New Biography on The Cars Singer/Bassist Benjamin Orr by Vermont Writer Joe Milliken to be Published November 2018!

Bellows Falls, VT – Veteran music journalist Joe Milliken recently announced a publishing deal with the Lanham, Maryland-based publisher Rowman & Littlefield Publishers to produce his first book, a biography about the late Benjamin Orr. Orr was the co-founder, co-lead singer, and bassist for the platinum-selling rock band The Cars. Titled Let’s Go! Benjamin Orr and The Cars, a release date is set for November 15, 2018. 

Often considered the band’s heartthrob, Orr possessed an incredible voice, diverse musical talent and rare stage presence, all balanced by a magnetic, yet enigmatic personality, striking good looks, and a relentless determination to reach rock stardom. Born Benjamin Orzechowski (aka “Benny Eleven Letters”) and raised in the Cleveland suburb of Parma Heights, Orr was, prior to becoming a world-famous rock star with The Cars, a “teen star” as a house band musician for the nationally syndicated television show Upbeat.

A few years later Ben met his musical partner and future Cars' bandleader, Ric Ocasek, and by 1976 their quest for the perfect blend of songs, bandmates, and musical landscape finally materialized as The Cars. They would go on to sell over 30 million albums worldwide resulting in 15 “Top 40” hits.

From his early success in Cleveland through his stardom with The Cars, to his solo band efforts and eventual rebirth with the emerging supergroup Big People, this definitive account of Orr’s rock-and-roll life is not a backstage ‘tell all,’ but the story of a charismatic musician with a vision, a sense of adventure, and unwavering perseverance. Orr passed away much too young at 53, but he achieved his dream through hard work and determination, a long road that began in Cleveland and culminated with The Cars coming back to his hometown to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in April of 2018.

This first-ever biography about Orr spans 11 years in the making, as Milliken draws together interviews with over 120 family members, friends, bandmates, and music associates from Orr’s life, as well as many unpublished and never before seen photos from private collections, to reveal an intimate portrait of one of classic rock’s great talents.



About the Author: Joe Milliken has been a music journalist, editor and website publisher for two decades. A die-hard music fan with a degree in visual arts, Joe turned to writing as his creative outlet, first as a local reporter, then a sports/arts & entertainment editor and freelancer. In 2014, he launched Standing Room Only, a website dedicated to promoting music and the arts on a local (New England) and national level. Originally from Boston, Milliken now resides in southern Vermont with his wife, Kelly, and his children, Nate and Erin. 

Learn more about upcoming book-related announcements, events, discounts, and author interviews at www.facebook.com/BenOrrBook, by email at benorrbook@gmail.com or follow @benorrbook on Twitter. 

Joe Milliken: Author, Website Publisher
Donna Neale: Public Relations Assistant: benorrbook@gmail.com

Let’s Go is available for presale: 
Rowman & Littlefield’s website: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538118658
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Go-Benjamin-Orr-Cars/dp/1538118653/ref=sr_1_1

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

New Biography on The Cars Singer/Bassist Benjamin Orr by Vermont Writer Joe Milliken to be Published November 2018!

Bellows Falls, VT – Veteran music journalist Joe Milliken recently announced a publishing deal with the Lanham, Maryland-based publisher Rowman & Littlefield Publishers to produce his first book, a biography about the late Benjamin Orr. Orr was the co-founder, co-lead singer, and bassist for the platinum-selling rock band The Cars. Titled Let’s Go! Benjamin Orr and The Cars, a release date is set for November 15, 2018.

Often considered the band’s heartthrob, Orr possessed an incredible voice, diverse musical talent and rare stage presence, all balanced by a magnetic, yet enigmatic personality, striking good looks, and a relentless determination to reach rock stardom. Born Benjamin Orzechowski (aka “Benny Eleven Letters”) and raised in the Cleveland suburb of Parma Heights, Orr was, prior to becoming a world-famous rock star with The Cars, a “teen star” as a house band musician for the nationally syndicated television show Upbeat.

