I love a good success story. When the unlikely hero overcomes every obstacle to reach impossible heights, it feels like anything is possible.
Think Luke Skywalker in Star Wars… Ellie in The Last of Us… and more recently, Jann Mardenborough in Gran Turismo.
Movies are filled with these types of stories. But in real life, it’s rare to get an inside look at our heroes. They want to preserve the “overnight success” illusion. They don’t want us to see them sweat.
That’s probably what makes Backstage Pass: 50% Rock and Roll, 50% Business, 100% True such a rollicking good read. Harvey Lee never flinches as he details his 40-year rise from an unfocused AC/DC fan to renowned product marketer.
It will inspire you to suffer the sleepless nights and setbacks that are inevitable when you chase your dreams. Because you’ll understand that you hold the pen that writes your success story.
About the Author
Harvey Lee grew up in a modest home in Northern England. After being expelled from school, he struggled to find focus. The only thing that interested him was rock and roll. But after a rocky start, he discovered the music business industry, and the rest is history.
To tell you more would spoil the story, so I’ll stop here. If you want to know more about Harvey, you need to read the book.
My Takeaways
Part business book, part memoir, part self-development, Backstage Pass isn’t like any other book I’ve read.
Harvey tells his story in his own words, including the lessons learned and wisdom gleaned from hindsight. You’ll see his growth from high-school rebel to manager for rock-and-roll bands, and ultimately, corporate product marketer responsible for launching the original Xbox.
Every page resonates with Harvey’s love for rock and roll. His colorful stories and language come straight from the rock world. Even the chapters are named after famous songs.
But this book is so much more than one man’s attempt to make his living in rock and roll. It’s about the courage to chase your dreams, serendipity, and your own ability to create opportunities.
Every tell-all chapter is followed by key lessons in life and business. These are your takeaways. These are the lessons you can easily apply to your own life.
But you’ll also learn by watching. You’ll watch as Harvey leverages relationships, creates workarounds, and makes things happen. You’ll laugh out loud at the situations he gets himself into. And you’ll walk away with the deep understanding that success is self-made. You build the foundation, and you open the doors.
Whether you’re a music lover, a gamer, or a success junkie looking for a bit of inspiration, this book is for you. Don’t miss it. It’s one of the best “business books” you’ll read this year.
