Formed in Los Angeles in 1981, Metallica have become the single bestselling heavy metal act in music history, with more than 100 million album sales to its credit. But how did a band that began as heavy metal misfits in Los Angeles end up packing out stadiums across the globe? In this book, the first complete illustrated treatment of the band, acclaimed heavy metal journalist Martin Popoff leads a roster of respected heavy metal writers to take on Metallica's entire history, analyzing each of the group's ten studio albums (including 2011's LuLu collaboration with Lou Reed) and providing a complete discography. More than 300 images complement extensive band stories: their formative years spent woodshedding in the clubs of Los Angeles, tragedies like the death of founding bassist Cliff Burton, the triumphs of multiple platinum recordings, personnel changes like the departures of Dave Mustaine and Jason Newsted, and tours covering the world over. Live-performance and candid off-stage photographs are accompanied by a stunning selection of memorabilia, including gig posters, concert tees, picture sleeves, backstage passes, buttons, ticket stubs, and more. By following the same critically acclaimed, high-quality format as Voyageur Press' previous books on Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Queen, Iron Maiden, and others, Metallica: The Complete Illustrated History is the authoritative tribute to one of history's most successful and admired heavy metal bands.

Author Biography

MARTIN POPOFF has been described as the world's most famous heavy metal journalist. He has penned more than 40 books on hard rock, heavy metal, and record collecting, including Voyageur Press' Rush: The Illustrated History. He has also worked in film and television, his most recent projects being Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage and VH1's Metal Evolution. He lives in Toronto with his wife and son. www.martinpopoff.com www.bravewords.com