John Tucker Online Book Store

Suzie Smiled - The New Wave of British Heavy Metal

(Independent Music Press, ISBN 978-0-9549704-7-5)

A personal perspective on the history of the NWOBHM, from its formation in the late Seventies through its peaks and troughs and on to its current status as one of metal’s most influential genres.

“The real story of the notorious NWOBHM is best told by the smaller bands who remember that fertile time with more veracity and without the inevitable rose tinted specs. That is what makes this historical book so great… A thorough collection of stories and memories from a time when British metal ruled the world.” James Gill, Metal Hammer #161, January 2007 6/10

“In his easy-to-read and knowledgeable way John has concentrated mostly on bands that were important to his own perception of what the NWOBHM was all about… ‘Suzie Smiled…’ is essential reading.” Phil Ashcroft, Fireworks #25, November/December 2006

“A great book, embellished by some old black and white photos, which has taken pride of place on my bookshelf. Bloody well done, John!” Götz Kühnemund, Rock Hard #237 February 2007

Am I Evil? – The Music, The Myths And Metallica by Brian Tatler with John Tucker

(ISBN 978-0-9564034-0-7)

Forever tipped as the next big thing, Diamond Head have opened for Iron Maiden, AC/DC and Metallica, and toured with Black Sabbath, Megadeth and Thin Lizzy. Yet they were beset by management difficulties, poor decisions, bad deals, nightmare producers, band splits, ego problems… And when they finally signed to a major label it was the wrong one. But amongst all that, their legacy is enormous and their music timeless, with their classic signature tune ‘Am I Evil?’ appearing on Metallica’s 2009 ‘Guitar Hero’ game.

Brian Tatler founded Diamond Head in 1976. In ‘Am I Evil?’ he reveals frankly what it’s like to be chasing the dream of wanting to be a rock ‘n’ roll star, what it’s like when you attain it, and how it feels to see it unravel before your eyes – a story all too familiar to musicians of all genres.

Never Surrender (Or Nearly Good Looking) – An Autobiography by Biff Byford and John Tucker

(Iron Pages, ISBN 978-3-931624-44-6)

Biff Byford tells his story for the first time. Sometimes tragic, sometimes funny, but always brutally honest, ‘Never Surrender…’ lifts the lid on the myths surrounding Saxon.

“Biff Byford’s excellent and well-produced autobiography is much like Saxon’s music: unpretentious, hard-edged and compelling. The reason it works so well is that Biff’s persona, indeed, his tone of voice, comes through so strongly that the book has the aura of a chat with the singer over a pint (or, as it’s Biff, a cup of tea). His story is told with passion, warmth and self-deprecating humour throughout. Essential headbanging history.” William Pinfold, Record Collector #339, August 2007, 4/5

“It’s passionately written, entertaining and very readable. Evidently Tucker’s expertise on the NWOBHM gives the book more substance and Tucker probably helped Byford recall old tour dates and album reviews. Rock fans young and old will find this book hard to put down…” Neil Daniels, hardrockhouse.com August 2007