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This Toronto author of 135 books on bands like Rush and AC/DC created a cottage industry. Trump's tariffs could spoil it

thestar.com -- Saturday, August 16, 2025, 5:57:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Presidential Campaigns
This Toronto author of 135 books on bands like Rush and AC/DC created a cottage industry. Trump's tariffs could spoil it

In the world of music writing, there is prolific, and then there's Martin Popoff.

This summer alone, the Toronto-based rock critic and author, with no fewer than 135 books to his name, has published "Guns N' Roses at 40," "A Million Vacations: The Max Webster Story," "A Dangerous Meeting: In the Shadows with Mercyful Fate" and "Dio: The Unholy Scriptures," as well as a French translation of his "AC/DC at 50."

Up next: "Seven Decades of Deep Purple: An Unofficial History," due in October.

"My main bit of advice for people who asked me how to write books is, you can't be a stonecutter. You have to write fast," Popoff told the Star from his home in East York. "You can't sit there and agonize."

Popoff, born in Castlegar, B.C., in 1963, came of age as a music lover in the late '60s and early '70s in the nearby town of Trail. As a subscriber to the Columbia Record Club, he received albums by the likes of Three Dog Night, Steppenwolf and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Through cousins and friends' older brothers, he was introduced to the heavier stuff: Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Black Sabbath. By the age of nine, he said, he was "totally smitten." Soon, he and a friend would go to the local record store each week to buy new music and pick up magazines like Hit Parade and Circus.

"I was a music expert by 13 years old," Popoff said. "Everything had to be hard rock or heavy metal, plus some punk, plus some prog." He even tried his hand at playing music, drumming in a bar band called Torque in the '80s. After getting his MBA at McMaster University, he went to work for Xerox in Vancouver, eventually transferring to Toronto in 1989. After quitting his nine-to-five, he started a small desktop publishing business with a friend.

In 1993, Popoff self-published his first book, "Riff Kills Man! 25 Years of Recorded Hard Rock & Heavy Metal," a compendium of nearly 2,000 original record reviews written over a three-year period. The following year, he met Tim Henderson, who was running the heavy metal department at HMV's flagship Yonge and Dundas location. The two started a magazine called Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles, for which Popoff served as editor-in-chief until its final print issue in 2008. The magazine has continued on as a website, to which Popoff occasionally contributes.

"From '94 to 2000, I was working on that magazine and reviewing stuff and getting free CDs and interviewing rock stars," said Popoff, who became a full-time author in 2000.

After writing a half-dozen books through the '90s, Popoff started picking up the pace. Along with self-publishing, he began working with such houses as ECW Press, Schiffer Publishing and Voyageur Press, some of which also picked up his self-released books for wider distribution.

Along with books on very popular acts, he's also written more obscure titles like "Hawkwind: A Visual Biography" and "The Fortune: On the Rocks with Angel." Some of his books are lavish coffee-table editions: the most extravagant, 2024's "Hallowed by Their Name: The Unofficial Iron Maiden Bible: Beast Edition" (limited to 666 copies), retails for $360. Most of the books are stocked online and some can be found in brick-and-mortar stores, but Popoff also makes signed copies available by mail order on his website.

Each book starts with an idea, either self-generated, or sparked by one of his publishers, like Dennis Pernu at the Quarto imprint Motorbooks. "We'll figure out who has a fan base that we think will support a book, who has a good story, who has great visuals that have been created around them over the years," Pernu told the Star.

Once they agree on a subject, Popoff will start writing. He's been known to deliver a draft in a month. "Whenever I contract Martin to do a book, I know it's not only going to be on time, it's probably gonna be several weeks early," Pernu said, "which is kind of nice for a publisher."

For many of his books, Popoff will receive a modest advance, with royalties starting when he meets a certain sales threshold. In other cases, he takes a flat fee up front. Among his biggest titles is 2004's "Contents Under Pressure: 30 Years of Rush at Home and Away," which has sold more than 37,000 copies.

"All my biographies are one album per chapter," Popoff explained, and within each he'll include every song. Then he collects all the research he needs, sifting through the interviews he's done with band members over the years and adding his own analysis.

He rarely conducts new interviews for his books because involving artists adds a level of complexity and takes time. For some books, however, he will contact other musicians to get their word on the subject.

"The biggest bite of all, my career highlight practically, was for 'Queen: Album by Album,'" Popoff recalled. "Paul McCartney said yes. One Friday afternoon, two o'clock, it's like, 'Paul's gonna be calling you.'"

Popoff has a routine, which includes doing all his writing early in the day. "I have learned over the years, getting older, that my prime -- the only time my brain works -- is between seven and noon," he said. "And I leave all B and C tasks that don't take any brain power for later in the day."

Earlier this summer, after learning that at the end of August Donald Trump intends to halt duties exemptions into the U.S. for shipments under $800, Popoff began worrying. By his accounting, his cost to ship books to the States could triple, and the change would bring more paperwork headaches. Around 40 per cent of his income, he said, comes from his mail-order business, and most of that business is done south of the border. Though it's unclear if books will be exempt from such duties, Popoff is having to adjust to a less-certain reality.

