Rock 'N' Roll Unravelled
About the book
Rock’n’Roll Unravelled tells the story of rock’n’roll, from its roots to punk in the mid-1970s. Not just the history of the music but also the external events that helped to shape it, such as the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights struggle.
Music and world events; births and deaths; covers and originals; recording sessions and record releases; failed auditions; landmark concerts and festivals; how major bands came together – it can all be found, and more, in Rock’n’Roll Unravelled.
The Sex Pistols epitomized punk’s cynical and anarchic philosophy. Their last concert, on 14 January 1978, is taken as the end-point for introducing new artists into Rock’n’Roll Unravelled.
The 700 pages of Rock’n’Roll Unravelled bring the story of the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s vividly to life. The book has a unique three-part structure. The stories of the main events from rock’n’roll’s roots to punk are told in a January to December format, What Happened Today? The Timeline puts all of this into context. And finally, Pocket Histories cross references all of the artists and influencing events, such as Vietnam War.
Rock’n’Roll Unravelled provides an understanding of the backgrounds of the artists and bands of the era, which went on to influence the music that was to follow.
For more information about the book, click the link below.....
Record Collector magazine said of Rock’n’Roll Unravelled:
“…Shelmerdine has made a painstaking effort to document pretty much every event that would prove significant in shaping popular music … [he] has produced a comprehensive guide … in this endlessly distracting and weighty labour of love.”
Jamie Atkins: Record Collector magazine
For the full Record Collector review, click the link below.......
Derek grew up in the 1950s and ’60s, the dawn of youth culture. In the mid-1960s he became a drummer and formed the band Cleo’s Mood. Then, armed with a degree in Engineering Science, set out on his professional life as a mechanical engineer. But, life took some twists and turns and, after a spell as a professional roadie with Pat Travers and London pub-rock band Meal Ticket, he moved into selling in the IT industry. (It’s a long story!) The IT industry paid the bills but his love of music continued to grow.
Along the way, as well as being a roadie, he has also been involved in: attending record fairs as a dealer specializing in 1950s, ’60s and ’70s vinyl; assisting a Canadian DJ in Vancouver as his “resident rock’n’roll researcher”; taken up the drums again and performed at the Nercwys Music Festival and the Cavern (at the book launch!); and he is now making regular radio appearances.
These radio appearances include: The Adam and Anna Afternoon Show on the BBC Radio York; Paul Dupree’s Transmission show on Chelmsford Community Radio and a regular monthly appearance on Dave Roberts’s Music for Grown Ups show on 107 Meridian FM. Derek also made his debut appearance on American radio on The John Lebang Show, which was syndicated to other US and UK radio stations.
For more information about the radio shows, click the link below.....
Researching and writing Rock’n’Roll Unravelled was a seven-year labour of love. Derek chose to publish it independently because, in his own words, “with my background in sales and marketing, I found the opportunity to sell my own book, about my favourite subject – irresistible”.
DEREK SHELMERDINE
Derek will be selling and signing his book at our event and his stand will be found in the Domus Hall during the afternoon.