Articles by Michael Heatley

Michael Heatley is the author or editor of over thirty biographies, including Bon Jovi: In Their Own Words, The Complete Deep Purple and Dave Grohl: Nothing to Lose. Since 1977 he has written more than a hundred music, sport and TV books.

Articles by: Michael Heatley

"Steve was living out this James Brown fantasy, only he'd taken it one step too far": Quarrels, cocaine, and the rise and fall of Humble Pie

By Michael Heatley published 29 January 25

In 1969 an exciting new supergroup was born - but the story of Humble Pie is one of frustration and crushing disappointment

The members of Gong climbing a wall in the 1970s

“Gong is the band you listen to when you smoke your first joint or drop your first acid trip at school”: The mind-bending story of cult psychedelic heroes Gong

By Michael Heatley published 24 August 24

Looking back on the career of psychedelic oddballs Gong, one of rock’s most eccentric bands

"I remember this cold, damp day in Barnes Cemetery, lugging this plexiglas coffin around with Mickey Mouse": The curious story of Free's debut album

By Michael Heatley published 21 May 24

Recorded for just £800, Free’s Tons Of Sobs remains one of rock’s greatest debut albums

The story of Badfinger: the torment of rock'n'roll and the tragedy that follows

By Michael Heatley last updated 24 April 23

Hailed as the new Beatles but "mismanaged and exploited beyond the bounds of human decency" Badfinger's thankless career drove two members to take their own lives

How Dave Grohl's drumming shaped the sound of Nine Inch Nails' With Teeth

By Michael Heatley last updated 20 September 22

The story of Nine Inch Nails' 2005 album

Crashes, madness and missing money: the story of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band

By Michael Heatley published 30 June 20

Smart, funny and mad as hatters, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band could have been huge. Instead, they burned out, having inspired a new generation of bands... like AC/DC