From: Mindi Abair

Subject: Re: OnlyFans

This was a super thoughtful approach to modern marketing. The old school ways are not working. I haven’t hired a publicist for my last 3 albums. It doesn’t make any sense to. It all happens online and on stage. Your email today sparked multiple conversations throughout the last few days of how we learn from the people who are doing it well. I’ve kept my super fans close, and they’re powerful. I keep a direct connection with them, while reaching outside of my normal zone for more to keep building with my shows, our Wine and Jazz Adventures, our NYE concert events. What you said rang true. I put myself out there everywhere… on stage, on instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Threads, etc. And hopefully people funnel into my world and find me and stay there. No Only Fans for me. Ha! Not my scene. But I understand how they’re building the lore of it. Great comparison with our world. Kept me talking about it for days!

Respect!

Mindi Abair

Like jazz?

www.mindiabair.com

Like wine and jazz?

www.wineandjazz.com

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Subject: Re: The New Music Business

Hi Bob —

The music business is unrecognizable from the days of massive music retail and powerhouse radio.  But I do not have much sympathy for talent complaining about paltry streaming payments.  In the good old days (my good old days, anyway), one spin of one record on one radio station, WLS, for example, could be heard by upwards of 500,000 people.  Once you made the playlist, the record was played up to 10 times a day or more.  That’s a lot of impressions.

Now, one stream is heard by one person.  How much is that worth?

Back when, record companies were in the career building business of selling hard goods.  These days, they are in the business of exposure of music.  The financial footings of the industry are not so solid.  That affects considerations of what labels look for in talent and what kind of music is selected for release.

It is truly a different business.  For me, I’m glad I was in it then, not now.

Jim Charne

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Re: The Geddy Lee Book

Thanks Bob for reviewing this! I was never a big Rush fan but I loved reading Geddy’s book. I’ve read a lot of rock biographies and the same old story of drugs and sex and endless fighting in the band gets old. I found it to be a really interesting and personal story. I never realized how smart those guys were either, in addition to being virtuoso musicians.

As an expatriate American who has been in Canada for nearly 40 years I did find it to be almost a stereotypical Canadian story. These guys didn’t seek out fame and fortune, they all got along with each other and seem to be very down to earth “nice guys”. Albeit maybe a bit boring at times.

This book made me want to listen to all their albums, at least once. My favorites are still the ones with the radio hits but I was able to appreciate the other albums as well.

Ian Wilson

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Re: The Geddy Lee Book

Yes, My Effin’ Life is long and cyclical, but it is humble and honest. Geddy Lee is a regular guy – a mensch.

When we lived in the Yonge / St. Claire neighbourhood in Toronto it was not usual to bump into him at Bregman’s buying bagels. No big whoop, just a customer buying the goods.

BTW Daniel Richler – a former colleague in our Montreal Rock Radio days co-wrote the book. Daniel is the son of one of Canada’s greatest writers Mordecai Richler. I hear some of Daniel’s influence in this down to earth story of one man’s Effin’ life. Worth the read!

 

Best regards

Andrew Forsyth

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Re: The Geddy Lee Book

So good. I “read” the audiobook and listening to Geddy tell the stories was, well, effin’ fantastic! I love that he covered his parents’ holocaust story. It’s needed these days, unfortunately.

I’m a semi-fan and I was riveted throughout, even without any tales of debauchery, and wanted more when it ended. Debauchery’s overrated. Honesty and humility made this a great book.

Mike Newman

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Re: The Geddy Lee Book

Bob, Geddy Lee is a terrific person to be a rock star.

I’m a Canadian, and a bassist; of course I’ve heard of him. I also do sound locally, and did audio for his previous book-launch event in Ottawa. He was polite, cheerful, to the point, and very together. He knew what he wanted and what was likely to be available.

He’s also very comfortable on-stage, knows how to use a microphone, and can be sharply funny. I’ve got to get a copy of this book too, and go to the book launch in town, if there is one.

Dave O’Heare

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Re: The Geddy Lee Book

I’m a big fan. Definitely enjoyed the book. Was blown away about how his parents made it back together after each going to camps (along with other family members, if I remember right).

And sure curious also about financials too but was a bit surprised that it seems like the band was not living the high life after the success of Moving Pictures (or is it just me?)…

And so hard to read when Neil had his personal tour case going back home and not to the “shop” like with the other Rush gear after the final show.

I could go on and on but I’ll stop there…

Steve Anderko in Fayetteville NY

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Re: The Geddy Lee Book

Seeing Geddy several months ago at the Orpheum in LA on his book tour was magical. Jack Black moderated. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience. We all got a copy of the book included with the ticket.

Thanks,
Dave Howard

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Re: The Geddy Lee Book

I’m a die hard Rush fan. That term is not used lightly. I have a savings account that I tithe, from money I earn, to put into this account just for Rush – tickets, merch, airfares, car rentals, lodging etc. I’ve seen Rush in cities all over the continent. I’m a lifer. There was a lot in this book that even we, the die hards, weren’t aware of and Geddy shared so much with us.