A few years later Ben met his musical partner and future Cars' bandleader, Ric Ocasek, and by 1976 their quest for the perfect blend of songs, bandmates, and musical landscape finally materialized as The Cars. They would go on to sell over 30 million albums worldwide resulting in 15 “Top 40” hits.

From his early success in Cleveland through his stardom with The Cars, to his solo band efforts and eventual rebirth with the emerging supergroup Big People, this definitive account of Orr’s rock-and-roll life is not a backstage ‘tell all,’ but the story of a charismatic musician with a vision, a sense of adventure, and unwavering perseverance. Orr passed away much too young at 53, but he achieved his dream through hard work and determination, a long road that began in Cleveland and culminated with The Cars coming back to his hometown to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in April of 2018.

This first-ever biography about Orr spans 11 years in the making, as Milliken draws together interviews with over 120 family members, friends, bandmates, and music associates from Orr’s life, as well as many unpublished and never before seen photos from private collections, to reveal an intimate portrait of one of classic rock’s great talents.



About the Author: Joe Milliken has been a music journalist, editor and website publisher for two decades. A die-hard music fan with a degree in visual arts, Joe turned to writing as his creative outlet, first as a local reporter, then a sports/arts & entertainment editor and freelancer. In 2014, he launched Standing Room Only, a website dedicated to promoting music and the arts on a local (New England) and national level. Originally from Boston, Milliken now resides in southern Vermont with his wife, Kelly, and his children, Nate and Erin.

Learn more about upcoming book-related announcements, events, discounts, and author interviews at www.facebook.com/BenOrrBook, by email at benorrbook@gmail.com or follow @benorrbook on Twitter. 

Joe Milliken: Author, Website Publisher
Donna Neale: Public Relations Assistant: benorrbook@gmail.com

Let’s Go is available for presale: 
Rowman & Littlefield’s website: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538118658
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Go-Benjamin-Orr-Cars/dp/1538118653/ref=sr_1_1

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Alice Cooper Group Guitarist/Songwriter Michael Bruce's "No More Mr. Nice Guy" Biography Revised!

Limited edition signed by Michael Bruce available!

London - Much to the excitement of Alice Cooper group fans worldwide, Gonzo Multimedia will be releasing Michael Bruce's critically acclaimed biography “No More Mr. Nice Guy” revised! Also available is a limited edition signed by Michael Bruce.

Written by Alice Cooper group guitarist, keyboard player and main songwriter Michael Bruce, “No More Mr. Nice Guy” is an anthology of the band that encapsulated the decadent spirit of the 1970s. Following the group on their journey from Arizona garage band to eventual rise to stardom, it reveals the truth behind the drinking and the rock 'n' roll. This “true life” story includes the hangings, the executions, the ghoulish makeup, the egos and of course, the rock 'n' roll. Revised and updated it includes previously unseen photographs and memorabilia.

“Its not often we get a chance to redo, remake or in this case re-release a book.....my book. It is with much thought, great enjoyment,  many thanks and heartfelt appreciation for family,  friends and fans that I present the re-release of 'No More Mr Nice Guy.' A compilation of hilarious rock 'n' roll stories and life events that made me the man I am today.” - Michael Bruce

This release comes on the heels of the recent highly publicized Alice Cooper group reunion concerts in the UK!

To order: https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/michael-bruce-no-more-mr-nice-guy

Michael Bruce FB Page:
https://www.facebook.com/michael.bruce.7106

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Original Alice Cooper Group Guitarist/Songwriter Michael Bruce "No More Mr. Nice Guy" Biography Limited Edition Box Set

London - Much to the excitement of Alice Cooper group fans worldwide, Gonzo Multimedia will be releasing Michael Bruce's critically acclaimed biography “No More Mr. Nice Guy” in a Limited Edition Box Set! The Box set contains a signed certificate, book, 1996 interview CD, and reproduction of Alice Cooper group memorabilia. Limited to 250 Units, and signed by Michael Bruce.

