The definitive guide to the past century's most talked about and mythologised live musical performances. This book recreates the sights, smells and sounds of the 20th century's most talked about and never beaten moments in the history of live music. The first fully-integrated, illustrative companion to these legendary events, I Was There reflects the scale and scope of the stadiums (immense to intimate), the vibe (chaotic to psychadelic) and the people (blissed out hippies, to punks and star-struck teens). First-hand accounts embellish the beautiful pictures of the gigs, in the form of articles and interviews with key witnesses, including The Pink Floyd as well as Petula Clark and Woody Woodmansey, the drummer for David Bowie, who describes the night when the "death" of Ziggy Stardust shook the rock world. Warhol's entourage, Gong and Rick Wakeman all contribute as well as Siouxsie Soux and countless photographers and fans. Ever wanted to know what it was really like to see the Beatles in one of their lunchtime spots in 1963 at the Cavern? Fancy stepping back to one of the first light shows by Pink Floyd in the mid-sixties? Want to relive the mud, sweat and beers of the Glastonbury festival? I Was There brings you these real live moments when important musical gatherings in 20th Century defined generations.

Author Biography

Mark Paytress is a leading rock journalist, experienced magazine editor and prolific biographer who contributes regularly to MOJO and Q magazines. A frequent guest on radio shows including Radio 4's Front Row, he also works as freelance consultant for several record companies. His Marc Bolan biography ("Absolutely brilliant," enthused Tony Parsons) remains the definitive rock life history, and his books on David Bowie and Sid Vicious are critically acclaimed. He has recently completed work on a critical guide to the music of Radiohead and his writing has the respect of music fans and journalists worldwide.