Customer Reviews

Frontman: Surviving the Rock Star Myth

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
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With 'Frontman' Richard Barone adds another remarkable achievement to his already impressive portfolio. Most books I've read by or about musicians have disappointed and/or caused me to like a performer less. 'Frontman' only helps me further appreciate one of my favorite artists! Richard offers a fascinating "travelogue" of his career and music. As in his songs, his writing is eloquent but never pretentious or cloying, and honest but never self-indulgent or gossipy. And as intended, his stories of the music biz are enlightening, engaging and educational for any aspiring frontmen. Richard has truly experienced the wild rollercoaster ride of the entertainment industry and still remains modest, upbeat, and astonishingly un-jaded. Whether or not you're already a fan of Richard's work, this is a great read... and if you're not, you will be by the time you finish this book!

Richard's book is an extremely enjoyable, involving look at a business that eats its own without blinking, but he's come out of everything he's encountered with an amazingly uncynical, positive view. I can't recommend Frontman highly enough... a wonderful way to spend your weekend!

What an amazing book! I simply could not put it down. Mr. Barone offers valuable advise to aspiring musicians, however, it is so much more than that. A true story of triumphs as well as disappointments and a rare insight into the glittery world of the superstars of music. Personally, I can't wait for the sequel....

Richard Barone has led an interesting life, from being a 7 year old radio DJ in Tampa to starting the Hoboken music scene in the early 1980's with his band The Bongos and the "chamber rock" trend in the late 1980's.

He captures the story of his life as a "frontman" with warmth and humor in this book, which is also filled with a cast of characters as varried as Tiny Tim and Bea Arthur to Moby and legendary producer Tony Visconti - and how each has added a thread in the tapestry that is Richard's life.

After reading, I was wishing there was a "soundtrack" to go along with the tales, such as the "legendary Tiny Tim Banana recording sessions", The Snails, and the "lost Bongos' album"... maybe that's a project for down the road.

If you are a fan of Richard's music, you'll get insights on how much of it came to be, and if you're not familiar with his catalogue, it's a fascinating tale of the music industry from an inside perspective which I hope will encourage you to see out the songs behind the stories.

Thank you for sharing, Richard!

This is an awesome book by a musician that grew up and lived here in Tampa. Richard was interesting when he was here and I knew him because we worked in competing record stores in town. I remember those few early singles released locally and how they were so different from what you were getting here at the time. He was a real pioneer of that type of music in the Tampa Bay area and I would say most of Florida. Read this book if you get a chance. You won't be sorry.

Frontman: Surviving the Rock Star Myth

"Frontman" is a uniquely honest and refreshing story that works on several levels at the same time. What makes a frontman? Why do they do it? Few books, if any, have explored the phenomenon from the point of view of the subject so brilliantly. B-52's Frontman Fred Schneider says it best on the back cover: "BUY THIS BOOK"!!!

Richard Barone's Frontman is a great inside look at what is takes to be a surviver - as a musician in the music industry. And a well respected on at that.
It is mostly the industry 'from within' as well as Richard's personal experiences and a few tips on how it works and how to work it.
Nice! And did I say well written?

What a surprise to find that the frontman, Richard Barone, is a poet, a musician and singer, a philosopher and mystic. I was skeptical when a friend gave me the book exclaiming, "you'll love it." I love music, but wasn't interested in knowing the ins and outs of the music business (which is accomplished with humor, intelligence and punches). So, I read the first page and was convinced he could write, and then read the last two pages, which reeled me into the reality that this book was much more than black and white words. I've thanked my friend for turning me on to The Frontman. I've given copies to several of my friends, who have thanked me. And, so it goes, there are numerous ways to be inspired, appreciate creativity, notice serendipity, and be compelled to consider the grand unanswerable questions of life. Thank you Richard Barone!