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33 Days: Touring In A Van. Sleeping On Floors. Chasing A Dream.
For 33 days in the summer of 1987, Divine Weeks toured in a beat up old Ford Econoline van, sleeping on strangers’ floors, never sure they’d make enough gas money to get them to the next town. This deeply personal, coming of age, on the road memoir follows critically acclaimed 80s indie alt rock band Divine Weeks’ first tour. Liberated from alcoholic upbringings and rigid cultural constraints, all they have is their music and each other’s friendship. The road is filled with yuppies, brothels, riots, sleeping on floors, spiked drinks, DJs with no pants, and battles with racism. They set out on the road to discovery to drink in all they could and maybe sell a few records. They grew up instead.
276 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2011
11 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
About the author
Bill See
4 books29 followersBill See has been a mainstay of the Los Angeles music and writing community since the mid-80s. He is the founding member and front man for the seminal indie rock band Divine Weeks releasing four critically acclaimed records and touring extensively. The tour journals he kept on Divine Weeks' first national tour in 1987 were the basis for his debut docu-novel, "33 Days: Touring in a Van, Sleeping on Floors, Chasing a Dream." He has just released his follow up novel, "Everything That Came Before Grace" centered around a single father struggling to keep his mental issues under control while raising his daughter.
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September 12, 2014
Wow. I don't know where to start.
This is a great story about all the hard work involved in actually trying to make it as a rock band. It's easy to dismiss those who have enough heart to attempt it as lazy and unmotivated, that they're doing it only because they don't want to get a real job. Well, guess what? This is work. Hard work. Harder than a tedious 9-5 job, because being on the road is 24/7 work.
Also, it's great to read a book where many of the events take place in my native Los Angeles. It's great to instantly be able to bring up a mental picture of places mentioned, even mundane ones like Burger King. And it turns out that I am the same age as the author, so I'm familiar with all the local cultural references he mentions and have fond recollections of the musical scene he recalls, despite the fact that I grew up on the other side of the hill. I was also pleasantly surprised at what a nice bunch of guys Divine Weeks were. Despite the copious amounts of alcohol they consumed, which is to be expected, drug use was negligible, and there was really no womanizing.
This book has also forced me to take a good hard look at myself, and it's not a pretty sight. I've slowly come to the realization that despite all my pretenses at being cool when I was in my late teens and twenties, I was nothing more than a poseur. Mr. See was the real deal. I am what he saved Raj from becoming. So Divine Weeks never became superstars. It doesn't matter. At least they can say they gave it their best shot. Meantime, here I am, middle-aged with teenagers of my own that I somehow have to inspire to reach their full potential while stuck in a job that, to quote The Smiths, "pays my way and . . . corrodes my soul" full of regret for being too scared to do something impulsive while I was still young enough for it not to matter. But I suppose you have to take the good with the bad. Mr. See describes a level of dysfunction in his home while growing up that I can't even begin to fathom. I might have been more willing to do something dramatic and spontaneous to escape a toxic home life, rather than pretend I have no dreams and stay in a nurturing environment.
I don't know if this book will appeal to younger people. I hope it does. I hope they will find inspiration in Mr. See's words: "The brave don't live forever, but the cautious don't live at all. The only thing that's truly terrifying is the unlived life."
This is a great story about all the hard work involved in actually trying to make it as a rock band. It's easy to dismiss those who have enough heart to attempt it as lazy and unmotivated, that they're doing it only because they don't want to get a real job. Well, guess what? This is work. Hard work. Harder than a tedious 9-5 job, because being on the road is 24/7 work.
Also, it's great to read a book where many of the events take place in my native Los Angeles. It's great to instantly be able to bring up a mental picture of places mentioned, even mundane ones like Burger King. And it turns out that I am the same age as the author, so I'm familiar with all the local cultural references he mentions and have fond recollections of the musical scene he recalls, despite the fact that I grew up on the other side of the hill. I was also pleasantly surprised at what a nice bunch of guys Divine Weeks were. Despite the copious amounts of alcohol they consumed, which is to be expected, drug use was negligible, and there was really no womanizing.
This book has also forced me to take a good hard look at myself, and it's not a pretty sight. I've slowly come to the realization that despite all my pretenses at being cool when I was in my late teens and twenties, I was nothing more than a poseur. Mr. See was the real deal. I am what he saved Raj from becoming. So Divine Weeks never became superstars. It doesn't matter. At least they can say they gave it their best shot. Meantime, here I am, middle-aged with teenagers of my own that I somehow have to inspire to reach their full potential while stuck in a job that, to quote The Smiths, "pays my way and . . . corrodes my soul" full of regret for being too scared to do something impulsive while I was still young enough for it not to matter. But I suppose you have to take the good with the bad. Mr. See describes a level of dysfunction in his home while growing up that I can't even begin to fathom. I might have been more willing to do something dramatic and spontaneous to escape a toxic home life, rather than pretend I have no dreams and stay in a nurturing environment.
