Pop Rock Icons; London’s Swingin’ 60s & 70s revisited

by Philippe Margotin

with a foreword by David Sinclair

Pop Rock Icons takes us into the extraordinary world of London, England at the time of the greatest countercultural upheaval that the country has known. A real musical revolution began at the beginning of the 1960s, led by the Beatles, further ignited by the Rolling Stones and many others. The incredible rise of rock music continued until the end of the 1970s, when Punk arrived and launched a new wave of DIY rebellion.

In photographs which capture the spirit of the times, [re]discover the optimism of the Beatles; the Stones’ dark rhythm‘n’blues; the energy of The Who; the innovation of prog rock with Pink Floyd and Genesis, as well as the explosive heavy metal of Black Sabbath and Deep Purple. The 70s gave us the glam rock of T Rex and the gritty pub rock of Dr Feelgood, without forgetting the rock giants: Led Zeppelin, Queen, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and the unclassifiable David Bowie.

About the Authors

Philippe Margotin is a music specialist, novelist, consultant and former editor at Universal/Polygram Kiosks. He has written several well-regarded music biographies (The Rolling Stones, Radiohead, Amy Winehouse, etc.) and books about music including the internationally bestselling collection All The Songs.

David Sinclair has been a musician since the 1970s and a music journalist since the 1980s. As chief rock and pop correspondent of The Times of London and a contributor to Rolling Stone, Billboard, Q magazine and many others, he was fortunate to see and meet many of the bands and stars who came up through the London gig circuit of the 1960s. www.davidsinclairfour.com

Reviews

“…this lavishly illustrated book is not only a treat for rock fans, it’s a veritable study guide for the budding bohemian fashionista.” – Zoë Howe, author of Lee Brilleaux: Rock ‘n’ Roll Gentleman and more

“a very tastefully designed volume with a wide scope that embraces rhythm and blues, pure pop, guitar heroes, ‘prog’, heavy metal, glam and pub rock… It’s a tremendously eclectic gallery of off-duty movers and shakers” – Russell Newmark, The Beat Magazine See full review

“Why collate a photography collection of musicians? The answer is simple because “fashion was driven by music and musicians” in the 60s & 70s. Furthermore, the choice of photographs selected are more than just savvy promotional photo shoots. For instance, The Beatles are captured together playing pitch and putt, looking rather unsophisticated. The alluring presence of the late founder of The Rolling Stones, Brian Jones, came across, and it was a wise choice to include all Rolling Stones images with him in them. There is even a photograph of Jones with John Lennon and Yoko Ono with a nervous-looking young Julian Lennon. Standing in the background is Roger Daltrey…. Best of all, through the forum of music, we see how a diverse generation during the “London’s Swingin’ 60s & 70s” discover who they truly were.” – Michael Barron, xsnoize See full review

“rock fans of every generation will enjoy flicking through photos of stars in their finery given a certain je ne sais quoi in full colour plates.” – Claudia Elliott, Classic Rock Magazine See full review

“Pop Rock Icons by Philippe Margotin is one of those exceptional photo books every good household interested in rock needs because it showcases rock history through eye-peeling photos captured by some of the best photographers of the era. The book embraces the ’60s and 70s era that was probably most fruitful for the genres such as classic rock, pop rock, hard rock, progressive rock, heavy metal, pub rock, and glam rock. Pop Rock Icons explores all these music genres through high-quality photography, longevous preludes into every section of the book, brief information about every band, fun facts, and other trivia you unquestionably need to know about some of the greatest names of the rock scene.” – Djordje Miladinovic, Thoughts Words Action magazine See full review

“The book takes you on a wonderful journey into the history of British rock music, specifically focusing on the freedom and trends in the country’s capital city, London. It starts and takes you through the 60s with game changers who led the musical revolution in the early 60s, which was marshalled by The Beatles and further erupted by The Rolling Stones, amongst others… Philippe has done a sublime job of collating the best and signature photographs to embody the time for musical significance, culture, and fashion. It takes you on a nostalgic trip, offers an insightful look into the spirit of that time, and demonstrates the crucial milestones of those who set the foundations of rock and metal in Britain.” – Carina Lawrence, Mad About Rock magazine See full review

“In Pop Rock Icons, Philippe Margotin unashamedly celebrates the rock star as an otherworldly figure. As a music biographer of such esteemed artists as Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, Margotin is well equipped to dissect the cultural impact of the major players in the music industry but this isn’t a critical examination of the period as much as a celebration through image. As writer and bandleader Dave Sinclair points out in his foreword: ‘Margotin has assembled a magical parade of photographs which captures the spirit of a time when fashion, culture and the arts were driven by the British musicians of the 1960s and 1970s… a hugely fascinating book. One in which all music fans can find something to lose themselves in.” – Craig Campbell, Louder Than War magazine See full review

“A iconic look at musicians and artists of the 60s and 70s! Included are wonderful photos, along with informative text, and quotes. It’s fantastically presented and a very enjoyable read which will satisfy any rock fan. I will be recommending this one to my listening… Highly recommended to rock fans and these how love history of music” Rated ***** – S Ballinger – Netgalley reviewer

“Great photos, stories and a lot of nostalgia. An excellent book that I want to buy in paper. Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine.” Rated ***** – Anna Maria Giacomasso – Netgalley reviewer

“Pop Rock Icons is an eclectic selection of photos of the good, the bad and the ugly in the pop and rock world of the 60’s and 70’s with Petula Clark rubbing shoulders with the likes of John Mayall, Hot Chocolate, The Sweet, Yes, Genesis and Traffic among a host of others” – Rick Forncett – Netgalley reviewer

“Many of the ‘icons’ such as the Rolling Stones and the Who came from west London and made their names playing clubs in Richmond, Teddington and Ealing, and Pop Rock Icons; London’s Swingin’ 60s and 70s has pictures of them rehearsing, relaxing, just being themselves as well as the set piece publicity images published to promote their tours and albums. The book starts with the Stones and the Beatles and makes its way through the London of the Mods and the Anglification of R&B to the eras of progressive rock, heavy metal, pub rock and glam rock… I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and looking at the pictures.” – Bridget Osborne, The Chiswick Calendar