You Started It: Rock 'n' Roll's Most Notorious and Bitter Feuds

The biggest bands in the world have imploded due to bitter and violent grudges over money, publishing, ego-driven power plays, relationships, drugs, and musical differences. Ken McNab's You Started It charts these tales of rock 'n roll excess and internal strife, providing fresh takes on the human stories behind the in-fighting that saw a stairway to heaven become a highway to hell for the biggest bands of this or any other time.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2023
Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation

Amidst the bitter and violent grudges that have plagued some of the world's biggest bands, their implosions have become a tragic reality. Iconic groups like The Beach Boys, Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd, The Supremes, The Clash, The Eagles, The Band, The Police, Cream, and Guns 'n Roses have all experienced rancorous break-ups that have left a lasting impact on their legacies. These break-ups were not just musical disagreements, but a culmination of various factors, including money, publishing, ego-driven power plays, relationships, drugs, and the infamous "musical differences."

Musical and real-life brotherhoods, such as The Everly Brothers, Jagger-Richards, Ray and Dave Davies, Simon and Garfunkel, and Lennon-McCartney, were shattered as private brawls transitioned into toxic, public blame games. Despite the devastation these break-ups caused, music lovers cannot help but be strangely captivated by the internecine warfare that is a part of these legendary bands' shared history.

Ken McNabs book, "You Started It," delves into these tales of rock 'n roll excess and internal strife. Through unique accounts from eye-witnesses of these legendary bands and their legendary breakups, McNab brings to life the divisions that produced the animus that followed them through the decades. He offers fresh perspectives on the human stories behind the in-fighting that saw a stairway to heaven become a highway to hell for some of the biggest bands in history.

The book explores the complex dynamics that led to these break-ups, from personal conflicts to financial disputes and artistic differences. It sheds light on the personal struggles and sacrifices that the band members faced during these tumultuous times, as well as the impact that the break-ups had on their fans and the music industry as a whole.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is the way it humanizes the band members. McNab takes the time to delve into their backgrounds, personalities, and relationships, allowing readers to see them as individuals rather than just musical icons. This humanization helps to understand the motivations behind their actions and the emotional toll that the break-ups took on them.

The book also provides a behind-the-scenes look at the recording processes and creative struggles that these bands faced. It sheds light on the creative tensions that existed within the bands, as well as the challenges that they faced in trying to maintain their musical integrity and stay relevant in a changing industry.

Despite the tragic consequences of these break-ups, McNab's book offers a glimmer of hope. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, there is always the potential for reconciliation and renewal. It showcases the resilience of the human spirit.

In conclusion, "You Started It" is a must-read for music lovers who are interested in the inner workings of some of the world's biggest bands. It provides a fascinating and insightful look into the complex dynamics that led to their implosions and the lasting impact that they have had on the music industry. Through unique accounts and fresh perspectives, McNab brings to life the human stories behind the in-fighting that saw a stairway to heaven become a highway to hell for some of the biggest bands of this or any other time.

Weight: 418g
Dimension: 227 x 153 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781493067800