I don't know if this book will appeal to younger people. I hope it does. I hope they will find inspiration in Mr. See's words: "The brave don't live forever, but the cautious don't live at all. The only thing that's truly terrifying is the unlived life."
May 30, 2011
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I'll be honest, if I were walking by this book in a bookstore I might have kept walking because it isn't my usual type of read, but that is exactly why I love GoodReads. I come across so many wonderful reading opportunities that normal wandering (in my usual sections) might not bring to light. I read the premise for this book and instantly knew I would love the journey that was bound to take place. A bunch of young peeps playing in a rock band experiencing the highs and lows; sex, drugs and rock and roll. I instantly wanted it. I was so excited and surprised when Bill See emailed me direct and asked if I would be interested in reading and reviewing an eBook copy. HELLS YES!!
GoodReads Summary of this book - For 33 days in the summer of 1987, Divine Weeks toured in a beat up old Ford Econoline van, sleeping on strangers’ floors, never sure they’d make enough gas money to get them to the next town. This deeply personal, coming of age, on the road memoir follows critically acclaimed 80s indie alt rock band Divine Weeks’ first tour. Liberated from alcoholic upbringings and rigi...more
For 33 days in the summer of 1987, Divine Weeks toured in a beat up old Ford Econoline van, sleeping on strangers’ floors, never sure they’d make enough gas money to get them to the next town. This deeply personal, coming of age, on the road memoir follows critically acclaimed 80s indie alt rock band Divine Weeks’ first tour. Liberated from alcoholic upbringings and rigid cultural constraints, all they have is their music and each other’s friendship. The road is filled with yuppies, brothels, riots, sleeping on floors, spiked drinks, DJs with no pants, and battles with racism. They set out on the road to discovery to drink in all they could and maybe sell a few records. They grew up instead.
Being the little girl growing up who sung at the top of her lungs every moment I could, I completely understood this book. To this day, I have a guitar that I was given years ago that I would love to learn how to play, but still it sits there gathering dust. My mother has taught me a few songs, but it just doesn't come to me without a teacher. Deep down inside, I still think I can be Sheryl Crow. Who doesn't at some point in their lives think they want (and can be) a rock n roll star? Music helps me escape and purge any pent up feelings. Hell it's the best part of working out; what better way to forget I am running on a treadmill. It is how I wake up in the morning and most days in the background as well. As Bill See says, " . . .until music permeated my bloodstream, I was just walking around dodging bullets."
Music, I feel, is the way to someone's soul. It touches me in ways other things, people included, cannot. It allows me to feel feelings that I never knew I could, or would. I can sing about heart ache, my truck being broken down, smoking a doobie, whatever. As long as it hits the heart and I can feel the beat, it doesn't matter. And I can't really feel music unless it is pounding from the inside. It just feels me up and pours out of me. I am and always will be that little girl who got sent outside because my singing was so loud it was annoying my parents (and probably after awhile, the neighbors). This quote from the book, "We know music can't change the world, but music changed our world, and it could change theirs. It's not even like we're trying to convince anyone our music can change their world. We're just trying to show people we feel reborn doing what we're meant to do." is the epitome of what I feel.
Each of the people Bill See talks about in this book are fascinating in their own way and I really enjoy how he incorporates his growth and development from being around them without losing the reality of life. My favorite part of the whole book though, is the realization he needs to play -
"Raj," I say quietly to him. "Soon it'll be too late. You'll be married . . . and I'll be bitter . . . Let's make everyone of those motherfuckers down there know our name."
I relate to so much of what he says regarding being eaten alive by the audience, taken advantage of by the club managers and then being racially assaulted while simply out being human. This is alive in my world of retail (as I hate to call it customer service because then I feel like a servant to customers) . . . Bill relates this quote a few times throughout the book, a saying from Tom Joad, "A fella ain't got a soul of his own, just a little piece of a big soul. The one big soul that belongs to everyone."
Other moments that truly grabbed me -
Aside from maybe Springsteen, there's no rock stars for role models. They've all let me down. It's like they all lusted after stardom and once there, looked us in the eye and then fled. I've stood there outside after shows and watch them treat fans like an annoyance, get whisked away in their limos and isolate themselves in their extravagance and wealth only to moan about it later. I'm done with it.