You’ve always talked about the success and longevity of a band is their relationship with the fans. You’ve emphasized that bands/artists need to curate and maintain a solid relationship with their fans. Rush did that. They evolved. They did not sell out. They took risks. They experimented. And we love them so deeply for it. The music. Their professionalism. Their journey. Their trials and tribulations. Oh and did I mention the music. It’s sophistication. It’s complexity both lyrically and musically. And they were ours. While the world was immersed in Michael Jackson and Madonna we had our own little special treat called Rush. They were ours. None of my friends grasped why I loved Rush so much.

Then came the internet and met others who shared my psychosis. The many friends I’ve met along the way because of Rush. The sharing of stories that were because of Rush. There’s nothing greater than having music bring people from all walks of life together. Rush provided that and more. Their humor. Their camaraderie. We took it all in and we march forward.

This was great, emotional and personal book that moved us, the fans. Sometimes with laughter. Sometimes with tears. But all throughout maintaining that connection with the fans.

This is how it’s done and no one did it better.

Etan G

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Re: The Geddy Lee Book

Terrific review. Geddy’s family lived in Downsview, at the time an almost entirely Jewish neighbourhood of North York, one of the many municipalities that was later amalgamated into Metro Toronto. I lived there, too, more or less at the same time as Geddy. We even went to the same public school (I believe he was a year behind me).

As the book recounts, Geddy was an indifferent student at best and school didn’t interest him, save for one event that stood out: a school show in which he got to work the spotlight. I was in that show and remember it well but, if I ever met Geddy, I don’t recall having done so. My loss.

Geddy and Alex later attended Newtonbrook High School, which many of my friends also attended, but, as you know, they had other things on their mind, much to the benefit of so many music lovers.

I mention these factoids only in the context of your remark that Canada is like a big high school where everyone knows each other. It’s not quite that chummy, but there are times, especially within some communities, where the lines do cross. You’ve experienced, and noted earlier, that Canada is a lot like the United States, but not exactly. There are differences, large and small, but to have grown up Jewish in the Toronto suburbs of the 1960s certainly gives one a great deal in common with one’s present and former neighbours.

David Basskin

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Re: The Geddy Lee Book

It’s SUCH a great read.  I tried to hold off in terms of finishing it too quickly because I was enjoying it so much (or as my friend Jason said – savour as much as possible).

 

Sure – as a Canadian – this book hits those emotional levels a little more quickly.  But the insight – in fact – the amount of drugs the band did alone – I would have lost that bet!

 

And Chapter 3: would be an INCREDIBLE movie.

 

Thanks for bringing attention to your readers – for those who may not have taken the time to read it yet – will love it!

Dale Robertson

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Re: The Geddy Lee Book

The audio book is even more enjoyable with Geddy narrating. He’s such an interesting and inspiring guy to somebody like me (born in 1970 who grew up in the NY suburbs where as a musician it was a rite of passage of for me and all of my musician friends to learn to play RUSH songs. They were Gods to us …and continued being so for many years. In many ways they were our Beatles.

Their inspiration was so lasting that when my old band Sound of URCHIN toured opening for Tenacious D, Jack Black would join us on stage each night to play The Spirit of Radio which was always the highlight of the night. (There’s a YouTube clip out there showing one of these gigs).

RUSH are absolute legends to so many of us and this book (print or audiobook) for any fan or anybody curious about how very 3 normal (yet extraordinary) Canadians made their permanent mark on many of us Gen Xers.

Scott Heydt

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Re: The Geddy Lee Book

hi bob ~

just finished geddy’s book on audible , my first audio book ever .

what in the world took me so long?

to hear geddy’s voice…doing his mom’s accent and the poignant ebbs & flows of his voice remembering all the tragedies …just brilliant.

can’t wait for andre to return from current pat metheny ‘dream box’ tour (guitar tech) and listen all over again.

i was never a rabid Rush fan…of course heard tom sawyer on the radio, growing up in the 70s.

have seen them once less than a decade ago.

i am, however; a rabid music fan.

i highly recommend the audio version, read by geddy.

it’s that good.

Robin Gelberg
Production Assistant/Merch
GuitarTour Productions

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Re: The Geddy Lee Book

Bob, most critics won’t agree but the top three are the Beatles , The Rolling Stones, and Rush.
The critics would be wrong. Rush was one of the best in the world. And influenced tens of thousands to up their playing game. Including me.

Bob Maggio

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Subject: Re: The Geddy Lee Book

Hey Bob,

Working for few years at Atlantic in the A&R Dept, there would be certain days on the company calendar of artists/”stars” visiting the building for departmental meetings. A working “behind the curtain” peek. Kid Rock on the elevator, members of Sugar Ray saying hello, Fat Joe strutting down hall, Rob Thomas banging on door, blowing kiss to A&R Senior Nick C & Mr Ertegun askin “what department are you with?” – you name it, just goes and goes.