In recent weeks, he has been running a fire sale of some inventory ahead of the potential changes. Still, he's relatively sanguine about the situation.

"I'm probably, at my age, just going to get out of the business of being a mail-order guy," he said, adding that it won't stop from him writing books. "If the projects are fun, I will keep saying yes to stuff."

"Like anybody who becomes a fan of anything at an uncommon level, I just turned being a fan into a paying job," Popoff added. "I'm running a fan club, but it's for dozens of different bands."

He sees himself as part of the music industry in the same way radio DJs do. "The extra fun part of this job is you're pushing music on people. You're trying to turn people on to music that you like," he said.

Popoff also takes special pride in contributing to the legacies of the artists he writes about. "As long as there's an Earth and some semblance of society, these books are going to be out there," he said. "It's literally your life story. And I'm glad to have, in probably 20 cases, been the only one who's ever written a book on you. And it's going to be there forever for your family.

"In that sense, it's a form of immortality for them, and it's a little bit of immortality for me."

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Opinion:

Martin Popoff's journey as a prolific author in the realm of music writing, particularly focused on hard rock and heavy metal, illustrates the intersection of passion, entrepreneurship, and potential disruption by broader economic forces. His story is not merely one of individual accomplishment but also a reflection of the cultural landscapes that have shaped music over the decades. The article highlights Popoff's impressive portfolio, with 135 books to his name, a testament to his dedication and the cottage industry that he has successfully cultivated. However, it also brings to light the looming threat posed by economic policies, specifically Trump's tariffs, which could jeopardize not just his work but the broader cultural and creative industries that depend on free trade and accessibility.

Historically, the music industry has always been tightly intertwined with economic policies that shape both production and consumption. Popoff's career took off during a time when the music scene was undergoing a significant transformation; from the counterculture movements of the 1960s to the heavy metal explosion of the late 1970s and 1980s. These shifts were often influenced by broader economic conditions, including recessions and the subsequent booms that allowed for greater disposable income and leisure time. The current economic landscape, marked by the uncertainty created by tariffs, echoes past struggles where artists and creators faced challenges from external forces that threatened their livelihood. This situation highlights the importance of advocating for policies that support creative industries rather than hinder them.

The implications of Trump's tariffs extend beyond the surface-level impact on Popoff's ability to distribute his books; they threaten to amplify existing inequalities within the arts community. The creative sector often comprises small businesses and independent creators who lack the resources to absorb the costs associated with increased tariffs. This burden disproportionately affects those who are already navigating a precarious economic landscape, such as independent authors, artists, and musicians. As we consider Popoff's achievements, we must also recognize the necessity of supporting legislation that fosters a thriving creative economy, one that prioritizes accessibility and equity for all creators, regardless of their background or financial resources.

Moreover, Popoff’s story is a reminder of the cultural significance of music writing and criticism in shaping the narratives surrounding music history. Authors like him serve not only as chroniclers of musical evolution but as cultural commentators who can influence public perceptions of genres, artists, and social movements. The potential disruption caused by trade policies could stifle these important voices, curtailing the diversity of perspectives that are essential to a vibrant cultural discourse. The battle for art and expression is inherently tied to broader social justice movements, emphasizing the need for an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued.

As readers, we are called to engage with these issues and advocate for policies that protect and promote the arts. Conversations about the economic structures that support creative industries are vital, especially when faced with policies that threaten to undermine them. By taking a stand against tariffs and advocating for fair trade practices, we can ensure that voices like Martin Popoff's continue to resonate—celebrating not just the music that has defined generations, but the cultural narratives that enrich our society as a whole. The ongoing struggles within the creative community highlight the need to align our economic policies with the values of support, equity, and access for all creators, thereby fostering a more inclusive and resilient cultural landscape.

Action:

The recent article on Martin Popoff, a prolific Toronto author and rock critic known for his extensive works on bands like AC/DC and Rush, offers a compelling narrative about the intersection of culture, economy, and politics—especially in the context of Donald Trump's tariffs. While Popoff’s success as an author reflects a vibrant cultural landscape, the looming threat of tariffs underlines a broader issue: how governmental policies can stifle creative industries that thrive on accessibility and affordability. This situation prompts us to consider the larger implications for American artists and consumers, as well as the actions we might take to advocate for a more supportive environment for cultural production.

Historically, the music industry has faced numerous challenges, from the rise of digital streaming platforms to changing consumer habits. The 20th century saw artists and writers reliant on a robust framework of distribution and sales, heavily influenced by trade policies and market accessibility. Tariffs, such as those imposed by the Trump administration, disrupt this balance by inflating costs and complicating international trade. For American authors and artists, this could mean diminished opportunities for collaboration, increased costs for materials, and ultimately, a less diverse cultural output. It serves as a reminder that policy decisions at the highest levels can ripple down to affect the everyday lives of creators and consumers alike.

