Malcolm Dome Interview
Malcolm Dome is a highly-respected rock journalist, author and broadcaster. He’s written countless books and his reviews appear regularly in Classic Rock and Metal Hammer. He is also a broadcaster on TotalRock. His most current books (both written with Jerry Ewing and published by Chrome Dreams) are A-Z encyclopaedias on Metallica and AC/DC. Visit www.totalrock.com.
Can you give me a brief history of your writing career?
Career? When did it become that – ahem! Well, I started writing about music in 1979 for Record Mirror – now defunct – taking over from a guy called Steve Gett in terms of being their ‘specialist’ rock/metal scribe. I fell into that situation through a happy accident. From there, I became editor of Metal Mania, which was a poster-oriented monthly that emerged around the same time as Kerrang! and then onto Kerrang! where I was very fortunate to spend an amazing five years. I would regard that as a truly special time.
The decision to leave Kerrang! in 1987 was wrapped up in a lot of soul-searching (well, a bit!) before throwing in my lot with Metal Hammer, along with a number of Kerrang!sters. We were given the indication at the time by the German owners that they were keen to make an impact in the UK. As such, many promises were made and subsequently broken. So, the core of Hammer then quit and started RAW magazine, with considerable help from one Pete Winkelman, now chairman of MK Dons FC. And Jonathan King played his part as well.
Good grief, I’ve only got up to 1988 so far! Well, from then on it was a case of writing for various magazines, until getting the chance to do my own radio show with Rock Radio Network, which is now TotalRock. Radio and writing are almost equal now in terms of time and commitment, plus being interviewed for DVDs and TV shows, Oh, and the occasional book…talking of which…
Your latest book is on Metallica with Jerry Ewing; what can you tell me about it?
It’s an A-Z reference work on Metallica. We like to think it’s exhaustive. What makes it different is that this is a reference book, not a biography as such. We’ve just had one published on AC/DC as well.
Compared to the eighties, how does rock writing differ?
I think there’s a lot more attention paid to reader, industry and audience viewpoints now that was the case in the 1980s. Back then, we followed our instincts. Now, there’s more awareness of the bigger picture. Is it any better or worse now? Just different, I feel. But still exciting.
What books have you written?
Lots, from Encyclopedia Metallica in 1980 to AC/DC – The Encyclopedia in 2008. Along the way, I’ve done books on Bon Jovi (including an official one,) Van Halen and Motley Crue.
Of all the interviews you’ve done, who has given you the most enjoyable interview?
Almost every one has an enjoyable angle somewhere. It’s always great to talk to people who are articulate and have an opinion. Take a bow Bruce Dickinson, Lemmy and Ronnie James Dio among many.
And the least?
The least enjoyable ones tend to be on the phone with people I don’t know. They’re difficult, because it’s tough to get any sort of rapport going. Nobody’s fault but the situation.
What are your favourite rock books?
I love Mark Blake’s exhaustive book on Pink Floyd – well researched and superbly written. The same goes for Dave Ling’s excellent story of Uriah Heep. And let’s not forget Motley’s The Dirt and Hammer Of The Gods.
Who are your favourite artists?
So, so many. Led Zeppelin, though, will always top the pile. As for the rest, a huge list from AC/DC to ZZ Top.
What are the most memorable gigs you’ve been to?
Gawd, again so many. I feel privileged to have seen AC/DC’s first ever UK show at the Red Cow in London, the same goes for Metallica at The Marquee. Guns N’ Roses in Pasadena at Christmas 1987 springs to mind. Led Zeppelin at Earl’s Court, 1975. Sabbath at The Marquee. Mastodon at The Underworld. Baroness at the Borderline (both in London.) Soulfly at the Astoria (again in London.) U2 at the Electric Ballroom in London in 1979 - third on the bill! Maiden at The Marquee in 1979 (my first ever live review)…and there are lots of others.
What can you tell me about your next book on AC/DC?
It’s a reference work like the Metallica book. Jerry Ewing and I have chronicled their career in an A-Z format. Again, encyclopaedic.
Do you think Black Ice will be their last album and tour?
Personal opinion? Yes. I’ve now heard the whole album, and it is superb. If this is farewell…what a way to go out. On top of their game.
Can you fill me in on the history of TotalRock?
Well, TotalRock started out as Rock Radio Network, run by rock enthusiasts from the front room of a house in Finchley, North London. That was in 1997. In 2000, with funding, RRN became TotalRock, operating from studios purpose built in Fulham, West London. Sadly, a combination of circumstances (from which we’ve never fully recovered) undermined the station, but we’re still going (albeit only broadcasting on the internet at www.totalrock.com), and have a base in Central London
Who are your non-music inspirations?
Again, so many. I’d have to say people with imagination, and the focus to make things happen.
What’s next?
A trip to the Crobar for some well-earned drinks – arf! I think part of the beauty of the last 30 years or so for me is that what happens tends to veer away from cunning plans.
Interview by Neil Daniels 2008
