Time was when rock 'n' roll just didn't exist, but for anyone under 50 it's virtually impossible to imagine a world without the opening chord of A Hard Day's Night or the chorus of Hound Dog ringing in our ears. Rock has provided the soundtrack to our post-war history. This encyclopaedia is an illustratrated guide to rock, capturing each of the faces and phases of the great rock 'n' roll adventure. Over 750 musicians and bands are profiled in eight major sections starting with the birth of rock 'n' roll through pop, rock, soul, heavy metal and world music to rap and dance/disco. It also explores the key records of each year, the historic live shows, and the impact rock 'n' roll has had on popular culture fashion and lifestyles. An introduction, rock roots, surveys the background of rock 'n' roll and its origins in blues, R&B, country and hillbilly. Other sections include rock legends, rock records, rock performance on the historic tours, festivals, concerts and legendary venues and rock culture, looking at fashion, lifestyles and the media.