I used to think all heaven was an ear, but it's like I've been screaming in to the void - eulogizing stalled dreams - but I never stopped that one continuous plea. So it went: someone's got to save me.
Tom Hasse is going to be here in just a few to pick me up so we can go rent the van. No one will rent to us because none of us have a credit card, and we're all under 25. Then my friend Dave Silva told me his friend Tom would lay down his credit card for us to rent the van. Now, I don't know if ol' Tom's just too stoned to know better than to rent a van for a rock band going on tour for over a month. A band that's not even traveling with the guy who rented the van. A band that's not only taking the van outside California, but clear out of the freaking country.
One suggestion with this book would have been to add a CD compilation to this book that has the music with it. I loved each and every song listed in this book and found myself going to YouTube to find and listen to the songs while I read. Songs like Let It Be by the Replacements and Inner City Blues by Marvin Gaye and Bad by U2 and everything from The Who to R.E.M. He references Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers which makes my insides squeal like the little girl I will always be. Oh how I love "Free Bird."
The connection of the bands is so cool; hearing about Kurt Cobain and the differences between indie post-punk rock, heavy influenced bands and hard rock/glam like GunsNRoses (I SO heart you guys!!) and then even explaining Jane's Addiction. I found myself even looking up the songs I had never heard of and playing them. I also spent some time googling his band trying to find videos of them playing just to formulate a better picture with sound, in my head.
33 Days: Touring in a Van. Sleeping on Floors. Chasing a Dream. is a fantastic book that kept me riveted, laughing and yes, occasionally, even, cringing. I loved the camaraderie, the stories of these guys before they went on this trip and how they survived during. The difficulty in breaking out and doing for yourself what your family and parent's may not understand you need to do, is something all kids face. I know I still feel the need to seek approval and know they are happy for me. The need to get out and place my stamp on the world. Be big and be bold or go home. Bill See shows great humility and humbleness in this experience.
Once again, I am enamored with my eReader because I kept being able to look-up books with a touch of my finger and also highlight and take notes which are easily pulled up with the Content button (also a simple touch of the screen). Woop! There it is!
I have already told Saint that he must read this. He is an even bigger music fan than I am. As is my Aunt Sara, which please know when you read this post, I will be sending you a copy when it's published in April. YOU will love this book!
A BIG thanks to Bill See for sending me an email inviting me to review his book!! I really enjoyed the ride.
I'll be honest, if I were walking by this book in a bookstore I might have kept walking because it isn't my usual type of read, but that is exactly why I love GoodReads. I come across so many wonderful reading opportunities that normal wandering (in my usual sections) might not bring to light. I read the premise for this book and instantly knew I would love the journey that was bound to take place. A bunch of young peeps playing in a rock band experiencing the highs and lows; sex, drugs and rock and roll. I instantly wanted it. I was so excited and surprised when Bill See emailed me direct and asked if I would be interested in reading and reviewing an eBook copy. HELLS YES!!
GoodReads Summary of this book - For 33 days in the summer of 1987, Divine Weeks toured in a beat up old Ford Econoline van, sleeping on strangers’ floors, never sure they’d make enough gas money to get them to the next town. This deeply personal, coming of age, on the road memoir follows critically acclaimed 80s indie alt rock band Divine Weeks’ first tour. Liberated from alcoholic upbringings and rigi...more
For 33 days in the summer of 1987, Divine Weeks toured in a beat up old Ford Econoline van, sleeping on strangers’ floors, never sure they’d make enough gas money to get them to the next town. This deeply personal, coming of age, on the road memoir follows critically acclaimed 80s indie alt rock band Divine Weeks’ first tour. Liberated from alcoholic upbringings and rigid cultural constraints, all they have is their music and each other’s friendship. The road is filled with yuppies, brothels, riots, sleeping on floors, spiked drinks, DJs with no pants, and battles with racism. They set out on the road to discovery to drink in all they could and maybe sell a few records. They grew up instead.
Being the little girl growing up who sung at the top of her lungs every moment I could, I completely understood this book. To this day, I have a guitar that I was given years ago that I would love to learn how to play, but still it sits there gathering dust. My mother has taught me a few songs, but it just doesn't come to me without a teacher. Deep down inside, I still think I can be Sheryl Crow. Who doesn't at some point in their lives think they want (and can be) a rock n roll star? Music helps me escape and purge any pent up feelings. Hell it's the best part of working out; what better way to forget I am running on a treadmill. It is how I wake up in the morning and most days in the background as well. As Bill See says, " . . .until music permeated my bloodstream, I was just walking around dodging bullets."
