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A review by eafinct
Hammer of the Gods by Stephen Davis
4.0
History of one of rock's true originals - and an awful chronicle of the way that these musicians were corrupted by money and fame. The treatment of groupies and the abuse of drugs and alcohol is jaw-dropping, and the violence and hotel-room trashing is endless.
Nevertheless, there is good information here about the very small, tight world of British rock musicians in the 1960's and 1970's, and how they swapped bandmates, wives, mistresses and managers. I was also struck by the contrast between the small cozy world of English performance spaces, and the stadium-rock insanity in America, where Led Zepplin made the money that fueled their excessive lifestyles. All in all, a fascinating if appalling read. I'm glad I knew the music first.
Nevertheless, there is good information here about the very small, tight world of British rock musicians in the 1960's and 1970's, and how they swapped bandmates, wives, mistresses and managers. I was also struck by the contrast between the small cozy world of English performance spaces, and the stadium-rock insanity in America, where Led Zepplin made the money that fueled their excessive lifestyles. All in all, a fascinating if appalling read. I'm glad I knew the music first.