When Giants Walked the Earth: A Biography of Led Zeppelin

Wall, Mick. When giants walked the earth : a biography of Led Zeppelin, London : Orion Books, 2008.

This 534 page biography of Led Zeppelin provides second-person narrative style, fan fiction-esque interlude, and is written as if the author had almost insight into the main characters (Led Zeppelin). Written by British veteran rock journalist Mick Wall who happens to also be a former associate of both Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, the biography is rich and revealing: delving into the depths of the four band members unique personalities (Page is fascinated with English occultist Aleister Crowley and his active Ordo Templi Orientis religious practice) and the chronology of events is well-organised; starting with the time of Jimmy Page in the Yardbirds and his struggle to bring together an “album-centered” band through every obstacle, as well as great stories about the album covers, management, Elvis, The Who, the rise and sad loss of Bonham, everything you should know about the Biggest Band in the World.

•Image: Goodreads | Citation: Trove | Annotation: Goodreads, Amazon

Enter Night: A Biography of Metallica

Wall, Mick. Enter Night : A Biography of Metallica, New York : St. Martin’s Press, 2011.

This narrative-style biography is straightforward and fast-paced. The wordy storytelling-style by British music journalist Mick Wall successfully provides an in-depth portrait of the infamous thrash metal group: the personalities of all key—and ex-key—members of Metallica (Dave Mustaine might be a bitter alcoholic jerk but he was kicked out of the band because he was a threat to the leadership Lars Ulrich held within the band), the various incarnations of the LA quartet (James Hetfield, in the beginning, wasn’t all that comfortable being the front man and the face of the band), the bad musicianship (especially the drummer), and many other wild, wonderful, emotionally draining never-known-before and other somewhat uncomfortable truths. Written in two main parts—pre and post And Justice For All—this 480 page Metallisaga is the ultimate chronicle for both old cracks and newbies, young-at-heart adult and young adult ‘tallica fans.

•Image: Goodreads | Citation: Trove | Annotation: Goodreads, Amazon