Review of ‘Lives Behind the Music’ by The Times

A marvellous collection of rock and pop music obituaries from talented writers for The Times. It’s almost a comprehensive resource of all the icons we have lost over the last few decades (I say almost, because there are omissions). Most of the pieces are relatively recent (up to 2023) although a few older ones are included which demonstrate how attitudes have changed. The one for Jim Morrison was particularly bad.

As it’s very information-heavy, it’s not the kind of book you’d want to read cover to cover, all in one go but is ideal for dipping into to read a couple now and again. There is a photograph of each musician. The editor has been careful to include a variety of musicians, from Elvis, to Aretha, George Harrison, B B King, Sinead O’Connor, Amy Winehouse, Keith Flint, Dusty Springfield, David Bowie and of course Kurt Cobain (who is on the cover of the book). It would be a nice addition to your music history bookshelf.

Thank you to the publisher Collins Reference for the copy via NetGalley.

Book cover shows black and white portrait of Kurt Cobain.

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