Written by Alice Cooper group guitarist, keyboard player and main songwriter, “No More Mr. Nice Guy” is an anthology of the band that encapsulated the decadent spirit of the 1970s. Following the group on their journey from Arizona garage band to eventual rise to stardom, it reveals the truth behind the drinking and the rock 'n' roll. This “true life” story includes the hangings, the executions, the ghoulish makeup, the egos and of course, the rock 'n' roll. Revised and updated it includes previously unseen photographs and memorabilia.

“Its not often we get a chance to redo, remake or in this case re-release a book.....my book. It is with much thought, great enjoyment,  many thanks and heartfelt appreciation for family,  friends and fans that I present the re-release of 'No More Mr Nice Guy.' A compilation of hilarious rock 'n' roll stories and life events that made me the man I am today.” - Michael Bruce

This release comes on the heels of the recent highly publicized Alice Cooper group reunion concerts in the UK!

To pre-order: https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/michael-bruce-no-more-mr-nice-guy?user_id=754346&path_token=2f428610e8db469f711b9d488c89e876



The “No More Mr. Nice Guy” book is also available separately!

Michael Bruce FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/michael.bruce.7106

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

New Book "Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to the Dark Side of the Moon" By Bill Kopp To Be Released February 15, 2018!

Asheville, NC - Available February 15, 2017 from Rowman & Littlefield Publishing: Bill Kopp's new book “Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to the Dark Side of the Moon.” In celebration of the 45th anniversary of The Dark Side of the Moon, Bill Kopp explores ingenuity with which Pink Floyd rebranded themselves following the 1968 departure of Syd Barrett. Not only did the band survive Barrett's departure, but it went on to release landmark albums that continue to influence generations of musicians and fans.

“Reinventing Pink Floyd” follows the path taken by the remaining band members to establish a musical identity, develop a songwriting style, and create a new template for the manner in which albums are made and even enjoyed by listeners. As veteran music journalist Bill Kopp illustrates, that path was filled with failed experiments, creative blind alleys, one-off musical excursions, abortive collaborations, a general restlessness and—most importantly—a dedicated search for a distinctive musical personality.

“Knowledgeable, well-informed, conscientious, and sensitive. Bill has written about what really matters. Bill's book is a great read, and well worth the price of admission.”— Jerry Shirley, drummer for Humble Pie

This exciting volume guides readers through the works of 1968 through 1973, highlighting key innovations and musical breakthroughs of lasting influence. Kopp places Pink Floyd into their historical, cultural, and musical contexts while celebrating the test of fire that took the band from the brink of demise to enduring superstardom.

“Bill Kopp's excellent analysis of Pink Floyd's post-Syd, pre-arenas era performs a valuable service to the Floyd canon.”— Joel McIver, bestselling rock author

The book draws on archival interviews and reviews as well as many new and exclusive interviews with Peter Jenner, Ron Geesin, Steve Howe, Jerry Shirley, Davy O'List, Willie Wilson, Robyn Hitchcock and many others.

“Combining research into their classic albums and a wealth of little-known and unofficial recordings with astute and entertaining analysis, Kopp generates fresh insight into Pink Floyd's formative years. Even longtime fans of the band will be surprised and enlightened.”— Richie Unterberger, author of “Unknown Legends of Rock 'n' Roll”

Bill Kopp is a lifelong music enthusiast, musician, collector, and music journalist. His writing has been featured in music magazines including Bass Guitar, Record Collector, Prog and Shindig! (all in Great Britain), as well as Billboard, Electronic Musician, Goldmine, Trouser Press, Ugly Things and more than a dozen alternative weekly newspapers. He is the Jazz Desk Editor and Prog Editor at BLURT online, and has written liner note essays for 20 albums, including titles by Julian “Cannonball” Adderley, Larry Coryell, Edgar Winter, Rick Wakeman, The Ventures, Dave Mason and Iron Butterfly. He has interviewed several hundred musicians and music industry figures of note, and his musoscribe.com blog has features thousands of music reviews, essays, interviews and features.

“Reinventing Pink Floyd” will be available February 15 from independent bookstores and Amazon, but pre-ordering direct from the publisher saves 30%.

Author Bill Kopp is available now for interviews, and will be scheduling readings and book store appearances around the publishing date.

