Hammer of the Gods: Led Zeppelin Unauthorized
By (Author) Stephen Davis
Pan Macmillan
Pan Books
17th May 2018
17th May 2018
United Kingdom
General
Non Fiction
Biography: arts and entertainment
Musicians, singers, bands and groups
Composers and songwriters
782.421660922
416
Width 132mm, Height 196mm, Spine 27mm
284g
If ever there were Satanic Majesties of rock their name was Led Zeppelin. The band that out-sold the Rolling Stones and made Robert Johnson's deals with the devil look like a playground game of conkers were as high, inflated and glorified as their namesake. In Stephen Davis's scorching account of their phenomenally successful career, no aspect - however disquieting - is ignored. The narcotic, alcoholic and psychotic wreckage they wreaked, the disturbing influence of the notorious mage Aleister Crowley on lead guitarist Jimmy Page and the death of John Bonham are all recorded. Above all, the exultant, blazing charge of their music and its effects on Led Zeppelin and their fans is scrutinized. Hammer of the Gods by Stephen Davis is a fierce and fearless story about a band that remain a legend of musical, sexual and mystical power. It is the last word in rock 'n' roll savagery.
The biggest surprise success of the year . . . the Led Zep tale, drenched in sex, drugs and psychic abuse, demonstrated the validity of all the old adages about talent, power and corruption. Stephen Davis's grimy homage to imperial excess and demonic influence had fans slavering for more. * Rolling Stone *
Stephen Davis is America's preeminent rock journalist and biographer, having written numerous bestsellers on rock bands. He also collaborated with legendary musicians Levon Helm and Mick Fleetwood on their autobiographies. He lives in Boston.