100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ

Overnight NZ-wide delivery on in-stock orders πŸš€

Van Halen at 50

Series: At 50
4.4 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 45 ratings, 17 reviews)
Brief Description
Van Halen at 50 is the lively and stunningly illustrated story of the legendary rock band told through 50 seismic releases, appearances, and other milestones. Formed in Southern California in 1974, Van Halen became one of the best-selling bands in rock history and one of the... Read More
Format: Hardback
$7999
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Explore the extraordinary history of Van Halen through the groundbreaking band's 50 most important moments, brought to vivid life with photos and memorabilia.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Van Halen at 50 is the lively and stunningly illustrated story of the legendary rock band told through 50 seismic releases, appearances, and other milestones.

Formed in Southern California in 1974, Van Halen became one of the best-selling bands in rock history and one of the highest-grossing tour acts with their rock-solid rhythm section, the histrionics of outrageous frontman David Lee Roth, and the wildly inventive and until-then unimaginable guitar heroics of Eddie Van Halen. In Van Halen at 50, prolific rock journalist Martin Popoff pays tribute to the band on the occasion of their 50th anniversary by curating 50 significant milestones, from their formation in 1974 to the passing of Eddie Van Halen in 2020.

This volume features:

  • Stunning concert and candid offstage photography
  • Images of memorabilia, including gig posters, vinyl record sleeves, ticket stubs, period ads, and more
  • Gatefold Van Halen timeline

Across five decades, Popoff covers it all:

  • The band's formation in Pasadena, California, and early years as a So-Cal party band
  • 13 best-selling studio albums and the tours undertaken in support of the LPs
  • The departure of Roth and his replacement by "The Red Rocker" Sammy Hagar
  • Notable appearances like Texxas Jam, Farm Aid, and Monsters of Rock
  • A selection of their greatest singles, like the classic-rock standards "Runnin' with the Devil," "Hot for Teacher," "Jump," and "Why Can't This Be Love?"
  • Awards such as MTV Music Video Awards, platinum and diamond album certifications, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
  • Eddie Van Halen's battle with cancer
  • Bassist Michael Anthony's replacement by Eddie's son, Wolfgang

In addition, Popoff includes a selection of sidebars covering specialised topics like Eddie's finger-tapping technique, the band's album art, and the eternal Dave vs. Sammy question. Every page is illustrated with incredible images, including on- and off-stage photography, gig posters, 7-inch picture sleeves, ticket stubs, and more. The result is an apt tribute to one of the most popular bands in rock history.

