Welcome to another exciting episode of the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast! I’m Phil Aston, and this time, I’m joined by rock music biographer and passionate fan, Tim Durling. Tim is the author of several books exploring beloved (yet often unsung) rock acts, including Y&T, Kansas, and Sammy Hagar. In our chat, Tim shares how his love of liner notes, a keen ear for undiscovered gems, and a few twists of fate led him to pen these in-depth guides—which are quickly becoming must-haves for hardcore fans and curious listeners alike.
A Chance Encounter and a Writing Journey
Tim’s story begins much like many of ours: a deep-rooted enthusiasm for music that started in childhood. During the pandemic, he discovered he had time on his hands—and, thanks to video calls, he could connect with fellow fans and authors all over the globe. Encouraged by rock journalist Martin Popoff, Tim first tackled the unique world of eight-track tapes before turning his focus to artist-specific books. For Tim, writing these guides was an organic extension of what he already loved doing: talking to anyone and everyone about great rock records.
Championing Underrated Bands
From discovering Y&T in the early 90s, to exploring Kansas beyond their mega-hits, Tim noticed certain artists and eras that weren’t getting enough attention in print. His solution? Compile “panel books,” gathering commentary from different music enthusiasts and experts. This multi-voice format weaves personal stories, album analyses, and behind-the-scenes trivia into a rich tapestry—perfect for introducing newcomers to each band’s discography.
Y&T: A band Tim feels should have been massive, given their anthemic songwriting and Dave Meniketti’s powerhouse vocals. Despite never quite breaking through, they remain a cult favorite whose music ages like fine wine.
Kansas: Known for progressive-rock grandeur and radio staples such as “Carry On Wayward Son,” Tim highlights everything from the early intricate albums to their commercial AOR phase—proving there’s more to Kansas than the greatest-hits tracklist.
Sammy Hagar: While many discovered Hagar during his Van Halen years, Tim’s book dives into his entire journey, from Montrose to Capitol Records solo albums, and onward to supergroups like HSAS and Chickenfoot. The result is a fresh appreciation for one of rock’s most versatile voices.
Rediscovering Albums You Thought You Knew
One of the real joys of Tim’s books is their ability to make you revisit albums you once pushed aside. With new context and perspectives from various rock fans, long-dismissed records suddenly sound fresh—encouraging readers to re-evaluate them with a more open mind.
You’ll also find tidbits that connect the dots between different bands and eras. Whether Tim’s writing about Y&T sharing festival stages with the biggest names in 80s hard rock, or how Montrose laid the groundwork for future guitar heroes, each story complements the larger puzzle of rock history.
What’s Next?
Tim’s boundless curiosity and love of “under-celebrated” rockers keep him busy. He’s already hard at work on Night Ranger, another band whose discography (and loyal fan base) deserves a closer look. Just as with his previous volumes, he aims to bring more fans into the fold—and maybe convince longtime listeners to revisit those half-forgotten records on the shelf.
If you’re looking for reads that combine enthusiasm, detail, and an inviting “fan-to-fan” tone, Tim’s books deliver. They’re all available through Amazon, and you can catch more of Tim on his YouTube channel, Tim’s Vinyl Confessions, where he delves into album covers, deep cuts, and interviews with fellow music lovers.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
