Rock Concert Performance from ABBA to ZZ Top

This book presents an analysis of 100 rock concert performances and attempts to answer the question ＂What makes a truly great rock performance?＂ Author Peter Smith, an experienced concert goer, delves into his own recollections of experiencing rock performances over the last 50+ years and, with the support of his daughter, Laura Smith, analyzes 100 selected performances covering the themes of icons, persona, energy, fandom, venues, communities, politics, art-rock, authenticity and maturity. The approach taken is based upon qualitative analysis, reflection, and autoethnography. The selected performances cover a range of diverse acts such as the Rolling Stones, ABBA, Sex Pistols, Barbara Streisand, David Bowie, and the like.

Peter Smith is emeritus professor at the University of Sunderland. Laura Smith is a sociologist, teacher, and musician.