Music, I feel, is the way to someone's soul. It touches me in ways other things, people included, cannot. It allows me to feel feelings that I never knew I could, or would. I can sing about heart ache, my truck being broken down, smoking a doobie, whatever. As long as it hits the heart and I can feel the beat, it doesn't matter. And I can't really feel music unless it is pounding from the inside. It just feels me up and pours out of me. I am and always will be that little girl who got sent outside because my singing was so loud it was annoying my parents (and probably after awhile, the neighbors). This quote from the book, "We know music can't change the world, but music changed our world, and it could change theirs. It's not even like we're trying to convince anyone our music can change their world. We're just trying to show people we feel reborn doing what we're meant to do." is the epitome of what I feel.
Each of the people Bill See talks about in this book are fascinating in their own way and I really enjoy how he incorporates his growth and development from being around them without losing the reality of life. My favorite part of the whole book though, is the realization he needs to play -
"Raj," I say quietly to him. "Soon it'll be too late. You'll be married . . . and I'll be bitter . . . Let's make everyone of those motherfuckers down there know our name."
I relate to so much of what he says regarding being eaten alive by the audience, taken advantage of by the club managers and then being racially assaulted while simply out being human. This is alive in my world of retail (as I hate to call it customer service because then I feel like a servant to customers) . . . Bill relates this quote a few times throughout the book, a saying from Tom Joad, "A fella ain't got a soul of his own, just a little piece of a big soul. The one big soul that belongs to everyone."
Other moments that truly grabbed me -
Aside from maybe Springsteen, there's no rock stars for role models. They've all let me down. It's like they all lusted after stardom and once there, looked us in the eye and then fled. I've stood there outside after shows and watch them treat fans like an annoyance, get whisked away in their limos and isolate themselves in their extravagance and wealth only to moan about it later. I'm done with it.
I used to think all heaven was an ear, but it's like I've been screaming in to the void - eulogizing stalled dreams - but I never stopped that one continuous plea. So it went: someone's got to save me.
Tom Hasse is going to be here in just a few to pick me up so we can go rent the van. No one will rent to us because none of us have a credit card, and we're all under 25. Then my friend Dave Silva told me his friend Tom would lay down his credit card for us to rent the van. Now, I don't know if ol' Tom's just too stoned to know better than to rent a van for a rock band going on tour for over a month. A band that's not even traveling with the guy who rented the van. A band that's not only taking the van outside California, but clear out of the freaking country.
One suggestion with this book would have been to add a CD compilation to this book that has the music with it. I loved each and every song listed in this book and found myself going to YouTube to find and listen to the songs while I read. Songs like Let It Be by the Replacements and Inner City Blues by Marvin Gaye and Bad by U2 and everything from The Who to R.E.M. He references Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers which makes my insides squeal like the little girl I will always be. Oh how I love "Free Bird."
The connection of the bands is so cool; hearing about Kurt Cobain and the differences between indie post-punk rock, heavy influenced bands and hard rock/glam like GunsNRoses (I SO heart you guys!!) and then even explaining Jane's Addiction. I found myself even looking up the songs I had never heard of and playing them. I also spent some time googling his band trying to find videos of them playing just to formulate a better picture with sound, in my head.
33 Days: Touring in a Van. Sleeping on Floors. Chasing a Dream. is a fantastic book that kept me riveted, laughing and yes, occasionally, even, cringing. I loved the camaraderie, the stories of these guys before they went on this trip and how they survived during. The difficulty in breaking out and doing for yourself what your family and parent's may not understand you need to do, is something all kids face. I know I still feel the need to seek approval and know they are happy for me. The need to get out and place my stamp on the world. Be big and be bold or go home. Bill See shows great humility and humbleness in this experience.
Once again, I am enamored with my eReader because I kept being able to look-up books with a touch of my finger and also highlight and take notes which are easily pulled up with the Content button (also a simple touch of the screen). Woop! There it is!
I have already told Saint that he must read this. He is an even bigger music fan than I am. As is my Aunt Sara, which please know when you read this post, I will be sending you a copy when it's published in April. YOU will love this book!
A BIG thanks to Bill See for sending me an email inviting me to review his book!! I really enjoyed the ride.
April 18, 2011
As a musician myself, I am always interested on the hardships my fellow music-makers endure for their art, which is why this book appealed to me. Besides having a great premise for all kinds of strange things to happen (guys touring in a teeny tiny van for a month? Yes, bound to be outrageous), it promised to a unique view into an indie band’s first official tour.
