Customer Reviews

Rage & Roll: Bill Graham and the Selling of Rock

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Although I enjoyed (and still do) the 'authorized' Bill Graham bio "Bill Graham Presents", my biggest problem with the book is the lack of balance. Bill's missteps are barely touched on in that book, and while it's not essential to know EVERY salacious detail, how can you neglect his failures when you mention every single triumph?

A good example of this is the information Bill Wyman provides concerning some devastating reasons why Bill Graham was not even considered for the Stones' SteelWheels tour. There are some more anecdotes about his interpersonal behaviour, and his drug use (barely mentioned in "BGP") as well as his treatment of Janis Joplin in the early stages of her career. Commentary from Steve Wozniak about the 'U.S. Festival', as well as more sound bites from his previous spouses.

I wouldn't think much less of Bill had these incidents been in the Greenfield book, but it would have been a bit more even-handed. As it is, this book sheds a tad more light onto an already colourful life story, but lacks the insightfulness of the Greenfield bio. Worth getting to complete the picture, but not as essential.

John Glatt's story of Bill Graham's journey from a humble immigrant into a legendary promoter reads like a fiction novel. A well documented and enjoyable read. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the history of rock.

This unauthorized biography has quotes and comments from a lot of people that Bill did not like or respect. It is somewhat one-sided in that respect. People either loved or hated him, but a remarkable number of people respected him and appreciated what he did. Having worked with him for 12 years, I am one who respected him greatly. This is just one of the two bios on him and I suggest readers look for the authorized one by Robert Greenfield called BILL GRAHAM PRESENTS.

This book is somewhat informative, yet somewhat suspect. The author chooses ex-wives and foes of Bill Graham to
provide "insight" or rather sling the dirt in unnecessary ways with pithy comments ("graham would collect loose change off of the floor after a show")in an effort to highlight graham's reputation as a capatilist. The author cannot relate the smallest anecedote without putting in a jab about the fact that Graham made money. The author seems to have a bone to pick with capatilism and Bill Graham, and rather than write a good read, he takes shots and really does graham a disservice. This book is marginal at best.

Excellent book on the history of concert promotion and exquisitively researched .... John Glatt has a rare gift as a biographer

Mr. Glatt is the James Joyce of Biography!!! Has morer talent than Attilla the Hun and Martha Stewart combined.