A brilliant and influential songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist, the charismatic Alex Chilton was more than a rock star

he was a true cult icon.

After early success in the mid-1960s with the chart-topping Box Tops, Chilton went on to front the seminal power-pop band Big Star, an inspiration to such artists as R.E.M., Wilco, and Yo La Tengo.

Then after a decade of experimentation with punk and roots music, he walked away from his career before reemerging in the 1980s as an influential solo artist.

In A Man Called Destruction, award-winning music writer Holly George-Warren presents the first biography of this enigmatic artist, who died in 2010.

This is the story of a musical icon and a richly detailed chronicle of pop music’s evolution, from the mid-1960s through today’s indie rock.

The first biography of the artist who ‘essentially invented indie and alternative rock.’

(Spin)

‘One of the most important books on the life and work of a musician to come out this year.’

Jason Diamond, Flavorwire

‘It’s a credit to Warren’s unflinching tone that the Chilton of Destruction is a charismatic, oft-frustrating man unwilling to kowtow to anything or anyone … . You’ll never hear his music the same way again.’

Randall Roberts, Los Angeles Times

‘A thoroughly reported biography illuminating the life and work of one of the more mystifying and influential cult figures in rock … Chilton received the biography he deserves.’

Kirkus Reviews (starred review)