Peter Hammill - Rock and Role (Banks)

Rock and Role is the definitive biography of Peter Hammill – leader of Van der Graaf Generator, and one of the most daring and original solo artists in rock.Hammill’s influence is vast and surprising, with fans including David Bowie, John Lydon and Mark E. Smith. In the 1970s, Van der Graaf Generator were infamous for their visceral, chaotic live shows and the avant-garde power of albums like Pawn Hearts and Godbluff. As a solo artist, Hammill’s fearless explorations of the human condition have inspired generations of musicians and listeners alike. Rock and Role traces Hammill’s remarkable journey through the 1970s and beyond, providing an in-depth look at his music and lyrics, investigating the ideas behind his songs, and creating a portrait of Hammill as both artist and man. Drawing on new interviews with key collaborators and contemporaries, and extensive research in media and fan archives, the book affirms Hammill’s unique position as a musical pioneer and iconoclast.