{"title":"Chris Roberts","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChris Roberts\u003c\/strong\u003e delves into the lives of iconic musicians, weaving rich narratives that capture their artistic journeys and cultural impact. His works, such as those on Elton John and The Velvet Underground, offer intimate portraits that are both insightful and engaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReaders can expect meticulously researched biographies and memoirs that explore the complexities behind the fame, revealing the personal stories and lasting legacies of some of the most influential figures in music history.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-velvet-underground-by-chris-roberts-9781786751133","title":"The Velvet Underground","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver half a century since they exploded inevitably onto New York's underground music and art scenes, the legacy and mythology of \u003cem\u003eThe Velvet Underground\u003c\/em\u003e continues to resonate and grow, as new generations embrace their enigmatic command of the darkest strain of alternative cool. Lou Reed, John Cale, Nico, Sterling Morrison and Moe Tucker, with the naïve encouragement of Andy Warhol, created a world of music, words and scenes which blew up the notion of the peace-and-love sixties and tapped into a nocturnal milieu of art, literature, drugs, sex and decadence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTheir albums survive as caustic classics, among the most influential records ever made. Not only did author Chris Roberts interview the late Lou Reed three times, he was also once told, \"Move – you are sitting on my coat\" by the unmistakable voice of Nico, backstage at a gig. Here he recounts and celebrates the fascinating, multi-faceted story of perhaps the most mysterious and unique rock band ever to exist. A complex, contrary, clashing set of characters who came together to start fires while drawing down darkness, The Velvets' legend will forever run run run.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUTHOR:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chris Roberts has written about music, films, and the arts for everyone from the \u003cem\u003eGuardian\u003c\/em\u003e to \u003cem\u003eUncut\u003c\/em\u003e and currently writes for \u003cem\u003eClassic Rock\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eRecord Collector\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Quietus\u003c\/em\u003e. He has published books on Beyoncé, Lou Reed, Tom Jones, and Abba among many others. His book on pop fandom, \u003cem\u003eIdle Worship\u003c\/em\u003e, was hailed by the \u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e as \"the most original book about rock 'n' roll ever.\" He lives in London.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e8 pages of colour photographs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46846686494956,"sku":"9781786751133","price":49.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/4040373482824.jpg?v=1758917872"},{"product_id":"elton-john-by-chris-roberts-9781786750891","title":"Elton John","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most prolific and commercially successful artists in modern pop music, during a career spanning over half a century, \u003cem\u003eElton John\u003c\/em\u003e has sold over 300 million records, including \"Candle In the Wind 1997\" – the biggest selling single of all time. His achievements in the US charts alone total over 50 hits in the Top 40, with seven consecutive albums making No.1.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMusically a child prodigy, by the age of 15 in 1962, Elton had formed his first pop group, Bluesology, and five years later met his long-time songwriting partner Bernie Taupin. Elton released his debut album \u003cem\u003eEmpty Sky\u003c\/em\u003e in 1968, from which came his first big hit, \"Your Song,\" in 1970. A spectacularly productive career followed, in which he has released over 30 albums and been the recipient of no less than six Grammy Awards and five Brit Awards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA tireless worker for various charities, including the Elton John AIDS Foundation, in 1998 he received a knighthood. Loved for his approachability and unaffected attitude to stardom, and after a career spanning nearly five decades, he still attracts capacity audiences in some of the largest auditoriums in the world, and fills them effortlessly with charismatic energy, and a musical performance that leaves fans of all ages shouting for more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chris Roberts has written about music, films and the arts for everyone from The Guardian to Uncut and currently writes for Classic Rock, Prog, Record Collector, and The Quietus. He has published books on Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, Kate Moss, Lou Reed, Tom Jones, ABBA, Talk Talk, Pharrell Williams, Justin Bieber, Scarlett Johansson, Heath Ledger, and others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSelling Points:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eA celebratory retrospective of one of popular music's most enduring and talented star names.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFully illustrated throughout, including rare archive memorabilia and previously unpublished photography.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTo be published in 2019 at the end of his farewell world tour.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e250 colour images.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Simon \u0026 Schuster NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67712943751404,"sku":"9781786750891","price":49.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781786750891-elton-john-1.jpg?v=1791862097"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/chris-roberts.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}