More information: 
http://www.reinventingpinkfloyd.com
https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538108284

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

New Book "Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to the Dark Side of the Moon" By Bill Kopp To Be Released February 15, 2018!

Asheville, NC - Available February 15, 2017 from Rowman & Littlefield Publishing: Bill Kopp's new book “Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to the Dark Side of the Moon.” In celebration of the 45th anniversary of The Dark Side of the Moon, Bill Kopp explores ingenuity with which Pink Floyd rebranded themselves following the 1968 departure of Syd Barrett. Not only did the band survive Barrett's departure, but it went on to release landmark albums that continue to influence generations of musicians and fans.

“Reinventing Pink Floyd” follows the path taken by the remaining band members to establish a musical identity, develop a songwriting style, and create a new template for the manner in which albums are made and even enjoyed by listeners. As veteran music journalist Bill Kopp illustrates, that path was filled with failed experiments, creative blind alleys, one-off musical excursions, abortive collaborations, a general restlessness and—most importantly—a dedicated search for a distinctive musical personality.

“Knowledgeable, well-informed, conscientious, and sensitive. Bill has written about what really matters. Bill's book is a great read, and well worth the price of admission.”— Jerry Shirley, drummer for Humble Pie

This exciting volume guides readers through the works of 1968 through 1973, highlighting key innovations and musical breakthroughs of lasting influence. Kopp places Pink Floyd into their historical, cultural, and musical contexts while celebrating the test of fire that took the band from the brink of demise to enduring superstardom.

“Bill Kopp's excellent analysis of Pink Floyd's post-Syd, pre-arenas era performs a valuable service to the Floyd canon.”— Joel McIver, bestselling rock author

The book draws on archival interviews and reviews as well as many new and exclusive interviews with Peter Jenner, Ron Geesin, Steve Howe, Jerry Shirley, Davy O'List, Willie Wilson, Robyn Hitchcock and many others.

“Combining research into their classic albums and a wealth of little-known and unofficial recordings with astute and entertaining analysis, Kopp generates fresh insight into Pink Floyd's formative years. Even longtime fans of the band will be surprised and enlightened.”— Richie Unterberger, author of “Unknown Legends of Rock 'n' Roll”

Bill Kopp is a lifelong music enthusiast, musician, collector, and music journalist. His writing has been featured in music magazines including Bass Guitar, Record Collector, Prog and Shindig! (all in Great Britain), as well as Billboard, Electronic Musician, Goldmine, Trouser Press, Ugly Things and more than a dozen alternative weekly newspapers. He is the Jazz Desk Editor and Prog Editor at BLURT online, and has written liner note essays for 20 albums, including titles by Julian “Cannonball” Adderley, Larry Coryell, Edgar Winter, Rick Wakeman, The Ventures, Dave Mason and Iron Butterfly. He has interviewed several hundred musicians and music industry figures of note, and his musoscribe.com blog has features thousands of music reviews, essays, interviews and features.

“Reinventing Pink Floyd” will be available February 15 from independent bookstores and Amazon, but pre-ordering direct from the publisher saves 30%.

Author Bill Kopp is available now for interviews, and will be scheduling readings and book store appearances around the publishing date.

More information: 
http://www.reinventingpinkfloyd.com
https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538108284

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Guitar Legend Merrell Fankhauser Releases Critically Acclaimed Autobiography “Calling From A Star”

Arroyo Grande, CA - Merrell Fankhauser has led one of the most diverse and interesting careers in music. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and moved to California when he was 13 years old. Merrell went on to become one of the innovators of surf music and psychedelic folk rock. His travels from Hollywood to his 15-year jungle experience on the island of Maui have been documented in numerous music books and magazines in the United States and Europe. Merrell has gained legendary international status throughout the field of rock music; his credits include over 400 songs published and released. He is a 2011 Grammy nominee and multi-talented singer/songwriter and unique guitar player whose sound has delighted listeners for over 50 years. This extraordinary autobiography tells a unique story of one of the founding fathers of surf rock, who went on to play in a succession of progressive and psychedelic bands and to meet some of the greatest names in the business, including Captain Beefheart, John Lennon, The Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, Willie Nelson… and there is even a run in with the notorious Manson family.

