“VERDICT A solid addition to any library’s music collection.” — Library Journal
“Sometimes a book comes along that is simply a dream to read and review. Don’t Call It Hair Metal is one of those reveries: fiercely well-written, nostalgic, energetic, a blend of the historical…and the personal that almost constantly rings the right notes.” — The British Columbia Review
“Everything you want to know but were afraid to ask about what went on behind the scenes in the evolution of heavy metal is well accounted for in Sean Kelly’s Don’t Call It Hair Metal. This book is great at delving into the origin of many famous bands from the 70’s onward, and the reasons why they’ve kept at it throughout the years.” — Absolute Underground Magazine
“Kelly’s knowledge of band members, family tree timelines of players moving between groups, and the back-story of how albums were recorded, is encyclopedic and just plain impressive.” — Lippert Music Centre Inc., Music Student Corner and Blog
“His obviously huge knowledge of the genre shows in playful references and wordplay, and it’s sort of like having beers with a new friend talking about all our old friends.” — BraveWords
“The term “hair metal” has always bothered me because a number of musical influences are woven into the fabric of this genre. It doesn’t matter what you call it because it’s still rock and roll to me… and I’m rather certain that Sean Kelly agrees with me and you will, too, after reading. Don’t mind me, though, I’m going to listen to my Spotify playlist containing 10,000 of the best songs that fall into this very category, because after this book, I can’t get enough.” — The Aquarian