Harvey Lee (Credit: Harvey Lee)
Harvey Lee, a distinguished figure in the music and tech industry, offers a sneak peek into his forthcoming debut, ‘Backstage Pass.’ His memoir delves into his early experiences managing local bands, serving as a roadie for Herman’s Hermits, and navigating the unpredictable world of the music industry. In this interview with Jason Barnard, Harvey reflects on four decades of challenges and triumphs.
Congratulations on the success of ‘Backstage Pass.’ Can you share what inspired you to write it and why you chose this particular format, blending autobiography, tales from the music and tech world, and business motivation?
Hey, thanks! I am really delighted with how it’s been received, I never thought I’d be a number 1 author. Actually, I never thought I’d be an author!
The book came about from very casual conversations I used to have with colleagues at all the corporate places I worked. I used to tell some of these rock and roll war stories over lunch in the staff restaurants, coffee shops or a bar at a work offsite; the reaction was always the same.
“You did what?”
“You worked with AC/DC?”
“WTF!”
And then they’d say, “You have to put all this in a book!”
So, I did. But it took four years to write. However, it was not so easy. I mean, who cares about a biography from someone you’ve never heard of? Who wants a marketing or career manual when there are 6,000 of them on the market?
So, I decided to blend the two to ensure that (1) The book was more than just a bunch of funny stories. (2) You’d get more than entertained; you’d get inspired and learn something at the same time. I positioned it as a business book, that’s far from conventional for those reasons. It sums my career up well: unconventional.
The title ‘Backstage Pass’ suggests a behind-the-scenes look. Can you give us a glimpse into the key themes or stories that readers can expect?
The whole book is a behind-the-scenes of rock and roll as it really is (gritty and shitty), the real story of how the original Xbox got launched (not the existing corporate version) and what a career that currently spans 40 years actually looks like.
I cover themes of leaving school, finding your feet in the workplace, and finding your calling, but most of the book covers the actual journey in some detail. I’ll take you to a time and a place (early 80’s Britain) you may or may not be familiar with, but you’ll feel like you are with me as you read.
It features chapters named after famous songs. Can you tell us about the significance of these song choices and how they relate to the content of some of the chapters?
This is one of my favourite things about the book! The creative muse in me, is very proud.
Each song title is chosen as a chapter title as it directly correlates to the theme in that chapter. For example, Shot Down in Flames is the chapter where I get fired by a band after ten years of service, despite a heroic effort and notable achievements. I literally go down in flames.
Plus, I had to have an AC/DC song in there! My relationship with them is a major artery that runs through the story.
Your journey took an interesting turn when you became a roadie for Herman’s Hermits. Can you share some memorable experiences from that time, and how did it shape your understanding of the music industry?
Well, it started when I was just 17 during the school holidays, I got paid £5 a night and a bag of chips!
My understanding of the music world grew to be one of ultra-realism, zero gloss. The first bands I worked with got run roughshod in their heyday or just after. I’d hear the stories, the consequences, and there was little glamour most of the time.
It was hard for them, but they carried on because they loved the music so much. I loved the music so much….I had to if I was going to work for a fiver! And a bag of chips.
Can you share some experiences from your time touring with Dr. Hook?
As a sound engineer, have you ever had to work with a lead singer who was really deaf, didn’t wear their hearing aids and thought everyone else was the problem?
Managing a local band in Sunderland not only provided you with valuable experience but also inadvertently got The Stereophonics a recording contract. Can you share the story behind this serendipitous turn of events?
I can, I share it in the book 😉
How did your passion for rock music play a role in your professional life, especially in the early years of your career?
I’ve always been passionate about what I do. I’m all in or not at all. It’s a rock and roll attitude, a rebels attitude that’s carried me to some notable successes. And some crushing lows!
To begin with it was music, then videogames, then marketing. Regardless of where I work, one thing is a constant. I throw myself at it as if it’s the last gig of my life. The book is no exception.
Throughout your career, you’ve met prominent figures in the music business, including Trevor Horn, Mickie Most, and Jaz Coleman. How did these interactions shape your perspective and contribute to your success in the industry?
And from Angus Young (AC/DC) to Brian Connolly (The Sweet). I quickly realised that famous people are just people looking for privacy. The egos aside.
I treat people as I find them, I don’t change….
I also learned that most are incredibly ordinary people. I love to meet people who you might find are very different from their public persona. It’s not in the book, but I did a corporate video with Ruby Wax about 15 years ago, went to her house, met her kids and she was so welcoming.
When the red light on the camera started, I met ‘the’ Ruby Wax!
Before we conclude, can you highlight one key takeaway from ‘Backstage Pass’ that you believe encapsulates the essence of your story and the lessons you hope readers will carry with them?
It’s a book of life and career lessons wrapped around a true rock and roll story. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll learn. I hope people find inspiration from a true underdog story, that they find something in the book that moves them to find what rocks their world.
Further information
Harvey Lee: ‘Backstage Pass: A Business Book That’s Far From Conventional’ is released on 14 February. More information is available at harvey-lee.com
