The first decade of Aerosmith’s career is the focus of a new book from Canadian rock writer Martin Popoff, covering the band’s formative years from 1972 through 1982.
The classic lineup of Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton, and Joey Kramer came together in 1972. A year later, Aerosmith released its self-titled debut through Columbia Records, introducing a band that would go on to define a significant part of American hard rock. Among the album’s enduring tracks was “Dream On.”
The albums that followed steadily expanded the band’s reach. Get Your Wings helped establish their sound, while Toys in the Attic and Rocks turned Aerosmith into major rock stars. Songs including “Sweet Emotion,” “Walk This Way,” and “Back in the Saddle” became staples of the era.
The momentum came with serious problems behind the scenes. Internal tensions and substance abuse took their toll as the 1970s came to a close. By the release of Night in the Ruts in 1979 and Rock in a Hard Place in 1982, the band was dealing with major lineup and personal struggles, leaving its future uncertain.
Popoff’s new book, Aerosmith ’72-’82: The Columbia Years, examines that period through a detailed look at the albums, songs, recording sessions, performances, artwork, production, and lyrics.
“So I’ve finally delivered an Aerosmith book,” comments Canadian author Martin Popoff. “It’s the one people have asked for the most from me that has not yet been fulfilled, until now.”
Popoff further describes the book: “Aerosmith ’72-’82: The Columbia Years is a deep-dive, track-by-track and everything around it of all the albums up to Rock In A Hard Place, with an extensive epilogue to bring us up to date.
It’s my usual format, one album per chapter, with talk about album covers, production, performances, ear candy, lyrics, using a bunch of my own interviews along the way.
It’s 240 pages, 6” x 9” format, there are 108 color pictures and it’s a blue foil-stamped cloth hardcover with a dust jacket.
The book follows Aerosmith from their early days playing high schools and Boston clubs through their rise to arenas and stadiums, while also documenting the physical and psychological pressures that accompanied years of touring and success.
Popoff has written approximately 7,900 record reviews, more than 7,000 of which have appeared in his books. His publishing work includes 75 books covering hard rock, heavy metal, classic rock, and record collecting.
His television and documentary credits include work with Banger Films on the award-winning Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage, as well as the series Metal Evolution and Rock Icons, both produced for VH1 Classic.
Aerosmith ’72-’82: The Columbia Years is available to order here.
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