Tolinski’s “Light & Shade: Conversations With Jimmy Page” sheds serious light on this poorly understood, enigmatic musical genius.” The book was published in ten languages. Page, however, told GQ Magazine he was unhappy about the book and with Tolinski personally. Tolinski co-authored Play It Loud: An Epic History of the Style, Sound and Revolution of the Electric Guitar (Doubleday) with Alan DiPerna. Hailed by NY Times bestselling historian Douglas Brinkley and legendary guitarists Carlos Santana and Billy Gibbons, the book released on October 25, 2016, and chronicles the history of this iconic musical instrument. Parade Magazine stated, "Music journalists Brad Tolinski and Alan di Perna are so passionate about the electric guitar they wrote the book on it, delving deep into the instrument’s history, greatest hits and artists." The book's title was used for an exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City which ran from April 8 - October 1, 2019, titled, "Play It Loud: Instruments of Rock and Roll". On October 5, 2021 Brad Tolinski and co-author Chris Gill released 'Eruption: Conversations with Eddie Van Halen' (Hachette). The book chronicles the life of this influential guitarist through many in person conversations the pair conducted over the years with Van Halen, plus new interviews and perspectives from other pivotal figures in his life. BackStory events In 2015 Tolinski formed a new production company with music industry marketer Laura B. Whitmore called BackStory. The pair produces live interview events with iconic musicians that are streamed on partner media platforms, like AOL.com, Parade magazine and Guitar World. Interview subjects have included Roger Waters, Tom Jones, Joe Satriani, Zakk Wylde, Warren Haynes, The Zombies, Nile Rodgers, Anthrax, Colbie Caillat, The Violent Femmes, Amy Lee (Evanescence) and others. Tolinski has conducted many of the interviews himself. In September 2016, Tolinski and Whitmore launched a new live streamed series on Twitch called BackStory Events: Live from Saint Vitus, that features metal and hard rock bands performing at the iconic Brooklyn-based Saint Vitus bar. The series streamed the Revolver Music Awards on December 13, 2016 and produced a live news show for NAMM in Anaheim. They currently have several events in production live streaming from The Cutting Room in NYC, where they host their regular BackStory Events series. Media appearances Tolinski appears in the documentary Classic Albums: Deep Purple Machine Head. He hosted a special interview for Guitar Center Sessions with Slash