Diary
End of 2009...
Written: 15th December, 2009
Well, hasn’t 2009 been an eventful year? I’ve had – gasp – four books published this year: Bon Jovi, Al Atkins, Linkin Park and my first POD book All Pens Blazing. 2010 will see at least two (POD) books taking me to books 7 and 8: one will be a collection of interviews I’ve done with bands called Rock ‘N’ Roll Mercenaries and the other, All Pens Blazing Vol II.
The German translation of my Robert Plant book was finally published in December by Hannibal Verlag. It looks great and there’s an updated chapter at the end. Go here.
I have no idea when the Bulgarian edition of Defenders Of The Faith is out but unfortunately due to the recession there won’t be a German version unless another publishing company is interested. The good news is the long-awaited softback version is out in February by Omnibus and includes an extended chapter taking the story up to 2009. Go here.
You can read a recent interview with me here.
And I’m also on Wikipedia.
I’ve recently done interviews with Steve Blaze of Lillian Axe, Brian Tatler of Diamond Head and Richard Hofherr of 7th Heaven and artist Mark Wilkinson for the Jan/Feb issue of Fireworks.
You can read an interview with did with Joerg Deisinger, formally of Bonfire, at Get Ready To Rock.
I’m credited in Brian’s excellent autobiography (written with John Tucker) Am I Evil?, which you can buy here.
Recent gigs I’ve been to include Motorhead (who really need to change their setlist), Status Quo (who were a lot of fun) and Alice Cooper (who was superb.) Next year looks promising with Diamond Head/Europe, KISS and Joe Perry/Bad Company et al. You can buy my books here.
Thanks
Neil.
Latest Happenings In My World…
Written: 29th August, 2009
‘All Pens Blazing’ is out now! You can buy it from Amazon US and UK and www.authorsonline.co.uk as well as other online book stores. There have been no reviews as yet but keep a look out…hopefully some of the major rock magazines will publish reviews especially as some of their writers are featured. It’s my first print on demand book and it looks pretty good. I know what I’ll do differently in the next volume (yes, there will be a volume 2 because there are still lots more writers I want to interview) which will be published next year. One thing: the text is smaller than usual and that’s because of the cost of printing. Basically, if I had printed standard font there would have been more pages thus pushing up the price of the book and the p&p so instead of cutting out some interviews I reduced the size of the text. It’s not a big deal because this is the kind of book you dip in and out of rather than read from cover to cover but some people might criticise it for that. If you want to learn how some of the biggest and most successful metals started, and what it was like to write for them and interview bands and travel the world, etc., etc., this book tells you. There are some really detailed and interesting interviews. It was lot of fun (and hard work) to compile but I’m definitely enthusiastic enough to make a second volume.
The latest issues of Powerplay and Fireworks contain interviews I’ve done with Liv Kristine, Blaze Bayley, Tim Owens and The Rushing as well as some reviews. The new Record Collector has a review I wrote on UFO’s excellent gig in Manchester.
Reviews have started to come in on ‘Dawn Of The Metal Gods.’ Check out: http://www.neildaniels.com/Dawn.html
The paperback of ‘Defenders Of The Faith’ is slated for February 2010:
I’ve know idea when the German translation of ‘Defenders Of The Faith’ is due but the German version of my Robert Plant book should be out this month after a long delay.
I’m taking a break from books for the next few months to concentrate on contributing to Colin Larkin’s extensive music website The Best Thing On Earth. When it goes live I will add a link to the Latest Updates/Hone page.
Gig wise, I’m looking forward to Motorhead, Dio, Alice Cooper, Deep Purple, Marilyn Manson, Gotthard, The Wildhearts, Status Quo and WASP. I’d love to see Fleetwood Mac but tickets prices are just too damned high.
Bye for now,
Neil
What’s Going On?
Written: 26th July, 2009
Sorry, this is going to read like a series of bullet points but time is short…
There’s not a huge lot to report actually. ‘Dawn Of The Metal Gods’ has, so far, picked up top reviews with more reviews promised soon. Keep checking the relevant section for updated reviews.
‘All Pens Blazing is finished and with the POD publishers. It’s a big book, no pictures but lots of great stories from great writers. The font may seem a little small but it would be too big otherwise and thus bump up production costs, and P&P would be too high. If you want to learn about the metal press and how to become a rock scribe, this book will tell you everything you need to know. Honest.
‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Mercenaries’ is being worked on at the moment. I’ve compiled all the interviews, just need to edit them and have a cover designed.
Some good news is that ‘The Story Of Judas Priest’ will finally be published in paperback early next year with an updated chapter bringing it bang up to date.
Done the usual reviews for Powerplay, Fireworks and Get Ready To Rock. Also done some live reviews for Record Collector.
Have also interviewed Joey Tempest from Europe and Liv Kristine of Leaves’ Eyes.
Thanks!
Neil
Moving Forward...
