Few would dispute U2's position as the biggest rock band in the world. Active and relevant for nearly thirty-five years, Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen, Jr. have been masters of reinvention, thriving artistically while continuing to sell out concerts across the globe. From their start at Dublin's Mount Temple School in 1976 up to the 2009 Rose Bowl show that shattered a U.S. concert attendance record (previously set by the group in 1987), U2's members have experienced some amazing collective highs. But in its ascent, the band has seen its share of personal, artistic, and commercial setbacks. These are just some of the topics U2 FAQ explores: How did Bono recover his cherished suitcase of lyrics 23 years after its 1981 disappearance? What movie dialogue is sampled in the middle of “Seconds”? What effect did bull's blood have on Larry's drumming? How did Bono's visit to Central America inform The Joshua Tree? What are the details of Adam's 1989 marijuana bust? How did Mick Jagger wind up on All That You Can't Leave Behind? Award-winning music journalist John D. Luerssen goes beyond the essential facts, delving into the legendary fables and unique anecdotes that make U2 FAQ an indispensable read for all U2 disciples.

U2 FAQ: Anything You'd Ever Want to Know About the Biggest Band in the World...And More!

Luerssen, John D.

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Revered and massively influential, the Smiths have been called the most important band of the fertile U.K. 1980s music scene. While the group was only active for five years (1982 to 1987), the cult of the Manchester-reared foursome has ballooned in the three decades since its dissolution. Despite a $75 million offer to reunite for a two month tour in 2007, Morrissey and Johnny Marr, the group's principals, refused, opting to leave their legend untainted. The Smiths have since influenced a who's who of alternative music, including Death Cab for Cutie, Radiohead, the Killers, Jeff Buckley, Pete Yorn, the Decemberists, and Oasis. Featuring a foreword by guitarist and “Fifth Smith” who played with the band in 1986, The Smiths FAQ traces the band's history with clarity and detail, illuminating such questions as Who were the Nosebleeds? Why did Morrissey shun the Ramones? Who were the Paris Valentinos? What was Cult guitarist Billy Duffy's connection to the band? How was Morrissey injured during the group's U.S. debut performance? What Smiths single paid homage to T. Rex?. John D. Luerssen (author of FAQ series titles about U2, Bruce Springsteen, and Nirvana) gathers the indispensable early facts, the legendary stories, and inimitable anecdotes that make this a must-own tome for all fans.

The Smiths FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Most Important British Band of the 1980s

Long before he sold 120 million albums globally in a career that has endured artistically and commercially like no other performer's in the rock era, Bruce Springsteen was a working-class New Jersey kid with a dream and a guitar. By the time he was 16, he was playing ShopRite openings and school dances around his hometown of Freehold. For many, high school is where the garage-band dreams die, but time spent fronting a band called Steel Mill in the heyday of Asbury Park's Upstage scene gave him the courage to sidestep college and put his name out in front, soon enough making him “The Boss” to his band. After five more years spent working diligently on that dream, Springsteen had landed the dueling Time and Newsweek covers that made him an instant household name on the strength of his album Born to Run. Bruce Springsteen FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Boss investigates Springsteen's superstar Born in the U.S.A. album and tour, the dissolution and reunion of the E Street Band, the legal wrangling that held up 1978's Darkness on the Edge of Town, the group's postmillennium resurgence, the untimely passing of core band members Danny Federici and Clarence Clemons, and more. This indispensible read, packed with countless images of rare memorabilia, is a volume Springsteen fans will treasure.

Bruce Springsteen FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Boss

Nirvana FAQ traces the band from its genesis to its end. Founded by friends Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic, Nirvana had a rocky start and a succession of drummers, but by the end of 1990, its debut album, Bleach, had garnered international attention and the group's sixth drummer, Dave Grohl, had joined the fold. Following its mentors Sonic Youth to Geffen Records, Nirvana had hoped for modest success. Instead came unexpected wealth and fame on the strength of 1991's Nevermind and its iconic, breakthrough single “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Success didn't sit well with Cobain, who began to numb the stresses of rock stardom with heroin. Despite 1993's hit album In Utero, Cobain's unhappiness became increasingly apparent. His suicide in April 1994 shocked the music world and put an end to a band at the height of its popularity. Nirvana FAQ answers such questions as, What guitar teacher did Cobain and Novoselic have in common? Where did Cobain record his first demo? What was the cause of his first arrest? How was second guitarist Jason Everman hired and fired? What was the name of Grohl's first band, and where did he meet Cobain and Novoselic? Who is “Teen Spirit” about? How did Nirvana's war with Guns N' Roses begin? And more.

Nirvana FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Most Important Band of the 1990s

From elder statesmen like David Bowie, new superstars like Gwen Stefani, or controversial showmen like Marilyn Manson, rock stars are never at a loss for words. John D. Luerssen, drawing from his extensive career as a rock journalist, has culled these quotations from countless interviews, selecting choice cuts on subjects as diverse as religion, rock critics, drug use, and the battle of the sexes. Often obnoxious, sometimes introspective, and always remarkably compelling, Mouthing Off lets you eavesdrop on the stars without leaving your living room.

Mouthing Off: A Book of Rock and Roll Quotes

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