If you like reading just as much as you like music, you’re in luck. That’s because there have been plenty of fantastic music books in 2021. If reading sounds like too much effort after this exhausting year, don’t worry! Most of them are packed full of photos, and there are adult colouring books on the list too!
Iron Maiden and Motörhead colouring books
Motörhead – Fast & Loose: Snapshots from the Graham Mitchell Archive 1977-1982
Lenny Kravitz – The Formative Years, 1989 – 1993
Janis Joplin – Days & Summers Scrapbook 1966-68
Jeff Lynne’s ELO – Wembley or Bust
Iron Maiden and Motörhead colouring books
The Iron Maiden colouring book is the latest addition to the adult colouring book roster from Rock N’ Roll Colouring. It includes artwork from legendary albums such as Piece of Mind, Powerslave and The Number of the Beast, plus newer releases like The Book of Souls and Senjutsu.
The release follows on from official Judas Priest, Megadeth, Thin Lizzy, Alice Cooper and Motörhead colouring books!
Motörhead – Fast & Loose: Snapshots from the Graham Mitchell Archive 1977-1982
Once you’ve finished your colouring, you’ll be all set to immerse yourself in the band’s history. By Graham Mitchell’s own admission, he was not only Motörhead’s tour manager but also “their babysitter, their procurer of women, their procurer of drugs, procurer of everything.” Somehow, he found time to be their photographer too! This large-format tabletop book features almost 100 photos taken during the classic “three amigos” lineup (Lemmy Kilmister, Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor, and “Fast” Eddie Clarke).
For the photographers among us, it’s fascinating to hear about the technical aspects. For instance, “most of my images are one-shot photos, and there’s no flash on any of them. They were done at 400 ASA to speed up the film and take advantage of whatever natural light I could get. I was always flying by the seat of my pants whenever I clicked the shutter.” This means the scratches and blemishes are the point; they capture a gritty era in an authentic way. Fast & Loose, published by BMG, is out now.
Lenny Kravitz – The Formative Years, 1989 – 1993
From Lemmy to Lenny! Lenny Kravitz has collaborated with David Hindley to document Kravitz’ rise to fame through the medium of Hindley’s all-access photography. The book features over 300 of Hindley’s images, a forward by Mick Jagger, and a 6,000 word dialogue between Kravitz and Hindley.
The book is limited to 2,000 quarter-bound vegan leather copies, and each is numbered and signed by Kravitz. The first 350 are deluxe editions in a solander box accompanied by a numbered photographic print signed by Hindley. This level of quality and detail means it’s designed for die-hard fans and collectors because it is expensive, but you can get £30 off if you pre-order.
Janis Joplin – Days & Summers Scrapbook 1966-68
Days & Summers is another to-die-for collector’s edition for die-hard fans. Again, it’s pricey, but certainly an intriguing offering for the money. It combines reproductions of Joplin’s scrapbooks together with contributions from Big Brother bandmates Peter Albin and Dave Getz, Jefferson Airplane’s Jack Casady and Jorma Kaukonen, as well as Mick Fleetwood, Chrissie Hynde, Tom Jones, Taj Mahal, Michelle Philips and Jimmy Page.
Janis’ siblings Laura Joplin and Michael Joplin also contributed to the book. Michael explained “It was really important to her. Scrapbooks may sound quaint and old-fashioned today, but by sitting down, cutting these things out, sticking them in place and annotating them, Janis has given us a unique record of the period.”
Jeff Lynne’s ELO – Wembley or Bust
Jeff Lynne has achieved success with ELO, solo, as a member of the iconic supergroup Traveling Wilburys and as a producer for his heroes Roy Orbison, Den Shannon, and The Beatles.
In his first official book, Lynne documents a spectacular one-of-a-kind, sold-out concert. He also explores the significance of the songs within his extensive career. Lynne performed his most extensive setlist to date for over two hours to 60,000 fans. It was performed against a stunning backdrop of pyrotechnics, lasers and a giant ELO spaceship!
Lynne explained: “It means so much to me to release this book during the 50th anniversary of ELO, and three years on from our Wembley Or Bust concert. It was an unforgettable night and I’m excited to relive it with all of you again inside these pages.”
So, there you have it – a fine selection of music books in 2021!
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