I enjoyed this book. It’s not nearly as goofy as I thought it would be, but in this case that’s a good thing. From one member’s guilt at leaving his family behind to tour, to a penny-pinching club owner who refused to pay the band the twenty measly dollars he owed them, we as the readers are plunged into the world of music that we don’t see every day.
There are issues, of course, with the writing itself. Some playing with tenses that confused matters instead of making them more interesting and a few grammatical issues, but nothing that would send you running for your smelling salts.
It is a fun read, sometimes edging on melancholic (in a good way) that reveals so much about the music industry as well as the dedicated musicians who dare to step up and play.
I enjoyed this book. It’s not nearly as goofy as I thought it would be, but in this case that’s a good thing. From one member’s guilt at leaving his family behind to tour, to a penny-pinching club owner who refused to pay the band the twenty measly dollars he owed them, we as the readers are plunged into the world of music that we don’t see every day.
There are issues, of course, with the writing itself. Some playing with tenses that confused matters instead of making them more interesting and a few grammatical issues, but nothing that would send you running for your smelling salts.
It is a fun read, sometimes edging on melancholic (in a good way) that reveals so much about the music industry as well as the dedicated musicians who dare to step up and play.
April 7, 2016
‘It’s not about the having and the getting, it’s about the being and becoming.’
The story of a 33 day tour by the band Divine Weeks. Bill See, the author, was the lead singer of the L.A. band who enjoyed some success in the '80s.
In this memoir, See has collected together journal entries and memories to create much more than just a tour diary. He documents the tour with a great descriptive narrative that really captures the moment and brings his memories to life. He also talks about his own dysfunctional home life, which in some ways spurred him on to chase his dream.
See is a talented writer, who is able to impart wisdom and knowledge through his prose.
I enjoyed reading about the band’s progression from an unknown group who played only weekday gigs in their home town, to a successful band touring nationwide. But this is not just a story about the band’s journey, it’s also about the individual band members’ personal journeys along the way. See’s introspective and thought-provoking prose make the book a compulsive and insightful read.
We follow the band on their first real tour, across the US and Canada in 1987, where they play small venues, often to a handful of people. But the band’s passion is such that they are determined to do anything to reach their dream of one day becoming real rock stars. They survive with hardly any money and sleep in a van and cheap hotels, or even on friends’ floors. There is a lot of humour sprinkled throughout the book which makes it an enjoyable read. I liked the fact that the author has included photographs of memorable parts of the tour and his life in the book. It gives an extra dimension to the story.
As well as being an enthralling tour diary, this book deals with such subjects as family life, alcoholism, racism, dysfunctional families, relationships, friendship, loyalty, and the power of dreams.
Divine Weeks’ story is an inspirational one that shows what someone can achieve if they follow their dream. The author captures the essence of the book best, when he says: ‘This book is for everyone who’s stood at their crossroads with a dream screaming inside wondering whether to choose the road that goes off the map or fold up their tent and head back home.’
Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Maria Savva as a reviewer for Bookpleasures.com.
The story of a 33 day tour by the band Divine Weeks. Bill See, the author, was the lead singer of the L.A. band who enjoyed some success in the '80s.
In this memoir, See has collected together journal entries and memories to create much more than just a tour diary. He documents the tour with a great descriptive narrative that really captures the moment and brings his memories to life. He also talks about his own dysfunctional home life, which in some ways spurred him on to chase his dream.
See is a talented writer, who is able to impart wisdom and knowledge through his prose.
I enjoyed reading about the band’s progression from an unknown group who played only weekday gigs in their home town, to a successful band touring nationwide. But this is not just a story about the band’s journey, it’s also about the individual band members’ personal journeys along the way. See’s introspective and thought-provoking prose make the book a compulsive and insightful read.
We follow the band on their first real tour, across the US and Canada in 1987, where they play small venues, often to a handful of people. But the band’s passion is such that they are determined to do anything to reach their dream of one day becoming real rock stars. They survive with hardly any money and sleep in a van and cheap hotels, or even on friends’ floors. There is a lot of humour sprinkled throughout the book which makes it an enjoyable read. I liked the fact that the author has included photographs of memorable parts of the tour and his life in the book. It gives an extra dimension to the story.
As well as being an enthralling tour diary, this book deals with such subjects as family life, alcoholism, racism, dysfunctional families, relationships, friendship, loyalty, and the power of dreams.
Divine Weeks’ story is an inspirational one that shows what someone can achieve if they follow their dream. The author captures the essence of the book best, when he says: ‘This book is for everyone who’s stood at their crossroads with a dream screaming inside wondering whether to choose the road that goes off the map or fold up their tent and head back home.’
Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Maria Savva as a reviewer for Bookpleasures.com.
November 17, 2011
This is the story of DIVINE WEEKS. Who are they? Simply put, people just like you and me that saw a future bigger and brighter just over the next hill and struck out with all cylinders running to capture it. They were a band drawn together by life and friendship that while seeking their rockstar dreams learned more about life and themselves than they ever imagined. Did they succeed in becoming uber famous mega stars? Not exactly or you'd have known who they were from the start, but that's beside the point.
The real point is that they tried with all their hearts and souls. They left their mark on this life both musically and through personal connections made so despite the band's fall back into animimity, their worlds were changed for the better. It was amazing to see the relationships these guys had with each other...chummy yet understanding, macho but not afraid to shed a tear.
Throughout the tour they saw many different places and met loads of people, but some of the most memorable were perhaps the most heated...and not in the way you might be thinking. A portion of the tour took place in our neighbors to the north's homeland (aka Canada) and though friendly enough overall, one encounter almost spoiled the entire experience. It seems that racial profiling is not specific to our red, white, and blue borders and these young fellas were face to face with some of the worst (as in rascists at heart but made worse by alcohol). It's got to be one of the most ignorant crimes in my book...I mean just because a particular person from a specific background does a horrible thing, it doesn't mean everyone from their home city or country or religion will as well, you know? Despite the vile feelings and blind rage the oppositions acts inspire the guys grow closer for the experience....like the old adage says, walk a mile in a man's shoes to really understand him,
In summary, not your typical rock n roll story but something altogether more. You'll see life through the eyes of the "invincible" change to one of understanding and the acceptance of a future they know not fully of, but can't wait to stake their claim in. Recommended read for older teens through adults due to an at times colorful narrative and the heaviness of topic a time or two. It's richer read than at first can be perceived but contains a journey well worth taking.
The real point is that they tried with all their hearts and souls. They left their mark on this life both musically and through personal connections made so despite the band's fall back into animimity, their worlds were changed for the better. It was amazing to see the relationships these guys had with each other...chummy yet understanding, macho but not afraid to shed a tear.
Throughout the tour they saw many different places and met loads of people, but some of the most memorable were perhaps the most heated...and not in the way you might be thinking. A portion of the tour took place in our neighbors to the north's homeland (aka Canada) and though friendly enough overall, one encounter almost spoiled the entire experience. It seems that racial profiling is not specific to our red, white, and blue borders and these young fellas were face to face with some of the worst (as in rascists at heart but made worse by alcohol). It's got to be one of the most ignorant crimes in my book...I mean just because a particular person from a specific background does a horrible thing, it doesn't mean everyone from their home city or country or religion will as well, you know? Despite the vile feelings and blind rage the oppositions acts inspire the guys grow closer for the experience....like the old adage says, walk a mile in a man's shoes to really understand him,
In summary, not your typical rock n roll story but something altogether more. You'll see life through the eyes of the "invincible" change to one of understanding and the acceptance of a future they know not fully of, but can't wait to stake their claim in. Recommended read for older teens through adults due to an at times colorful narrative and the heaviness of topic a time or two. It's richer read than at first can be perceived but contains a journey well worth taking.
May 28, 2011
Sex, Drugs, Rock and Roll. Many people see the life of a touring rock band as one long party. A life of limos, jets, and tour buses with roadies and groupies taking care of all your needs. For some bands it is. For most it isn't.
In "33 Days" Bill See tells the story of the first national tour of Divine Weeks, a Los Angeles based band, during the summer of 1987. As the subtitle explains, instead of jets and groupies it was "Touring In A Van, Sleeping On Floors, Chasing A Dream." "33 Days" is also the story of what the majority of bands that make it past the local level experience: Playing in clubs where a sellout means a couple hundred people, not tens of thousands and weeknight shows where you hope you'll make enough to earn gas money to make it to your next gig -- ten or twelve hours down the highway.
The music fan in me liked "33 Days" for the inside look at what touring is like for the kind of band I've gravitated to for the last several years. I had a clue - multiply a pittance of a cover charge by forty or fifty and compare that with a quick barebones estimate of expenses. But, you can't get a sense of the highs and lows unless you live it, even if only vicariously. For those interested in such things "33 Days" delivers.
All readers, even if they don't give a hoot about the workings of the music business, will still find a compelling tale. In many ways, this is a classic coming-of-age story. For See, this tour is a chance to escape his dysfunctional family and test his own limits. Many of his band mates have home issues they're also working out. How this group of young men come together as a team while dealing with their individual issues
is a story anyone could learn from and enjoy.