Written: 22 June, 2009
Very little to report at the moment. You could say I’m in limbo. The Al Atkins book is finally here...in my hands! It looks great and I really hope Priest fans will appreciate it. One thing: the price tag is a little steep but that is due to the Euro-Pound inflation rates but the price will drop at some point. Al will be doing loads of promotion, radio and magazine interviews and will be playing live to support the book. As soon as reviews are published I’ll put some quotes on this site.
Also, it looks like I’ll have four books published this year: Bon Jovi and Al Atkins are both out now and Linkin Park and All Pens Blazing are due out before Christmas. I’m also working on a second self-published book which is basically a collection of interviews I’ve done with rock stars, and there’ll be a bonus section of interviews with some respected rock writers. This one will be called Rock ‘N’ Roll Mercenaries. Maybe the latter will be out for Christmas so that’ll be five books this year! But I don’t know yet. One thing is for sure: if the self-published books look good and sell enough copies I’ll be doing more of them.
I’ve done the usual reviews for Fireworks, Powerplay and Get Ready To Rock as well as Nickelback and UFO live reviews for Record Collector due to be printed in the next issue or thereafter. I’ve also done interviews with Blaze Bayley and Tim “Ripper” Owens and former Bonfire bassist Joerg Deisinger whose autobiography Fire And Fame is well worth reading.
Bye for now
Neil
Getting there…
Written: 21st May, 2009
As I type this entry Dawn Of The Metal Gods is actually at the printers. It’ll be published in June and available to buy HERE and HERE. It’s been a long wait but if you’re a serious Priest fan you’re going to really enjoy a lot of the anecdotes and archive material in the book. There has been a lot of requests for review copies so I really hope it sells.
I’m also writing some sleeve notes for the Angel Air reissue of Demon Deceiver.
The Bon Jovi book has been getting some good reviews which you can read in the Bibliography section.Linkin Park is finished and with the publishers.
You’ll also notice that I’m working on a book called All Pens’ Blazing. I can’t really say too much about it yet but the collection of interviews will be quite overwhelming. It’s my first self-published book so if it works out I’ll be funding more books in the future.
Gig-wise: Doro/Saxon were awesome as was AC/DC at the MEN and Heaven’s Basement at the Liverpool Barfly.
Film-wise: Star Trek is the best film this year, State Of Play is an outstanding political thriller, Monsters Vs Aliens is a blast, Wolverine is fun but disappointing and Angels & Demons is possibly the biggest pile of turd committed to celluloid. I remain dubious about the forthcoming Terminator film but excited about Transformers 2.
TV-wise: The Unit is hugely underrated, 24 continues to disappoint, the final season of The Shield was outstanding, The Listener is dull, Eleventh Hour and Fringe are getting better and Supernatural is officially the COOLEST show on TV.
Neil.
COMING SOON…
Written: 20th March, 2009
I now have advanced copies of The Bovi Jovi Encyclopaedia and it looks good. I’m sure a lot of fans will really enjoy all the Q&As inside and all the info, but I’m sure some fans will really disagree with some of my personal reviews of their later albums. But that’s the way the cookie crumbles.
Ross Halfin, who is interviewed in the book, has written some kind words on his website: Here
There’s also a good review at Get Ready To Rock: Here
More reviews will start coming in next month.
The Linkin Park book is coming along and should be finished in the next couple of months. Dawn Of The Metal Gods is finally at the printers and looks set to be released in May…at long last. But the wait will be worth it. Meanwhile I’ve been busy writing some reviews for Fireworks, Powerplay and Get Ready To Rock. NOTHING for Record Collector and Rock Sound, which is infuriating but that’s the business.
I’m working on a collection type book but I’ll only announce it when/if I find a publisher. Watch this space (and fingers crossed.)
Interviewed Geoff Tate of Queensryche the other day – he was quiet and sounded tired but that’s the way these things work out sometimes. I’ve got an interview lined up with Luke Morley of Thunder for next week. I interviewed last about six months ago.
I saw Metallica at the M.E.N. – what a spectacular gig! The Priest Feast was disappointing. I’ve got tickets to see Tina Turner next month; it should be a great gig…that’s what all the reviews are saying.
Am about to start reading the Anvil book.
Neil.
A New Year Arrives
Written: 16th January, 1009
Well, 2009 is here already. Not much to report except what I mentioned in my last diary page. I’m currently writing the captions for the photo sections in Dawn Of The Metal Gods. Boy, do they look good. Some of this stuff has never been seen before. I mean, we have a picture of the very first Judas Priest record which is so far unpublished. Sceptics who think Al is just cashing in on his past should read before they criticise. Priest and HM historians alike will take great pride in the photos. Also, did you know the band should be celebrating 40 years! Yep, 1969-2009. Sure there’s been various incarnations of Priest but the name has lasted all this time and that says something profound. I think instead of having silly notions about performing Nostradamouslive in its entirety they should go on a 40th Anniversary tour and play all the hits, or even a song from every album. Of course, they won’t. It’s a great marketing idea though. The UK tour doesn’t seem to be doing that great sales wise with a cancellation in Nottingham and the move of venue in Manchester (the massive M.E.N. down to the modest Apollo) so what makes them think people what to hear the 2 disc Nostradamous in its entirety. I don’t get it! It’s a rubbish idea. Anyway, Dawn Of The Metal Gods looks set to be published in May, which coincidentally is when my Bon Jovi book is scheduled to be released.
