They Just Seem a Little Weird: How KISS, Cheap Trick, Aerosmith, and Starz Remade Rock and Roll

Uncover the untold story of rock's evolution with "They Just Seem a Little Weird: How KISS, Cheap Trick, Aerosmith, and Starz Remade Rock and Roll" by veteran music journalist Doug Brod. This gripping narrative dives deep into the mid-1970s, a pivotal moment when rock shed its heavy-footed seriousness and embraced theatricality and infectious anthems. Brod masterfully interweaves the stories of four iconic bands KISS, Cheap Trick, Aerosmith, and the often-overlooked Starz revealing how their unique brands of showmanship and musical innovation laid the groundwork for two seemingly disparate subgenres: the glammed-up hair metal of the 1980s and the raw, rebellious grunge of the 1990s. This isn't just a collection of band biographies; it's a meticulously researched and engaging exploration of a dynamic era in music history. Drawing on over 130 new interviews, Brod paints a vivid picture of the interconnected lives of these musicians, their shared stages, studios, producers, and even fans. Discover the rivalries, collaborations, and shocking events that shaped their destinies, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the rise, fall, and enduring legacies of these rock legends. Explore the influence of these bands on the stadium-filling sounds of Poison, Skid Row, and Mtley Cre, and the gritty angst of Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and the Melvins. Brod skillfully connects the dots, demonstrating how the theatricality of KISS, the power-pop hooks of Cheap Trick, the blues-rock swagger of Aerosmith, and the raw energy of Starz all contributed to the sonic landscape of the decades that followed. Beyond the music, "They Just Seem a Little Weird" delves into the cultural context of the time, exploring how these bands challenged conventions and redefined what it meant to be a rock star. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of the personalities behind the music, the creative processes that fueled their success, and the enduring impact they had on popular culture. Fans of rock history, music biographies, and cultural studies will find this book an indispensable addition to their collections. It offers a fresh perspective on familiar stories and sheds light on the unsung heroes who helped shape the sound of rock and roll. Experience the energy, the drama, and the enduring power of these four extraordinary bands in "They Just Seem a Little Weird." Prepare to have your understanding of rock history redefined. In the tradition of David Browne's "Fire and Rain" and Sheila Weller's "Girls Like Us," this book offers a seamlessly interwoven narrative that's as insightful as it is entertaining.