Series: At 50

View all
  • Rush at 50
    A beautifully produced, photo-packed celebration of the beloved rock trio, Rush at 50 examines the history of the Canadian rockers through the lens of 50 milestone events and an illustrated gatefold timeline. Formed in Toronto in 1968, Rush became one of the most popular and best-selling bands in rock history, thanks to their tireless effort and imaginative, ever-evolving music. This...
    Hardback
    $7999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Van Halen at 50
    Van Halen at 50 is the lively and stunningly illustrated story of the legendary rock band told through 50 seismic releases, appearances, and other milestones. Formed in Southern California in 1974, Van Halen became one of the best-selling bands in rock history and one of the highest-grossing tour acts with their rock-solid rhythm section, the histrionics of outrageous frontman David...
    Hardback
    $7999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Iron Maiden at 50
    An essential addition to the library of any Iron Maiden fan, this unique look back at the heavy metal giants examines the band's legacy through the lens of 50 key milestones. It's tough to believe Iron Maiden's been around for a half-century, but author Dan Bukszpan has the receipts. In Iron Maiden at 50, Bukszpan pays tribute to the British...
    Hardback
    $7999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Kiss at 50
    Celebrate a half-century of the hottest band in the land with Kiss at 50, a handsome retrospective by top metal journalist Martin Popoff featuring rare photos, memorabilia, and a gatefold timeline. Formed in New York City in 1973, Kiss became one of the most popular and best-selling bands in rock history with their inventive stage presence and heavy, hook-filled catalogue,...
    Hardback
    $7999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • AC/DC at 50
    Authored by acclaimed rock writer Martin Popoff, AC/DC at 50 provides a visually stunning and authoritative celebration of the legendary Aussie rockers on their 50th anniversary. Formed in Australia in 1973, AC/DC became one of the most popular and best-selling bands in rock history with their loud, heavy, sweat-drenched, blues-based rock. This richly illustrated book from prolific rock journalist Martin...
    Hardback
    $9500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Bowie at 75
    A unique and beautifully produced celebration of the iconic and beloved rock star, Bowie at 75 examines David Bowie's extraordinary life through the lens of 75 significant career achievements and life events. Hendrix, Joplin, Mercury... few rock artists garner as much adulation after passing as they did in life. In Bowie at 75, veteran rock journalist Martin Popoff guides you...
    Hardback
    $14500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Bruce Springsteen at 75
    A unique and lavishly produced celebration of the iconic rocker, Bruce Springsteen at 75 examines an extraordinary career through the lens of 75 key events and releases. Twenty-time Grammy winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and best-selling author... Bruce Springsteen is, of course, also one of rock's most revered songwriters and performers. In Bruce Springsteen at 75, veteran...
    Hardback
    $11500
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks
  • Alice Cooper at 75
    Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Alice Cooper is the godfather of shock rock, thanks to his inventive mix of vaudeville, horror film schlock, and three-chord rock 'n' roll. In Alice Cooper at 75, veteran music writer Gary Graff examines Cooper through 75 career accomplishments and life events. Readers will learn about Cooper's childhood in Detroit and Arizona and early...
    Hardback
    Sold Out
  • Elton John at 75
    A unique and beautifully produced celebration of the iconic and beloved rock star, Elton John at 75 examines Sir Elton's extraordinary career through the lens of 75 significant achievements and events. Few rock artists continue to gather more and more adulation with age. Sir Elton Hercules John is an exception who proves the rule. In Elton John at 75, veteran...
    Hardback
    Sold Out

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780760386446

Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 20 June 2024

Country: United States

Imprint: Motorbooks

Illustration: 250 color & b-w photos

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 235.0mm

Height: 270.0mm

Weight: 1134g

Pages: 192

About the Author

Working out of Toronto, Canada, Martin Popoff (martinpopoff.com) has penned more than 100 books on hard rock, heavy metal, classic rock, and record collecting, including Rush: The Illustrated History, Led Zeppelin: Song by Song, Pink Floyd: Album by Album, Bowie at 75, AC/DC at 50, Kiss at 50, and In the Groove. Martin also worked on the award-winning documentaries Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage and ZZ Top: That Little Ol' Band from Texas for Banger Films.