I am currently working on a rough guide type book on Linkin Park: part plotted history, part examination of the music/tours and part, well, bits and bobs relating to the band. After that there’s going to be something special…something that celebrates a truly inspirational British HM band. Watch this space.
OK guys, what are your thoughts on AFM, Lion and Frontiers abandoning promo copies and only having download music for review? I've got a real grudge against this. Who has time to download music with so much music to get through? And how many editors will download music, burn on to CD and send to reviewers? You'd think labels would be against this to keep the CD alive. I think there'll be less reviews of these labels because of their latest move. I understand their thinking but it will hurt them. Keep the CD alive!
You can read an interview with me Here (I’m still surprised at what little hair I have left!)
The latest Record Collector features two live reviews by me: Black Stone Cherry and Thunder (both of them at the Manchester Academy.) Usual batch of reviews in the latest issues of Fireworks, Powerplay and online at Get Ready To Rock.
I’m looking forward to seeing the Priest Feast gig next month and of course there’s the mighty Metallica.
Best,
Neil.2008 In a Nutshell
Written: 4th January, 2009
(31/01/08)
My new book is published today. You can pick it up from all major book stores and online services.
Visit:
www.amazon.co.uk
www.play.com
www.hmv.co.uk(NB: Some companies say that the book was written with Paul Stenning and published on February 28th. This is false. Hopefully the details will be amended soon.)
Robert Plant: Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page & The Solo Years (2008)
IMP: PB, 238 pages, picture section (including rare photos of Plant,) original quotes from various artists and ex-colleagues, extensive appendices, every album reviewed, set lists.(23/02/08)
Reviews of my Robert Plant book have started to emerge, you can read the first two here:
“Daniels has done a good job on a tricky subject here for Plant is not a simple man and is certainly not a subject matter for the feint of heart … it's a bloody good read. Job done.”
Sion Smith – Blood & Honey (www.bloodandhoney.co.uk)
“You can’t fault Neil Daniels. Although books on Led Zeppelin are legion, he alone noticed that there’s no definitive biography of their famous frontman, Robert 'Percy' Plant. And although his book is unauthorised and unofficial, he hasn’t let lack of access to the golden god himself cramp his style … It’s one of those books that’s been painstakingly researched, covering Plant’s whole story - from boyhood to deification and beyond … As such, it’s a great resource: full of facts, figures and anecdotes from the kinds of friends and acquaintances even Plant’s probably forgotten he had.”
Clare O’ Brien – Subba-Cultcha (www.subba-cultcha.com)(23/03/08)
An article about my Robert Plant bio was printed in Birmingham's Sunday Mercury
(27/03/08)
New Section! http://www.neildaniels.com/Writers.html
(21/05/08)
Whitesnake Album Review
‘GOOD TO BE BAD’
SPV
This is the first Whitesnake album since 1997’s wishy-washy ‘Restless Heart,’ which left Whitesnake fans wanting something heavier and more dangerous. Well, thankfully Lord Coverdale and co. have come up with an album that will blow your socks off. ‘Good To Be Bad’ is a storming comeback opus and probably their best since the famed ‘1987’ over twenty years ago.
With his producing sidekick and guitarist Doug Aldrich, Coverdale has found a connection that he had with Adrian Vandenberg and consequently Coverdale’s creativity is pushed to its limits. The latest line-up of the band is: guitarists Aldrich and Reb Beach, bassist Uriah Duffy, drummer Chris Frazier and Timothy Drury on keys.
‘Got What You Need’ proves that Coverdale has not lost all connections to his North Eastern roots as he shouts ‘aye up’ before the song kicks into action. The better songs on the album are the hard rock tracks, namely, the aforementioned song and the blistering ‘Best Years.’ The are some really powerful riffs and, of course, there can’t be a Whitesnake album without a ballad and ‘All I Want All I Need’ is reminiscent of the classic eighties power ballad ‘Is This Love?’ ‘Till The End Of Time’ is a slow burning ballad that closes the album and although it’s a good enough song, I think such a powerful hard rock album should finish with something heavier.
Coverdale has hinted that this may be his last album; if indeed his comments are true, then this is a fine album to finish a truly brilliant career.
Neil Daniels.(24/07/08)
'Defenders Of The Faith: The Story Of Judas Priest' will be published in Poland, Bulgaria and Germany later this year. More details to follow.
I am featured in this DVD documentary of Led Zeppelin's grand double-opus Physical Graffiti, released by Chrome Dreams: Here
(12/08/08)
New Robert Plant book reviews: http://www.neildaniels.com/Plant.html
(20/08/08)
The first details of my new Bon Jovi book are now in the Current Projects section.
(13/10/08)
New Section! Foreign Editions!
(23/12/08)
New Diary entry: Here
Neil.Past Entries
