Joe Matera

“Joe Matera has gone beyond the usual “deep dive” into the history of rock music to something more akin to an archaeological dig. His passion and patience are truly a gift to us all.” – GERRY BECKLEY (America)

“Joe Matera is a rock ‘n’ roll lifer – when he’s not playing music, he’s writing about it. He is passionate about what he does, and music is nothing without passion.” – BILLY SQUIER

“Joe Matera tells his tales from behind the scenes… including the story of what happened in the record store located only a few doors down from the original site of Polar Studios, ABBA’s recording studio in Stockholm …” – JANNE SCHAFFER, Legendary ABBA guitarist.

Joe Matera holds a unique position as a music journalist who is also a professional musician. This insight has allowed him to carve out a career as both a performer and a critic. It has also allowed him access to areas where music journos are not permitted while musicians themselves open up more readily to ‘one of their own’.

In this, his second book, Joe traces his childhood influences and meets the musicians who changed his life from heroes such as Janne Schaffer, who played on ABBA’s studio albums, to Gerry Rafferty (the genius behind ‘Baker Street’) and international superstar Bryan Adams and his song writing partner Jim Vallance.

Louder Than Words also delves into the often tortuous touring life of a musician, with life on the road often leading to band break-ups or mental breakdown. Joe also examines the impact of MTV on a generation of musicians, focussing particularly on one video by rising rock star Billy Squier that is said to have ruined his career.

Note:

Features a chapter on ABBA and guitarist Janne Schaffer

Published:

Published 30 April 2024

New edition published 8 May 2025