As an avid reader of indie books, I frequently cite recent music business history as an explanation of where the publishing business is going -- "33 Days" is a primer on how that will happen. Indie authors who lament how much work it takes to get their book noticed could learn from the ethos of See and Divine Weeks.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog.**
In "33 Days" Bill See tells the story of the first national tour of Divine Weeks, a Los Angeles based band, during the summer of 1987. As the subtitle explains, instead of jets and groupies it was "Touring In A Van, Sleeping On Floors, Chasing A Dream." "33 Days" is also the story of what the majority of bands that make it past the local level experience: Playing in clubs where a sellout means a couple hundred people, not tens of thousands and weeknight shows where you hope you'll make enough to earn gas money to make it to your next gig -- ten or twelve hours down the highway.
The music fan in me liked "33 Days" for the inside look at what touring is like for the kind of band I've gravitated to for the last several years. I had a clue - multiply a pittance of a cover charge by forty or fifty and compare that with a quick barebones estimate of expenses. But, you can't get a sense of the highs and lows unless you live it, even if only vicariously. For those interested in such things "33 Days" delivers.
All readers, even if they don't give a hoot about the workings of the music business, will still find a compelling tale. In many ways, this is a classic coming-of-age story. For See, this tour is a chance to escape his dysfunctional family and test his own limits. Many of his band mates have home issues they're also working out. How this group of young men come together as a team while dealing with their individual issues
is a story anyone could learn from and enjoy.
As an avid reader of indie books, I frequently cite recent music business history as an explanation of where the publishing business is going -- "33 Days" is a primer on how that will happen. Indie authors who lament how much work it takes to get their book noticed could learn from the ethos of See and Divine Weeks.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog.**
July 23, 2016
"This book is for everyone who’s stood at their crossroads with a dream screaming inside wondering whether to choose the road that goes off the map or fold up their tent and head back home."
I absolutely adored this book. This book was one of my favorites because it combined some of my favorite aspects of books (nonfiction, music) beautifully. I actually first purchased this book because I was browsing books I wanted, and it appeared as one of the recommended books. I clicked on it, looked at the summary, and decided to purchase it, because it seemed like such a great deal. I soon found out, that this is a book about growing up, and becoming who you are. As Divine Weeks made their way across North America, sharing their Los Angeles music with the Canada and the United States, Raj and Bill, along with the rest of the band, realized what their dreams were, and discovered how deep their love for music was. Their hearts and souls were poured into the music, and to understand how passionate Divine Weeks was about the music they performed and recorded, was a wonderful experience. Additionally, the book was just an eyeopener, in that it depicted the good hearts of the people who just want to stick up for what they believe in, have fun, and make their dreams come true. I recommended visiting the book's website www.33DaysTheBook.com either while reading the book, or after you've finished so that you can hear some of the music the author discusses and see unofficial soundtrack, for both of these made the book even better for me. Overall, just a great novel!
I absolutely adored this book. This book was one of my favorites because it combined some of my favorite aspects of books (nonfiction, music) beautifully. I actually first purchased this book because I was browsing books I wanted, and it appeared as one of the recommended books. I clicked on it, looked at the summary, and decided to purchase it, because it seemed like such a great deal. I soon found out, that this is a book about growing up, and becoming who you are. As Divine Weeks made their way across North America, sharing their Los Angeles music with the Canada and the United States, Raj and Bill, along with the rest of the band, realized what their dreams were, and discovered how deep their love for music was. Their hearts and souls were poured into the music, and to understand how passionate Divine Weeks was about the music they performed and recorded, was a wonderful experience. Additionally, the book was just an eyeopener, in that it depicted the good hearts of the people who just want to stick up for what they believe in, have fun, and make their dreams come true. I recommended visiting the book's website www.33DaysTheBook.com either while reading the book, or after you've finished so that you can hear some of the music the author discusses and see unofficial soundtrack, for both of these made the book even better for me. Overall, just a great novel!
March 4, 2021
Something happens to you when you keep apologizing for things that make you feel alive. It's fucking crazy.
When I was looking for a book with '33' in the title, I initially skipped over this one. I'm not one for reading memoirs in the first place, and a recounting of the first tour of an indie rock band in the summer of 1987 didn't really appeal to my showtunes loving brain. However, not finding another good option, I cycled back to this one, and I'm really glad I did.
