Loud
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'Douglas's story is a rock history time capsule and a journey of self-discovery all at once.' ROLLING STONE What goes on tour stays on tour -- unless you're the the first woman roadie in the world At just fifteen, Tana Douglas ran away to the circus that was rock 'n' roll in the 1970s, taking a job with a young and upcoming band called AC/DC. While still a teenager she headed to the UK and later the US to work for a who's who of bands and artists. Life on the road was exhilarating, hard work, occasionally surreal but never dull, particularly when you're the only woman in the road crew and the #metoo movement is still 40 years away. Whether wrangling Iggy Pop across Europe, climbing trusses while seven months pregnant, drinking shots of JD with Bon Scott backstage at Wembley, or donning a tailor-made suit to do lights for Elton at Windsor Castle, Tana did it all. Loud is rock 'n' roll like you've never seen it before, by a woman who not only survived the all-male world on the road but climbed to the top and lived to tell the tale. AC/DC * Deep Purple * ELO * Elton John * Ice Cube * Ice-T * Iggy Pop* INXS * Iron Maiden * Lenny Kravitz * Neil Diamond * Ozzy Osbourne * Patti Smith * Pearl Jam * Rage Against the Machine * Red Hot Chili Peppers * Santana * Status Quo * Suzi Quatro * The Offspring * The Police * The Runaways * The Who * Vanda & Young and more!
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Could use better proofreading in spots, but a helluva fun read. It's amazing how many connections Tana has had through the years in the industry.
I'm always up for a book that brings me into the 1970s (and the overlapping years). This one achieved this and then some. As someone who listens to a lot of music from this era, it was exciting to read about some of the things behind the scenes, especially from the perspective of a female Roadie — something unheard of at the time Tana Douglas got her start.
The book is engaging and reflective, touching upon the author's career more than personal life. There is some backstory, but most of the facts going forward are left vague. I had mixed feelings about this because while I respect the decision to keep things private, there was enough information divulged throughout the book that leaves the reader hanging. At the same time, I liked that the focus was on the industry and not just the individual. I never realized all that goes into a concert, especially before today's technology.
From AC/DC to Iggy Pop to Elton John to The Police, several bands and performers are mentioned in this memoir. While the recognition of so many artists is full of nostalgia (even speaking as someone who wasn't around for the height of their fame), the heart of the book is Tana Douglas' journey from runaway to a pioneer for women in the music industry.
A huge thanks to HarperCollins/Harper360 for sending me a free ARC to read and review!