Roadie: A True Story (at least the parts I remember) [Paperback]

Karl Kuenning (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 17, 2001

Once upon a lifetime ago, I was a "roadie" (a sound and lighting technician) and had the unique experience of working with rock stars, jazz performers, Disco and R&B artists from around the world. My behind the scenes stories contained in this book are all true. Some of the stories are exciting, with high drama, and unexpected plot twists. Other stories are very sad, oddly bizarre, or even incredibly ironic. Mixed in, on almost every page, is a large dose of humor to keep the reading light. Grab your backstage pass and hop on the tour bus, the show is about to start!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Almost by accident Karl became a full time roadie in October of 1975. He worked with over 200 artists providing sound reinforcement and lighting design for rock stars and jazz greats, traveling to 45 states and 17 countries before retiring from the road in November of 1979.

Product Details

• Paperback: 277 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse; trade pbk edition (June 17, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595185266
• ISBN-13: 978-0595185269
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #948,816 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Tour & Fantastic Trip!, January 12, 2006

By 

Douglas K. Lindberg "Brother Rock" (Bradenton, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Roadie: A True Story (at least the parts I remember) (Paperback)

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Roadie: A True Story- review by John D, October 22, 2005

By 

John D (Simsbury, CT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Roadie: A True Story (at least the parts I remember) (Paperback)

I initially bought this book because I am a LONG-TIME Jean-Luc Ponty fan. Well, the book is even better than that. First of all, if you're a fan of Jean-Luc, buy the book. I really wanted to know more about JLP as a person and this really helped. Second: there are a TON of fascinating tidbits about musicians from MANY genres. Third: this book is written in such a fashion that it's like sitting with the author and having him tell stories. Fourth: if you're interested in some of the logistics of how a band gets over the road, or ever contemplated doing something like this, buy the book. Fifth: the book evolves in such a way that the author offers some "school of hard knocks" lessons that hopefully will open some eyes, especially of those who are impressionable (in other words, it's better to learn from other's mistakes, if possible). Sixth: the author is candid about some personal challenges, acknowledges what that led to, and ultimately overcame them and is now better for it. A mini-epic/picaresque, with elements of other types of writing-and all of it VERY readable and enjoyable. Lastly: if you can get it from the author, he will personally inscribe it. What more could one ask for? HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!, August 15, 2001

By 

"ottawatech" (Ottawa, ON) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Roadie: A True Story (at least the parts I remember) (Paperback)

I've read this book twice now. Working in the live sound business, and having done a few shows on the road, I found this book very entertaining. Warning: There is some excellent humor contained in these pages! An excellent addition to a website I visit regularly, http://www.roadie.net/