Various Artists
Classic Rock Revisited Vol. 1: Rock Icons & Metal Gods written by Jeb Wright
Review by Larry Toering
I haven't read very many books complied strictly of interviews, but it is a format I greatly appreciate. After reading Jeb Wright's work at Classic Rock Revisited from time to time over the years, this is the kind of thing I can really sink into, as it captures some of his best work. Although I’ve read some of them before, it's nice to have them all in one book to read together and refer to whenever needed. It’s like a genuine rock and roll text guide for everything from the great quotes to any bad ones. Inside, the reader is treated to tons of interviews done since the turn of the century, with photos by Mark Weiss, forward by Roger Earl of Foghat, and appreciative words from Martin Popoff and a selection of journalists and various agents, producers and musicians. Some of the stories will astonish the reader, especially if it's with an artist they follow and haven't read Wright's work before. It takes two parts to fill up, and features interviews with too many to list but among them are: Alan Parsons, Sammy Hagar, Jon Anderson, Rick Nielsen, Paul Rodgers, Billy Gibbons, Steve Miller, Ozzy Osbourne, Bill Ward, Lemmy, Ronnie James Dio, Rob Halford, Ian Gillan, Steve Perry and more. Wright's style isn't your average Q and A. He even does interviews in person and doesn't come with any questions, he just goes for it and whatever happens just happens. This is great work that always makes for an interesting and revealing conversation, as you will find all kinds of historical facts and read stories untold, with no punches pulled. Never overlong or exhausting, everything is stacked evenly and economically, which makes it loaded but not so long you'll never get through it. Something tells me this is just volume one in Wright's vault of adventures, and it will leave readers demanding more.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2012 Volume 2 at lulu.com/strangesound.
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