Starting in April, Trouser Press Books is going to be distributed by Publishers Group West. This is a real step up for us, and it will mean much wider availability and visibility for our books, both old and new.

The 19 titles we’ve already published will get some minor revisions (including a few increased prices — so don’t put off getting ones you want) and a new retail push. “You’ve Got Michael” and its author, Dan Beck, will be re-promoted to coincide with the Michael bio-pic hitting theaters in April. We’re also replacing up some of our Amazon-only eBooks with universally available versions.

Then, starting in August, we will send five new books into bookstores around the world:

Zip It Up! Too - A second volume of the best of Trouser Press magazine, containing all of the Autodiscographies (Blondie, Genesis, Iggy, Sparks, Steve Marriott, Buzzcocks, Jefferson Airplane, et al.) that couldn’t fit in the first one — plus many more great articles, including one by Lester Bangs on the Ramones.

Wake Me, Shake Me: New York City, the '60s and the Pop-Rock Youthquake by Mitchell Cohen - A deep dive into the bands and singers that made New York rock and swing during a pivotal era in music. The Blues Project, Lovin’ Spoonful, Young Rascals, Simon & Garfunkel, Dion, Shirelles, Vanilla Fudge, Laura Nyro, Vagrants, Bobby Darin and a whole lot more.

Dispatches From the Kingdom of Outsiders: Writing on Music, Culture and More 1979-2025 by Tim Sommer - The onetime Trouser Press intern — who, in addition to journalism, has done everything from punk rock radio and MTV newscasting to playing bass in Hugo Largo and signing bands as an Atlantic Records A&R man — is a thought-provoking erudite commentator on all sorts of topics. This collection has many of his best pieces as well as reflections on them.

POW! When UK Punk Went Pop, 1980-1984 by Tony Fletcher - In this sequel to his acclaimed memoir Boy About Town, the author of best-selling biographies of Keith Moon, R.E.M. and the Smiths, recounts his adventures in London as a teenaged record mogul, magazine editor, musician, fan and boyfriend.

Music Video Mischief: Behind the camera for Ozzy, Oasis, Gn'R, Britney and many more by Nigel Dick. The onetime Stiff Records press officer — who has gone on to direct more than 400 (!) music videos — recounts his wild adventures flying around the world to shoot rock, metal and pop artists from Guns n’ Roses, Tears for Fears, Ozzy Osbourne and Oasis to Britney Spears, Cher, Johnny Hallyday and Celine Dion.

An older man with glasses, wearing a dark blazer and light shirt, is sitting on a brown couch on stage. He is holding a microphone in his right hand and gesturing upward with his left hand. He has a badge hanging around his neck and appears to be speaking at a conference or panel event. There is a large screen behind him displaying a black-and-white image.

“You’ve Got Michael” author Dan Beck speaking at the KingVention in New York. Photograph by Steven Whitsitt.

A table at an outdoor book sale with various books, promotional signs, and posters displayed, including an orange banner with a cartoon character and the words 'Trouser Press Books'.

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Brooklyn Book Festival on September 21st. It was great to see so many friends, fans and folk on a gorgeous day dedicated to reading, learning, writing and publishing. See you all next year!

Cover of the book 'Zip It Up! The Best of Trouser Press Magazine 1974-1984' with magazine covers at the top. Pink background with promotional text praising the book as one of the best music books of 2024, including quotes from reviews.

CBGB book launch party in New York

Group of ten people, seven standing and two seated, inside a bookstore. The seated man holds a book with the title 'The Story of the CBGB' and the woman next to him sits smiling. The bookstore has shelves filled with books and orange tote bags hanging on the wall.
An elderly man with white hair, glasses, and a beard holding two books. One book is titled "The Story of CBGB" and the other is "Marquee," about the famous music venue. The man is wearing a black T-shirt with the words "O.C.G. GMFG" and appears to be in an indoor setting.

A nice endorsement from one of our favorite record producers, the great Ed Stasium!

On November 2nd, we assembled a panel of CBGB veterans to reminisce about the club and sign copies of our new title, This Ain’t No Disco: The Story of CBGB by the late Roman Kozak. (Standing, L-R) Chris Frantz of Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club; Lisa Kristal, daughter of CBGB owner Hilly Kristal; musician and onetime CBGB doorperson Deerfrance; Helena Kozak, sister of Roman Kozak; Monte A. Melnick, longtime road manager for the Ramones; Louise Parnassa Staley, booker at CBGB; another member of Roman’s family. Seated: Ira Robbins, photographer Ebet Roberts.

Photo credit: Kristina Juzaitis.

Read a report about the event
Watch a video of the event here