Detroit Rock City (book)
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | June 25, 2013 |
| Founder | Steve Miller |
| Products | Book |
Detroit Rock City: The Uncensored History of Rock 'n' Roll in America's Loudest City is authored by Michigan journalist Steve Miller. This work presents a detailed oral history of Detroit’s rock music scene, spanning from 1967 through the early 2000s, utilizing direct quotations. Published on June 25, 2013, by Da Capo Press, it captures the essence of Detroit’s influential rock era.
About the book
Comprising 336 pages, the book achieved a peak position of #5 on Amazon.com’s rock and roll Bestsellers chart. It compiles firsthand accounts from musicians, promoters, producers, and fans, highlighting the careers of legendary artists from the 1960s and 1970s such as Iggy & The Stooges, Bob Seger, Alice Cooper, and The MC5. Additionally, it covers subsequent bands including The Romantics, Negative Approach, Insane Clown Posse, and The White Stripes. On July 17, 2013, a book signing and panel event took place at White's Third Man Records, featuring Miller alongside prominent figures from Detroit’s music community.
The volume contains fresh interviews with guitar icons like Ted Nugent, Dick Wagner (The Frost), and James Williamson (The Stooges), alongside exclusive conversations with Jack White, Suzi Quatro, and Andrew W.K. It also explores significant Detroit venues such as the psychedelic Grande Ballroom, Eastown Theater, Michigan Palace, Bookies Club 870, City Club, Gold Dollar, and Magic Stick—all pivotal sites within the city’s musical landscape.
Reviews
The book received predominantly positive evaluations from critics. The Wall Street Journal characterized it as an insightful exploration into Detroit’s chaotic yet impactful rock environment. The Boston Globe remarked on its strong appeal to devoted rock enthusiasts despite its unfiltered content. The Hollywood Reporter emphasized its engaging punk rock stories featuring personalities like Sinclair, Wayne Kramer, and Iggy Pop but pointed out the absence of black musicians including Motown artists.
The Austin Chronicle praised the book’s dynamic script-like presentation while noting a lack of overarching synthesis. Meanwhile, Record Collector regarded it as essential for readers who appreciate Detroit’s status as a key American music hub, commending Miller’s thorough documentation of five decades in rock history.