“I started the book in 1990 after years of friends and fans telling me I've had such an adventurous life that most Rock Stars don't have.. Playing with so many music icons, moving to Maui searching for the Lost Continent of MU, and now over 400 songs published...! I kept trying to finish the book but because of my live playing schedule, writing, recording and doing a regular TV show, California Music 1990 - 1995, Tiki Lounge 2001 - to now it took years to finish!” - Merrell Fankhauser

Merrell Fankhauser is considered one of the main innovators of surf music and psychedelic folk rock, and is widely known as the leader of the instrumental surf group The Impacts who had the international hit “Wipeout”. Merrell has gained legendary international status throughout the field of rock music; his credits include over 250 songs published and released. Merrell Fankhauser has presented a number of television programs over the years including 'California Music', 'Route 66 TV Live', and in 2001 he began hosting a music show called 'Tiki Lounge' that airs on the California Central Coast, Southern California, Hawaii and parts of the East Coast.

Official website:
http://www.merrellfankhauser.com/

For more information:
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15816/Merrell_Fankhauser-Calling_From_A_Star.html

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1908728388/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1908728388&linkCode=as2&tag=aquaradi-20&linkId=2WYL4WGLODDXPM3K

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Definitive Biography On Mike Scott & The Waterboys 'Strange Boat' Now Available On Gonzo MultiMedia

“To me there’s no difference between Mike Scott and The Waterboys; they both mean the same thing. They mean myself and whoever are my current travelling musical companions.” - Mike Scott

London, UK - Much to the excitement of Mike Scott & The Waterboys fans worldwide, 'Strange Boat', the definitive biography written by Ian Abrahams, is now available on Gonzo MultiMedia! 'Strange Boat' charts the twisting and meandering journey of Mike Scott, describing the literary and spiritual references that inform his songwriting and exploring the multitude of locations and cultures in which The Waterboys have assembled and reflected in their recordings.

From his early forays into the music scene in Scotland at the end of the 1970s, to his creation of a ‘Big Music’ that peaked with the hit single ‘The Whole of the Moon’ and onto the Irish adventure which spawned the classic Fisherman’s Blues, his constantly restless creativity has led him through a myriad of changes.

With a revolving cast of troubadours at his side, he’s created some of the most era-defining records of the 1980s, reeled and jigged across the Celtic heartlands, reinvented himself as an electric rocker in New York, and sought-out personal renewal in the spiritual calm of Findhorn’s Scottish highland retreat. Mike Scott’s life has been a tale of continual musical exploration entwined with an ever-evolving spirituality.

Says author Ian Abrahams, “It's been a really lovely task to update this book and revisit the musical and spiritual journey of Mike Scott, and to once again explore the mercurial talent that has set the The Waterboys on their twisting and turning journey. It's such a great story, full of change and development, paths and tributaries; it's one that I've enjoying relating immensely.”

Originally published in 2007, this new edition is revised and updated and contains a ‘bonus’ feature on Mike Scott’s Appointment With Mr Yeats album, originally published in R2 Rock N Reel magazine.

“An intriguing portrait of a modern musician” (Record Collector)

Ian Abrahams (born 1963) is a freelance journalist and biographer. His books include Hawkwind - Sonic Assassins, Strange Boat - Mike Scott & The Waterboys and, with Bridget Wishart, the forthcoming history of the free festivals, Festivalized: Music, Politics & The Alternative Culture. He's written for Record Collector, R2, Vive Le Rock, Shindig!, The Guardian, The Independent, Bass Guitar and others. Ian lives in Cornwall where his household includes two retired greyhounds who've never been to a muddy festival, tied on the end of a string.

Contact: Ian Abrahams, ianabrahams1@yahoo.co.uk, 07866831505.

To purchase: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15723

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Strange Boat – Mike Scott & The Waterboys
Ian Abrahams
Published 11th August 2014
Gonzo Multimedia Paperback / Lumoni Press eBook
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/