Peter Grant: The Man Who Led Zeppelin [Hardcover]

Provides an illuminating read for anyone wondering about the ravages of rock supremacy. It's particularly good on the subject of Zep's peculiar movie, The Song Remains The Same. With details of Zep's rise and fall receding into history, their legend and influence secure, this story's medley of tragic endings reminds us that no one is so powerful as to be immune to power's consequences.

Wrestler turned rock manager, the late Peter Grant made his name as the manager of Led Zeppelin, helping to turn them into rock' biggest attraction by the mid 1970s. Author Chris Welch tells Grant's story from his childhood in war torn London, to him becoming a bouncer, doorman and wrestler known as Prince Mario Alassio. He became tour manager of Chuck Berry, the Everly Brothers and Gene Vincent and The Animals before taking on The Yardbirds who eventually became Led Zeppelin. The book reveals the facts about his suspended prison sentence, his dispute with the group over unpaid royalties and his retiring from the music industry a rumoured heroin addict. Written with the full co-operation of Grant's family and friends to give an insight into the most fabled and feared man in the music business.

Chris Welch is among the US's best-known music journalists. After a long and distinguished career on Melody Maker, he became editor of Metal Hammer magazine and also edited Rock World. He has written numerous books on rock and pop, including biographies of Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Yes, The Who, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, Genesis and Peter Gabriel.