and original world of Chappell Roan's style.

A ROUGH TRADE BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022

WITH A FOREWORD BY ROBERT SMITH

The definitive collection of renowned photographer Tom Sheehan's images of The Cure – with photographs seen here for the very first time.

Spanning three decades, more than 20 sessions and hundreds of images, Tom Sheehan's photographs of The Cure are a breathtaking visual chronicle of the most important alternative rock band in the world.

Encompassing early portraits, epic live shows, studio sessions and snatched moments on tour around the world, Sheehan's photographs capture the band's journey from cult heroes to global rock stars. Many of the images published in this brand new book have never been seen anywhere before now.

Beautifully presented in a cloth-bound hardback and featuring a new, original four-part biography by acclaimed author Simon Goddard, this is the ultimate collection of Sheehan's work, indispensable to any fan of The Cure.

PERFECT FOR FANS OF THE FILM A COMPLETE UNKNOWN.

Examine the stories behind Bob Dylan's most famous songs, tracing the artist's progress from young folk hero to bold protest singer, tracing his innovative musical output through his most dynamic and creative period.

Acclaimed music writer Andy Gill - former chief music critic of the Independent - uncovers the background behind each song, exploring the early songbook of the man who came to dominate American music and popular culture for decades to come.

Always one step ahead of the crowd, always pushing himself to extend the boundaries of his art, the Dylan of the 1960s remains a beacon of integrity to which fans and fellow musicians keep returning.

Celebrate the godfathers of heavy metal in this lavishly illustrated tribute to Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne.

In late 1960s Birmingham, four local musicians - Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward - began playing a new kind of rock: one that was darker, harder, weirder, heavier. Then, in February 1970, Black Sabbath's self-titled debut album arrived. Rock music would never be the same.

Written by acclaimed music journalists Carol Clerk (Melody Maker) and Paul Elliott (Classic Rock, Kerrang!), with contributions from Joel McIver (Metal Hammer, Rolling Stone), Black Sabbath & Ozzy Osbourne: The Stories Behind the Songs charts the band's journey through success, excess, tragedy, reinvention and reconciliation - one iconic song at a time.

Featuring chapters dedicated to Ozzy's classic solo albums, hundreds of stunning photographs and a full update to include the monumental Back to the Beginning reunion concert, this is an essential tribute to the original kings of heavy metal.

The complete story of the Gibson Les Paul.

Produced in collaboration with Gibson, this is the ultimate history of rock's greatest guitar – with unprecedented access to behind-the-scenes stories and unseen photography.

- The greatest Les Paul models

- Stunning photography, including never-before-seen images

- Detailed technical information

- Iconic Les Paul players, songs, albums and concerts

- Other treasures from the Gibson vaults

Celebrating 70 years of a music icon, this is an ode to a magical guitar and the music made with it.

On the fiftieth anniversary of David Bowie's magical album, Aladdin Sane 50 is the ultimate celebration of a musical masterpiece – and the most famous photograph in pop history.

This landmark book contains hundreds of photographs, including dozens of David from the Aladdin Sane session that have never been seen until now, fifty years since they were taken.

Aladdin Sane 50 also features essays by renowned experts and authors Paul Morley, Charles Shaar Murray, Nicholas Pegg, Kevin Cann, Jérôme Soligny and Geoffrey Marsh on Bowie's remarkable album and the story behind the famous cover.

In a breathtaking package designed by long-time Bowie collaborators Barnbrook creative studio, Aladdin Sane 50 pays tribute to a seminal album and an iconic image, one that will live forever more in rock 'n' roll history.

Foreword by James Dean Bradfield, Manic Street Preachers

A collection that has to be seen to be believed, Superstar Guitars showcases the most famous six-strings in the history of music, in exquisite detail.

Photographer Eleanor Jane has travelled the world, documenting the legendary guitars used to create some of the greatest music ever heard.

Jimi Hendrix's Woodstock Stratocaster. The guitar on which Bob Dylan 'went electric'. The Fender Mustang Kurt Cobain played in the 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' video. Explore some of the most iconic guitars in music, up close and personal.

Housed in a stunning package, detailed photography explores every inch of these iconic instruments, accompanied by fascinating insights, telling the stories of the guitars that changed the world.

Guitars featured include:

Jimi Hendrix's Woodstock Stratocaster
Kurt Cobain's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' Mustang
John Frusciante's Fender Stratocaster
Dave Grohl's Gibson Trini Lopez
Noel Gallagher's Epiphone Riviera
Eric Clapton's MTV Unplugged Martin
Jeff Buckley's Fender Telecaster
Brian May's Red Special
Tom Morello's Arm The Homeless
Phoebe Bridgers' Danelectro Baritone
Jack White's Airline
Prince's Yellow Cloud
Thurston Moore's Fender Jazzmaster
David Gilmour's Black Strat
Steve Vai's Ibanez JEM
Matt Bellamy's Mansion DeLorean

And many more...

FOREWORD BY KEITH RICHARDS

'ICONIC... DAZZLING.'
-MOJO

'SPECTACULAR... YOU TRULY FEEL THE INSANE PACE OF LIFE AS A STONE.'
-VARIETY

'Gered was at one with the band. More than that, for that special time, he was in the band.'
-ANDREW LOOG OLDHAM

'He was a hell of a lot of fun. That's why he was a good photographer.'
-MARIANNE FAITHFULL

Delve into the unseen archive of iconic photographer Gered Mankowitz as he shares rare and newly discovered images of his time with the Rolling Stones, alongside his most iconic shots.

Just a teenager, Mankowitz took some of the best-loved photographs of the Stones in their frantic, formative years. Now for the first time he looks beyond those famous images - unearthing frames that have never been seen before, plus those rarely used.

Also featuring Gered's first-hand stories and a host of expert writers on the band and their music - including The Times' chief rock and pop critic Will Hodgkinson, Ben Sisario of the New York Times as well as academics, fashion writers and more - The Rolling Stones Rare and Unseen is a fresh look at the greatest story in rock 'n' roll.

AFTERWORD BY ANDREW LOOG OLDHAM

A deep dive into the music and songwriting of the world's greatest heavy metal band: Metallica.

A must-read for any metalhead, Metallica: The Stories Behind the Songs breaks down the writing and recording of every track from each of the band's studio albums, including classic records such as Master of Puppets (1986) and Metallica ('The Black Album') (1991), right through to 2023's 72 Seasons.

Written by former Metal Hammer publisher Chris Ingham and Illustrated with hundreds of stunning photos spanning more than 40 years, this updated entry in the bestselling Stories Behind the Songs series explores the influences behind more than 100 of the band's most celebrated tracks, offering fans a unique perspective into the creation, evolution and performance of their favourite songs.

Packed with insight and analysis, this is a revealing guide to Metallica's discography from a true authority on the band, and an essential read for any fan.