Books by Mark Blake

A unique 'A to Z' biography from music journalist and Queen biographer Mark Blake that will shed new light on the story of the biggest rock band of all time.

In July 2005 in Hyde Park, Pink Floyd performed together on stage for the first time in 24 years with founder member Roger Waters. Almost a year later, reclusive founder-member Syd Barrett died and then in 2008 the death of keyboard player Rick Wright confirmed there would be no more reunions of one of the world's biggest bands. In this superbly comprehensive and engrossing history of the group, Mark Blake tells how a group of Cambridge school friends went on to conquer the world with classic albums like Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here, and put on some of the most spectacular shows of all time. Drawing on over a hundred original interviews, Pigs Might Fly follows Pink Floyd all the way from the early psychedelic nights at UFO in the mid-sixties through the acrimonious schism, to the recent appearances of David Gilmour and Nick Mason with Roger Waters at the London date on his The Wall tour. Meticulous, exacting and ambitious as any Pink Floyd album, Pigs Might Fly has rightly been acclaimed as the definitive book on the band.

Publishing on the 50th anniversary of Led Zeppelin's formation, this is the first book to tell the authorized, in-depth and uncensored story of their infamous manager Peter Grant, a music industry giant and 'the fifth member of Led Zeppelin'.

Julia McAllister is the second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert McAllister of London, England. When the McAllister's successful shoe business is forced to close in 1894, the patriarch of the family makes a bold move by deciding to immigrate to the United States. There, they find that living conditions that they must now cope with are a leap down the socio-economic scale. Soon, the McAllister's triumphant spirit overcomes adversity and they become semi-wealthy and well-liked citizens. When a move to a new apartment is in order, the McAllister's make haste and find themselves in a posh new apartment. However, with this new apartment comes rambunctious neighbors making all kinds of din into the wee hours of the night--or so they think. Soon, they discover that the din is originating from one of their own--the eldest McAllister, Samantha. She reveals that she is falling in love with the other half of the rowdiness, the suave sophisticate, Christopher Joplin. This first meeting quickly turns into a romantic engagement. Soon, all of the McAllister's head to California to meet the Joplin family--and to prepare for the grand wedding. The McAllister Chronicles is sure to keep you turning the pages!

Is This the Real Life?The Untold Story of QUEENMark BlakeDespite the death of their exuberant frontman Freddie Mercury in 1991, Queen remain one of the most popular bands on the planet. Yet, the full story of their extraordinary success has never been told, until now.Derided by critics, but adored by fans, the band's single-mindedness and sheer ambition paid off when in 1975, Queen's six-minute operatic single 'Bohemian Rhapsody' became a Number 1 hit, changing their lives forever. From then on, Queen's story was one of constant musical and stylistic re-invention, as the progressive rock of the early '70s mutated into stadium anthems, romantic ballads and pure pop, with a side order of jazz, gospel and heavy metal. Then, in 1985, Queen's incredible performance at Live Aid stole the show and reminded a global television audience of why they were one of the greatest live acts of all time.Mojo and Q journalist Mark Blake has conducted brand new interviews with record producers, ex-band members, personal assistants and school friends to produce a complete account of the band's rise from suburbia to worldwide superstardom. Is This The Real Life?: The Untold Story Of Queen tells you for the first time how the band became champions of the world.