The glory days of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal may be considered behind us, but for many, the memories still live on and on and on. Back in the day, there was a time when hard, heavy, and hair ruled the airwaves side-by-side, and the music gave people not only something to listen to but created a cultural reference point for their lives that became an iconic status of a one-of-a-kind era for the world.
The Philadelphia Rock music scene was part of that time and was unlike no other; paralleling the national market while simultaneously running its own plotted course, emerging as a juggernaut and remaining a self-contained, self sufficient genuine center for originality and innovation.
Author and historian Antonio Aloia and Philly-based artist and podcast host Mick Michaels (Corners of Sanctuary) have spent the last two years highlighting a timeline that many consider to be the greatest moment in Philadelphia’s music history.
“’When We Rocked’ gave me an opportunity to see how thriving the Philadelphia music scene was in the 70s and 80s, said author Aloia. “It wasn’t just something people talked about and remember, it was something that actually happened and affected many people, bands and fans alike. There’s a grounding to the nostalgia that almost makes someone who was never there want to turn back time and experience it for yourself.”
The new book which is releasing through March Baby Media, “When We Rocked: the Story of the Philadelphia Rock Scene 1978-1992,” is a historical account of one city’s musical journey and 200-plus year evolution.
“This has been a project I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” said author Michaels. “Always felt that Philly’s music scene and its contributions were overlooked, even minimized, especially when talking about the 80s era. This book tells that story and fills a void.”
“When We Rocked” is a first of its kind, bringing back yesterday in a way that recounts and celebrates Philadelphia’s rise to national attention, rock and roll royalty, and historical significance; from the city’s origins to the birth of Rock n Roll, from disco and soul in the 70s, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal in the 80s, to the Grunge invasion of the early 90s. “When We Rocked” contains personal accounts from an array of prominent Philly-based artists, including Doro/Britny Fox drummer Johnny Dee, who also provided the book’s foreword, Teeze/Roughhouse bassist and drummer Dave Weakley and Mike Natalini, Heavens Edge guitarist Reggie Wu and Britny Fox bassist Billy Childs along with other local, regional and national artists who all offer their personal insight, perspective and experience about the music of the time and city’s musical magic and the spell it had cast on those who were there.
“I’m honored to be part of it…,” stated Doro/Britny Fox drummer Johnny Dee. “…very pleased to see this come to fruition.”
“When We Rocked” officially releases, in paperback, Tuesday, July 22nd, and will be available on major online retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Ingram, among others.
Author autographed copies will be available August 1st via the book’s official website at www.WhenWeRockedPhilly.com.
About The Author
