Hammer of the Gods

'I want to believe Hammer of the Gods, because it's done us huge favours in terms of aura' Robert Plant

If ever there were Satanic Majesties of rock, their name was Led Zeppelin. Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and John Bonham outsold the Rolling Stones, travelled the world in a private Boeing 707 jet leaving a trail of chaos in their wake, and had the most feared manager in the business.

In Stephen Davis's scorching account of their phenomenally successful career, no aspect - however disquieting - is ignored. The narcotic, alcoholic and psychotic wreckage they left behind, the disturbing influence of the notorious mage Aleister Crowley on lead guitarist Jimmy Page and the death of John Bonham are all recorded. Even their manager Peter Grant was notorious. Above all, the exultant, blazing charge of their music and its effects on Led Zeppelin and their fans is scrutinized.

Hammer of the Gods is a fierce and fearless story about a band that remain a legend of musical, sexual and mystical power. It is the last word in rock 'n' roll savagery.

'The biggest surprise success of the year . . . Stephen Davis's grimy homage to imperial excess and demonic influence had fans slavering for more' Rolling Stone