Overview

WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY BILLY BRAGG Over the last seven decades, some of rock 'n' roll's most celebrated figureheads have flirted with the imagery and theatre of the Third Reich. From Keith Moon and Vivian Stanshall kitting themselves out in Nazi uniforms to Siouxsie Sioux and Sid Vicious brandishing swastikas in the pomp of punk, generations of performers have associated themselves in troubling ways with the aesthetics, mass hysteria and even ideology of Nazism. Whether shock factor, stupidity, or crass attempt at subversion, rock 'n' roll has indulged these associations in a way not accepted by any other artform. But how accountable should fans, the media, and the music industry be for what has often seemed a sleazy fascination with the eroticised perversions of a fascist regime? In This Ain't Rock 'n' Roll, award-winning music historian Daniel Rachel navigates these turbulent waters with extraordinary delicacy and care, asking us to look anew at the artists that have defined us, inspired us and given us joy - and consider why so many have been drawn to the imagery of a movement responsible for the twentieth century's worst atrocities. Alongside a sensitive history of the Holocaust and an examination of the place it holds in our cultural consciousness, Rachel asks essential questions of actions often overlooked or underplayed, whilst neither casting sweeping judgement nor offering easy answers. In doing so, he asks us to reassess the history of rock 'n' roll and sheds new light on the grim echoes of the Third Reich in popular culture and the legacy of twentieth (and twenty-first) century history as it defines us today.

Full Product Details

9781399635721

Table of Contents

Reviews

Daniel Rachel has dug deep into rock and pop's enduring obsession with Nazism. Why is this still going on? -- WILL HODGKINSON * THE TIMES * A timely book exposing the complicated history of the use of Nazi symbols in popular music culture since the last world war. As the powers-that-be lurch towards a far-right future, there is no longer any hiding place for those pretending to be ignorant about the true meaning of Nazism, or using its emblems for their supposed subversive 'cool' factor. They have a choice, own their perverse fascination when exposed or apologise -- PAULINE BLACK While it's slightly incredible nobody has before published a book on rock's periodic spasms of flirtation with Nazism, one could picture it as a dry, academic thesis rather than the absolute banger Daniel Rachel has written. It's hard to imagine there will be a more original book of non-fiction this year -- EMMA FORREST In this important exploration of the relationship between pop music and the Third Reich, Daniel Rachel challenges the motivations of those artists who sought glamour and notoriety in exploiting Nazi imagery -- BILLY BRAGG A deeply thought-provoking work, and long overdue -- John Harris * MOJO * A timely, wide ranging and eye-opening overview of music's fascination with the Third Reich, from moronic edgelord stupidity to studied, cold hearted hate. Thorough, calm and at times heart-breaking, This Aint Rock 'n' Roll is surely the most necessary music book of the year * JOHN HIGGS *

A timely book exposing the complicated history of the use of Nazi symbols in popular music culture since the last world war. As the powers-that-be lurch towards a far-right future in 2025, there is no longer any hiding place for those pretending to be ignorant about the true meaning of Nazism, or using its emblems for their supposed subversive ""cool"" factor. They have a choice, own their perverse fascination when exposed or apologise -- PAULINE BLACK While it's slightly incredible nobody has before published a book on rock's periodic spasms of flirtation with Nazism, one could picture it as a dry, academic thesis rather than the absolute banger Daniel Rachel has written. It's hard to imagine there will be a more original book of non-fiction this year -- EMMA FORREST In this important exploration of the relationship between pop music and the Third Reich, Daniel Rachel challenges the motivations of those artists who sought glamour and notoriety in exploiting Nazi imagery -- BILLY BRAGG

A timely book exposing the complicated history of the use of Nazi symbols in popular music culture since the last world war. As the powers-that-be lurch towards a far-right future in 2025, there is no longer any hiding place for those pretending to be ignorant about the true meaning of Nazism, or using its emblems for their supposed subversive ""cool"" factor. They have a choice, own their perverse fascination when exposed or apologise -- PAULINE BLACK While it's slightly incredible nobody has before published a book on rock's periodic spasms of flirtation with Nazism, one could picture it as a dry, academic thesis rather than the absolute banger Daniel Rachel has written. It's hard to imagine there will be a more original book of non-fiction this year -- EMMA FORREST In this important exploration of the relationship between pop music and the Third Reich, Daniel Rachel challenges the motivations of those artists who sought glamour and notoriety in exploiting Nazi imagery -- BILLY BRAGG This is a deeply thought-provoking work, and long overdue -- John Harris * MOJO *

Author Information

Daniel Rachel is a former musician turned award-winning and bestselling author. His previous books include Too Much Too Young: Rude Boys, Racism and the Soundtrack of a Generation (aTimes, Uncut, Rough Trade US and Resident Musicbook of the year) and Isle of Noises: Conversations with Great British Songwriters (a Guardian and NME book of the year). He lives in London.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available