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If your first thought is 'who is Peter Grant?' then this newly-published book, Bring It On Home by Mark Blake, is probably not for you.

Peter Grant was the legendary manager of Led Zeppelin in the 1970s. Physically imposing (6' 5", 23 stone), his dedication to the band and his forceful personality meant that by 1972 he was demanding a 90/10 split with promoters - and getting it. He established a new style of management and many stories and legends gathered around him.

Born in 1935, by the late 50s his youthful jobs had included bouncer at the 2is and in the early '60s, a driver for bands, including (according to the book), Cliff and The Shadows.

Led Zeppelin may not be your musical cup of tea but if you want to read about another side to the music biz in the 60s, 70s and 80s, and the outrageous excesses of what was the biggest band in the world at that time, then this is a excellent read.

I always took a great interest in Zeppelin having known of and seen Jimmy Page play well before he was famous. Those who knew about Page's skill greatly anticipated the inevitable formation of a suitable vehicle. Peter Grant was a great manager for Zeppelin because he was strictly very 'fair' in his dealings with the denizens of the 'music business'. He understood very well the low life that inhabited certain parts of the business and because of his nature he was well prepared to deal with it in a manner that commanded no argument and obviously people got to know this. Luckily he managed to form an alliance with a group such as Zeppelin. I don't get the impression he was a 'nasty' man, like some pop managers, but more he was someone who dedicated himself to getting the best for those that employed him...using any necessary device/method suitable at the given time.

Good review of this book in friday"s Daily Mail.

Kindest regards
Christopher