When the inter office bulletin posted the Rush visit (Vapor Trails on Atlantic). The weight of it was a bit different. Other artists, executives, bean counters, interns, anyone, would also sense it. Almost a royalty like vibe. The exact times for each of their meetings, unlike all other visiting artists, were kept secret. And there was no Neil – didn’t do them. I was able to finagle through an assistant to find out what day, time, floor they would be on, and calculated the info, and that AM, rode the train with my 2112 vinyl in the hopes of getting it signed. Working with assistants to the main department brass to try and track down what office they would land, AND, if a window of time I can slip in. This had to be stealth like, since I was a grunt, and they followed a strict time schedule to each department. Got a tip on when they would have about 4 minutes of downtime waiting for next meeting so I hung up the phone, grabbed the record, got in elevator to then what probably looked like a 12 year old kid to the gal gatekeeper who was like “hurry-just go in and keep it together!!!!” ….and man…there’s Geddy and Alex….both get up from couch to shake my hand, and I went blank for a moment. Said “PLEASE SIT” but when they saw the record, they were like “Whoa, haven’t seen those in a while…” “it’s like a giant CD”….

Just a wholesome three minute conversation of music, and baseball!!!…they then signed my record, shook hands, and I was out of  there, and off the 23rd floor before the main people walked in.

What a road they, Geddy, traveled to get to their place in history.

Someone said to never meet your music heroes, but that phrase couldn’t have been more wrong here.

Nick Spro

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From: Barry Mc Cabe

Subject: Re: Paul Brady-This Week’s Podcast

Hi Bob,

I enjoyed the Paul Brady interview. Thank you for that. When trying to answer what it was like growing up in Ireland, especially during the Troubles, he could have pointed you to his own song “The Island”, in which he so eloquently describes what it was like to be living on ‘the island’ during that period.

Paul’s wife is from my hometown (Virginia, Co. Cavan). Back in the early ’70s you’d see him around town from time to time. He was already well-known, which is probably why he was asked to judge a local talent competition. It was held on the town square on the back of a truck. He already had a reputation for saying what was on his mind and not suffering fools lightly, so I don’t think some of the mothers were prepared for his comments on their little darlings. He wasn’t even being hard on them, just truthful. I have to say I agreed with everything he had to say.

Later that summer I walked into one of the pubs in town only to see Paul and his (future) brother-in-law playing guitars over in the corner. They were playing songs from Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor and stuff like that and I was mesmerised. I was only 14/15-years old at the time and in the process of discovering that music. Everything was going fine until someone said – “Hey Paul, Mc Cabe here plays guitar too, you know.” As I was not only young but also shy I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me at that moment.

Perhaps they needed a bathroom break because he said – “go ahead and play something then.” I had just written my first song so I thought if I play it they won’t know it and so won’t know if I’m any good or not. Ha ha, it doesn’t work that way obviously and it shows you how naive I was. When I finished I fully expected Paul to go all Simon Cowell on me but in fact he was quite kind and complimentary. As you can imagine at that age, it meant the world to me. In fact to this day, every time I hear the name Paul Brady my mind takes me back instantly to that evening in McQuaid’s pub.

Barry

P.S. I recorded that song many years later. I’d written it for my best friend who’d had a short summer romance with a girl from Canada (her family were staying at the local hotel).

… and if you want to know what Virginia looks like, you can catch glimpses of it here.

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Subject: Re: Paul Brady-This Week’s Podcast

Hey Bob,

I played guitar on Tina Turner’s “Steel Claw”

Jeff Beck played the Solo!!

Best,

Richie Zito

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Re: OnlyFans

The adult industry has always been on the leading edge of technology because they know that’s how to gain an advantage. Labels always resist. The TikTok standoff is more evidence of narrow thinking and continues to baffle me. This scene from Boogie Nights is a perfect metaphor for some of our resistance to innovation and change. Floyd Gondolli got it right: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cH0kOWNtLFo

Niels Schroeter

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Re: OnlyFans

You left out that only fans is slowly destroying the strip clubs. All the hottest girls don’t need to dance anymore

Scott Vener

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Re: The Geddy Lee Book

Where I worked in Toronto we had 65 employees.  One day they decided to figure out how many languages we could speak.  42.

Peter Burnside

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Subject: Re: “Private Equity: A Memoir”

Got a good laugh from your observation that “the most passionate music fans I know are MD’s”…as a child and grandchild of skilled musicians, so glad that my kid brother Frank London followed his dream to become a Grammy-winning Klezmer artist. 

While I love my work, I’ve always joked that in a family of musicians, I f*cked up and went to medical school!

Aloha

Steve London MD