Also by Martin Popoff

View all
  • Bowie at 75
    A unique and beautifully produced celebration of the iconic and beloved rock star, Bowie at 75 examines David Bowie's extraordinary life through the lens of 75 significant career achievements and life events. Hendrix, Joplin, Mercury... few rock artists garner as much adulation after passing as they did in life. In Bowie at 75, veteran rock journalist Martin Popoff guides you...
    Hardback
    $14500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Clash
    The stories behind every studio track from the only band that matters. Established in 1976 at the fore of London's punk rock insurgence, The Clash would outlast their peers while creating some of the most influential albums in rock 'n' roll history. Author Martin Popoff dissects each of The Clash's ninety-one studio tracks, examining the circumstances that led to their...
    Hardback
    $6999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Anthem: Rush in the '70s
    Part one of the definitive biography of Rock ’n’ Roll’s kings of the North … now in paperback! Includes two full-colour photo inserts, with 16 pages of the early days of the band on tour and in the studio. With extensive, firsthand reflections from Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart, as well as from family, friends, and fellow musicians,...
    Paperback
    $5400
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks
  • Guns N' Roses at 40
    Celebrate four exhilarating and rebellious decades of Guns N' Roses with this lushly illustrated journey through the band's biggest moments. Formed on Los Angeles' famed Sunset Strip in 1985, Guns N' Roses worked their way up from the club scene in less than three years to become a best-selling recording act and a top tour draw. Along the way, there...
    Hardback
    $7999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • In the Groove
    Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first commercial LP with this authoritative, highly illustrated, and multi-faceted look at the history and culture of vinyl record collecting and turntables. Vinyl records continue to be hot commodities among everyone from obsessive audiophiles to newbie collectors getting their toes wet. In the Groove: The Vinyl Record and Turntable Revolution is the book for...
    Hardback
    $7999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Judas Priest
    Required reading for any metalhead, this collection of entertaining illustrated conversations spans all of Judas Priest's studio albums, right up through 2024's Invincible Shield. In Judas Priest: Album by Album, prolific rock journalist Martin Popoff pays tribute to Judas Priest's discography through a series of in-depth and fascinating conversations about all 19 of the legendary British heavy metal band's studio...
    Hardback
    $7999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Kiss at 50
    Celebrate a half-century of the hottest band in the land with Kiss at 50, a handsome retrospective by top metal journalist Martin Popoff featuring rare photos, memorabilia, and a gatefold timeline. Formed in New York City in 1973, Kiss became one of the most popular and best-selling bands in rock history with their inventive stage presence and heavy, hook-filled catalogue,...
    Hardback
    $7999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • AC/DC at 50
    Authored by acclaimed rock writer Martin Popoff, AC/DC at 50 provides a visually stunning and authoritative celebration of the legendary Aussie rockers on their 50th anniversary. Formed in Australia in 1973, AC/DC became one of the most popular and best-selling bands in rock history with their loud, heavy, sweat-drenched, blues-based rock. This richly illustrated book from prolific rock journalist Martin...
    Hardback
    $9500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Iron Maiden
    Required reading for any metalhead, this updated compendium of in-depth, entertaining, and profusely illustrated conversations spanning all of Iron Maiden's studio albums includes 2021's Senjutsu. In this new edition of Iron Maiden: Album by Album, prolific rock journalist Martin Popoff pays tribute to Iron Maiden's discography through a series of in-depth, frank, and fascinating conversations about all of the legendary...
    Hardback
    $6500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Pink Floyd and The Dark Side of the Moon
    Pink Floyd and The Dark Side of the Moon offers a generously illustrated deep dive into all aspects of one of the most popular rock albums of all time. Veteran rock critic Martin Popoff leaves no stone unturned in taking apart Pink Floyd's generation-spanning masterpiece, The Dark Side of the Moon, while exploring each of the album's 10 tracks and...
    Hardback
    $10500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • David Bowie
    This value-priced reissue of Bowie at 75 (2022) celebrates the beloved rock star with expert commentary, hundreds of images, and an illustrated gatefold timeline. Hendrix, Joplin, Mercury... few rock artists garner as much adulation after passing as they did in life. In David Bowie, veteran rock journalist Martin Popoff examines the rocker's extraordinary life through the lens of 75 significant...
    Hardback
    $4999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Pre-order
    Kiss '76
    Take a lively look back at the most significant 12-month span in Kiss's career, 50 years on, joining Paul, Gene, Ace, and Peter as they conquer the world. 1976 suffered no shortage of notable events... Cincinnati's "Big Red Machine" beat the Yankees in the World Series. Jimmy Carter beat Gerald Ford at the ballot box. Rocky lit up the big...
    Hardback
    $7999
    Pre-order
    Out 13 Aug 2026