So, what can we as Americans do about the challenges posed by tariffs and other economic barriers to the arts? First, we can advocate for policies that foster fair trade and support the creative industries. Engaging with local representatives and pushing for legislation that prioritizes the arts can create a more favorable environment. This might include tax incentives for artists, grants for small publishers, and initiatives that promote cultural exchange. Furthermore, we can support organizations that work on behalf of artists and authors, ensuring that their voices are heard in policy discussions that directly affect their livelihoods.

Additionally, raising awareness about the impact of tariffs on creative industries can empower consumers to make informed choices. By fostering conversations around the significance of supporting local artists and independent publishers, we can collectively push back against policies that prioritize corporate interests over cultural enrichment. Encouraging the public to buy from local creators, attend independent book fairs, and participate in community events can help sustain the very fabric of artistic expression that tariffs threaten to unravel.

Moreover, education plays a crucial role in equipping individuals with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of the cultural economy. By amplifying discussions about the importance of arts funding and the potential consequences of protectionist policies, we can cultivate a more engaged citizenry. This includes integrating these discussions into educational curricula, making sure that upcoming generations understand the historical context and current challenges faced by the creative sector. Through workshops, community forums, and online platforms, we can not only educate but also inspire action.

In conclusion, Martin Popoff’s story encapsulates the challenges and triumphs faced by artists in an increasingly complex economic landscape. The threat of tariffs is not just an abstract policy issue; it is a tangible risk that affects the livelihoods of creators and the cultural richness of our society. By advocating for fair trade practices, supporting local artists, and educating ourselves and our communities about the arts, we can work towards creating a more equitable and vibrant cultural environment. The actions we take today can ensure that the voices of artists like Popoff continue to resonate for generations to come.

To Do:

**Analysis of the Article: Personal Actions and Community Engagements**

Martin Popoff's journey as a prolific author in the music industry highlights the challenges faced by creative professionals in the era of tariffs and economic shifts, particularly stemming from policies like those instituted by the Trump administration. His situation serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of local economies, the arts, and global trade policies. Here are some actionable ideas for individuals who care about supporting local artists, promoting fair economic policies, and ensuring that creativity can thrive in an equitable environment.

### What Can We Personally Do About This?

1. **Support Local Authors and Artists:** - Purchase books directly from authors like Martin Popoff, or through local independent bookstores that often support local artists. - Attend book signings, readings, or local events focusing on music and literature.

2. **Advocate for Fair Trade Policies:** - Engage with representatives and advocate for policies that support creative industries and fair trade practices. - Stay informed about how tariffs affect cultural exports and local economies.

3. **Promote Music and Arts Education:** - Support local arts programs, music education initiatives, and community workshops that foster creativity. - Volunteer for or donate to organizations that facilitate access to the arts for all demographics.

### Exact Actions We Can Personally Take

1. **Sign Petitions:** - Find and sign petitions that advocate for the arts, fair trade, and against harmful tariffs. Websites like Change.org often have active campaigns related to these issues. - Example petition: “Support the Arts: Fair Trade for Creative Professionals” – search and sign petitions that align with supporting local artists.

2. **Write to Elected Officials:** - **Who to Write:** - Your local Member of Parliament (MP) or Congressional Representative. - Local city council members. - State or provincial representatives. - **Example Contacts:** - For Canadian residents: - **Example MP:** Your MP can be found via [Parliament of Canada website](https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/search). - For U.S. residents: - **Example Representative:** Use [House.gov](https://www.house.gov/) to find your representative.

- **Email Template:** ```plaintext Subject: Support for Local Artists and Fair Trade Policies

Dear [Representative’s Name],

I am writing to express my concern regarding the impact of tariffs on local artists and the creative industry. As a supporter of cultural initiatives, I urge you to advocate for fair trade policies that protect our local artists and enable them to thrive in the global market.

Artists like Martin Popoff contribute significantly to our cultural landscape, and it is vital to ensure that they are not adversely affected by economic policies that prioritize profit over creativity.

Please consider supporting measures that promote fair trade and support the arts in our community.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Email] ```

3. **Engage on Social Media:** - Share posts about local artists, their work, and the importance of supporting them in light of economic challenges. - Use hashtags like #SupportLocalArtists, #FairTradeForCreatives to raise awareness.

4. **Join Advocacy Groups:** - Become a member of organizations that advocate for the arts and fair trade. Examples include: - **American for the Arts:** Join their advocacy network. - **Canadian Arts Coalition:** Get involved in local chapters or initiatives.

5. **Participate in Community Events:** - Attend local music festivals, author readings, and art shows to show support for local talent. - Consider hosting your own community event focused on local music and literature to raise awareness.

6. **Write Op-Eds or Blog Posts:** - Share your thoughts on the importance of supporting local artists and the impact of tariffs through local media outlets or personal blogs. This can help raise awareness in your community.

7. **Encourage Libraries to Stock Local Works:** - Write to your local library urging them to feature books by local authors like Martin Popoff. Offer to help organize events, readings, or discussions around these works.

By taking these steps, individuals can play a vital role in fostering a supportive environment for artists and advocating for policies that enhance the cultural fabric of our communities.


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