Author Chronicles New Jersey Rock History in New Book

Michael Gilligan details the state's vibrant band scene from 1980 through 2010.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Rock

Author Chronicles New Jersey Rock History in New Book

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Author Michael Gilligan has released a new book, New Jersey Rock: Bands of the '80s, '90s, and '00s, documenting the musical evolution of the state. Published by History Press, the work captures the era's diverse sounds and prominent local bands.

Why it matters

The book seeks to preserve the legacy of New Jersey's music scene by highlighting both iconic acts and lesser-known groups. It aims to connect with long-time listeners and new fans alike through a compilation of varied perspectives.

The author draws on a 30-year career in the music industry to curate the historical content. He also brings experience from his early start in the business, having launched his own record label at age 18.

The players

Michael Gilligan

He is an author and music industry veteran who previously penned a 2014 book about his experiences in the field.

History Press

This publishing company is responsible for the release of the new book chronicling the New Jersey music scene.

The details

The project incorporates contributions from fans, studio artists, and music venue owners to provide a comprehensive look at the state's history. Key locations such as the famous Hoboken venue Maxwell's are featured as central hubs for the bands that emerged between 1980 and 2010.

The book chronicles music history from 1980 to 2010.
Michael Gilligan published a previous book in 2014.
The current book was released in October 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This book follows a pattern set by the author's previous 2014 work, Sex, Drugs, And Cubicles: What I've Learned From The Music Industry, which also explored the inner workings of the music sector. It reflects a growing industry trend of documenting regional music scenes to preserve local cultural history.

Readers can access the book to revisit iconic moments from the New Jersey music scene of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The publication provides music fans with a detailed historical record of bands that performed in venues across the state.

The takeaway

This book offers a deep dive into the specific band culture that defined New Jersey for three decades. Readers interested in music history may find the personal anecdotes from venue owners and studio artists particularly illuminating.