More from Biography & Memoir

View all
  • This Angry Pen of Mine
    This Angry Pen of Mine by Layne Staley invites you to dive into the untold creative world of Layne Staley, the legendary voice behind Alice in Chains. This extraordinary collection showcases his handwritten lyrics, deeply personal poetry, stunning original artwork, rare photos, fan tributes, and so much more. Step into the world of Layne Staley like never before. For the...
    Hardback
    $7299
    Elsewhere:
    $8999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    Famesick
    Chronicling the tumultuous decade between the premiere of Girls to her 2021 shotgunΒ wedding (minus the baby, because she has no uterus), Lena Dunham takes us through herΒ journey with her trademark mix of humor, unsparing honesty, and keen eye for detail. We peek behind the scenes - of her work, her family, her relationships, and her battle to reclaim her body...
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $3500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    Dogs, Boys and Other Things I've Cried About
    From the social media superstar behind @SimonSits, Isabel Klee--known for her heartwarming tales of dog rescue--comes an utterly winning memoir about a twentysomething woman's search for true love in New York City and the dogs who helped her find it. A Jersey girl by birth, Isabel Klee had always wanted to live in New York City. At age 20, she...
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Signed Copy
    New Release
    Stakes
    Read our interview with author Noelle McCarthy! A darkly funny, sparkling follow-up to the author’s bestselling memoirΒ Grand. You have to invite him in. You have to want the vampire’s badness in the house with you. Growing up in Catholic Ireland, Noelle McCarthy is captivated by Bram Stoker’sΒ Dracula. The vampire is a risk-free fantasy, a suave alternative to the fraught realities...
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $4000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    Built for This
    Raised among strong women, butcher's benches, and hard ideas about what men are meant to be, Brad Poulter grows up knowing he's different long before he has the words for it. But in late '90s small-town New Zealand, 'different' isn't discussed, it's managed. Joining the Royal New Zealand Navy offers escape, certainty, and belonging. The rules are clear, the uniform...
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Even the Good Girls Will Cry
    Thanks to a thrown beer bottle and a fan letter to a P.O. box, Melissa Auf der Maur's first band scored an opening slot for the Smashing Pumpkins in her bohemian home town, Montreal. Sensing Melissa's talent, Billy Corgan recommended her to Courtney Love. Whisked from her local scene, Melissa joined Hole just after the deaths of Kurt Cobain and...
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    An Ocean and a Day
    An utterly riveting, moving and poignant memoir of grief and loss that will speak to anyone who's ever lost someone they love. An Ocean and a Day is Hannah Richell's personal account of losing her husband, Matt, in a surfing accident on Tamarama beach in 2014. It is the story of the grief journey she travelled over the first two...
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    A Place to Stand
    A Place to Stand by Clare Ward is a profound memoir that delves into the life of a country doctor living and working in the Hokianga Harbour area in the far north of Aotearoa New Zealand. This region is sparsely populated and poses numerous health challenges. This thoughtful account details Clare’s thirty-year career, highlighting the people she works with and...
    Hardback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    Rule of Lies
    Written with all the pace and energy of a John Grisham novel … An incredible true story and a great read! BILL BROWDER, author of Red Notice and Freezing Order An American lawyer’s brilliant, propulsive story of witnessing and playing a part in the transformation of Russia under Yeltsin and Putin. A true tale of fascinating personalities, criminal intrigue, harrowing...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    Rory
    TheΒ New York TimesΒ bestseller The #1Β Irish TimesΒ bestseller The definitive biography of Rory McIlroy, the most important, popular and confounding player of the post-Tiger era. Rory McIlroy contains multitudes. The child of a working-class family from a small town in a war-torn homeland now commutes to work in his own private jet and counts billionaires as confidants. He can overwhelm a golf...
    Paperback
    $3699
    Elsewhere:
    $4199
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    Te Kaikaukau | The Swimmer
    Novelist, memoirist and playwright Witi Ihimaera – author of Pounamu, Pounamu and The Whale Rider – decided, at the age of eighty, to dive back into the water and spend a year full-time at Te Wānanga Takiura, immersing himself in his own language, in te reo Māori. This book tells the story of this kaikaukau, this swimmer, and his year...
    Paperback
    $3500
    Elsewhere:
    $4500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    This Is Me: A Reckoning
    This is a searingly honest and moving memoir from double Golden Globe-nominatedactress Hayden Panettiere. Hayden Panettiere has been in front of the camera since before she could talk. She roseto stardom typecasted as Hollywood's blonde girl next door. As a young celebrity,naysayers were certain she would crash and burn. Not one to disappoint, she did.Hayden Panettiere's irreverent memoir satisfies our...
    Paperback
    $3200
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.