( 6 reviews )
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Posted: Mar 7 2009
Typically, a book review is posted AFTER the book has fully been read. In THIS case, I just started reading this book. While I anticipate some great stories to come, I immediately find the author coming across as arrogant...speaking like a real pro. The irony here is that he says he left the road when he was 23 years old. So he was a roadie for, what? 5 years? 6 years max? I say: Dude, you haven't "lived" until you have been in it for at least a decade. Yet, you come across as though you have had a lengthy and massive career. In regard to BOC, you say "Now before you get all hot and bothered" like as if the reader is supposed to admire you with GREAT and MASSIVE envy! I call it arrogant and cocky! I have been playing in bands and working in the music industry since 1983, yet I treat my listeners (who wish to hear about the road) with humble respect. Whatever the case, I paid for the book and will read it through, of course. But I had to write this "shut your ego down to human level" essay before reading any further!
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( 1 of 3 found this review helpful ) Posted: Nov 10 2006
I didn't feel the book lived up to what i thought it was going to be about. I found it to be very boring and talking to much about lighting and things we didn't need to know about.
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( 3 of 3 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jan 12 2006
From anyone who has ever tapped their foot at a single concert to those involved or employed in the music industry, this is a book you will truly enjoy from cover to cover. I purposely slowed down the reading, as I did not want the book to end and could not put it down. You cannot help but become casual friends with Karl's acquaintances, while sharing the joys of his successes and cringing at the failures, both on, off and back stage! The author does a great job in really personalizing what some might consider a glamorous star crossed occupation, and shows what devotion it takes to really make things happen right. Especially when even the smallest problem can ruin a wonderful concert experience. When Karl shares with us the occasional spotlight that does indeed at times shine his way, you'll find yourself pumping your fist in excitement for our hero! I think the big appeal is the "just like me" factor. The common guy can relate to the stories of work as well as personal challenges. Initially one thinks, 'oh, man this guy gets women at the drop of a hat...his stories will be wild'. But glamorizing that can make folks feel kind of left out as if they really missed out on something. However, with Karl's true, down to earth adventures, and candid revelations, surely everyone can totally relate and compare similar circumstances to their own. You'll find out that the author is, well, "just like me!" It takes a special writing flare to have that come across as well as the author presents his stories. An added bonus for those who attended concerts during the mid and late '70's, is that, chances are, Karl worked on a tour in which you probably attended one of the individual shows. I documented at least 4 myself. Thanks, Karl, for bringing back memories and providing an entertaining and informative glimpse at into an often misunderstood, yet beloved industry.
