Showing posts with label Books About Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Books About Music. Show all posts

8/09/2022

Book Review: Rock And Roll Warrior-David Libert

Title: Rock And Roll Warrior

Format: Paperback Book

Genre: Music

Release Date: September 16, 2022

Publisher:  ‎Sunset Blvd Books

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If you were ever curious about what life was like for a music professional in the 60s and 70s, I have one of the best books for you. Rock And Roll Warrior is an in-depth account of David Libert. He started playing piano at a very early age, much to his dismay, which is a typical story you hear. The difference here is what developed after being forced to take piano lessons by his parents.

 I absorbed this book quickly and became utterly engaged from beginning to end. My interest in music, all aspects of it, was a good starting point. However, if you are a music fan and like to read about all the exploits of touring and what goes on, you are in for one hell of a revealing story.

David was in the 60s band The Happenings, a pop band that spawned several hits, and perhaps the most memorable was "See You In September." I remember hearing that song, but I will not tell you when! 

David's success in the music industry as a musician and band manager created a fascinating story. His account of his lifelong journey through sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll is a firsthand look at all his exploits touring and many of the colorful characters he met along the way. His stint as Alice Cooper’s Road Manager was very entertaining. His quick thinking and wit led to his success and getting out of some, let's say, uncomfortable situations. He learned lessons from some of the most challenging people in the business and ran the Alice Cooper tours like a well-oiled machine.

While David enjoyed all the decadence of the rock lifestyle, all the ups and downs, then running his agency, getting rich, then becoming a drug dealer to survive was a roller coaster ride you will never forget once you read it all. He had the knack, as they say, of coming out of the shit smelling like a rose. Even after being busted a second time for dealing drugs and being incarcerated, he found a way around everyday prison life, making the best of the situation and putting himself in a favored position. For that, I admired his resilience and his thinking on his feet. His personality and drive were perfect for working in the dog-eat-dog world of the music biz.

From Alice Cooper to the crazy exploits of George Clinton (free your ass, and your mind will follow), he explains in detail what it was like working with these music superstars. The story sheds some light on many of the industry's truths that still apply today. I think in the last few chapters, many musicians will find a positive message and the fortitude to stand up and fight for their art.

David Libert is now in retirement living comfortably with the love of his life and his dogs in California. Now is the perfect time to release his life story. So many people over the years have fallen hard and are part of the story in music. David was the exception that came out on the other side alive and well.

Today is a different world, but I would be willing to bet a lot of the same things still go on, and one, the taking advantage of artists and ripping off their recorded music happens in several different ways. I read nothing in this book that surprised me, and it just validated how crazy the music business can be and how dangerous it is if you fall prey to everything out there, ready to gobble you up and spit you out.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Reviews Founder

August 9, 2022