33 Days is a book about what music can do to you and for you. It's about finding escape and refuge in the sounds, in performing, in the energy of a crowd. It's about escaping where you came from and discovering who you are. Contrary to the 'sex, drugs and rock'n'roll' posturing I'd expected, it's a profound look into what being human means, and how 33 days of living out your dream can change you in all the best ways.
Recommend if: You're even halfway interested in music
Avoid if: You're looking for a fluffy read
Content warnings: Alcohol (lots of alcohol), parental neglect, racism (Raj, one of the band members, is of Indian descent)
August 5, 2019
Musician bios are generally narcissistic affairs with way more back story than you ever wanted or needed.
This is no different, but being a story about a band you've probably never heard of, who keep turning down groupies and saying no to debauchery, it's surprisingly poignant in places.
This is no different, but being a story about a band you've probably never heard of, who keep turning down groupies and saying no to debauchery, it's surprisingly poignant in places.
June 5, 2017
Wonderful book about chasing dreams, growing up, and learning what's important. "This Band Could Be Your Life" meets "On The Road." Highly recommended if your life has been saved by rock and roll.
December 10, 2018
very good read..insightful, funny, endearing look into a band going on their 1st tour
May 9, 2011
33 Days: Touring in a Van. Sleeping on Floors. Chasing a Dream., is really several stories wrapped up into one book. It is a road trip story, a coming of age story, a story of friendships, loyalty, idealism, racism and a story of dysfunctional families.
At times these conflicting themes disrupted the flow but all were essential to the telling of 33 Days. Leave out one element and you miss the driving force of what made Divine Weeks hit the road in the first place and ultimately what made them fall apart.
Bill See (the author of 33 Days) was the lead singer for Divine Weeks, an indie band that was quite popular in the late 80's on the LA music scene. With the bravado that only comes from idealistic youth, the band (consisting of Bill, Raj, Dave, George and road manager Ian ) decide this is their moment and embark on a 33 day tour to break out and finally make it.
What "making it" means to each band member is interesting. George wants to make it big - he wants the whole thing - to be a rock god (or at least that's my interpretation) He's tired of playing small clubs for $20 a show. BTW - $20 a show?? YIKES. The other guys are in it for having that one moment that connects everyone in the band and the audience or to escape from troubled home lives.
Bill seems to be the most idealistic of the group. He wants the full DIY touring experience. "Eschew major labels. Put out your own records, book your own tours." He doesn't want to sell out and be one of those asshole bands that stops connecting with the fans. He is truly in it for the music. Bill believes the music - the band - can change lives. I think sometimes his belief leaves him a little oblivious to what the other members are feeling about the tour. Raj and George in particular have a hard time leaving family and loved ones behind and Bill wholeheartedly believes that if they just have one great show it will all come together and they will see.
The author name drops bands almost all the time as a soundtrack to his life. Being fairly new to music, I didn't always know the name of the bands and felt a little disconnected. Since I've started meeting writers that use soundtracks to write, I find it fascinating that people hear their lives in song. A song to mark a certain mood or event. I've never done that until recently. I had to look up most of the songs/bands but I found a few new groups to listen to.
The story shifts from Bill's home life, which is very dysfunctional, his relationship with his girlfriend Mary, which is very dysfunctional (see the common thread?) and the tour. The actual tour wasn't what I expected. I was ready for stories of wild sex (not much it seems, unless you're the sound guy), drugs (yup - plenty of that) and rock & roll, but this was really more about personal relationships between the band and how to go after your dream without selling out or losing another part of yourself. There are of course funny anecdotes about trying to get paid, sleeping in real hell holes etc. but the story that stuck with me the most was about Raj. Raj is Indian and is repeatedly the object of racism at different venues. People calling him "paki" or cornering him after talking to a white woman. What really breaks my heart is this was in the 80's and sadly not much has changed. In fact it's probably worse now after 9/11. He is torn between his culture, obligations to his family and the joy he feels only when on stage. After I read the book I went to the 33 Days website to look at pictures and listen to the music and Raj's face just emanates kindness and peace so it kills me to read what he went through. Thankfully the band was amazing as a group dealing with this crap and supporting Raj.
The book is recounted from passages in journals that the author kept during that period of time. The shifts between Bill's home life and the tour sometimes felt jarring but I got used to the style. I almost wish he wrote two books. One about his family and one about the tour. Both are riveting but sometimes take away from each other in this book. But like I said you need them both to explain Bill's motivations.
I also wished I had gone to the website to view the pictures and listen to the music before I read the book. When he was talking about singing certain notes to a song or performances to songs I didn't know I couldn't relate but after hearing the music I got it.
It is really hard not to get caught up in Bill's enthusiasm for music. He feels it to his very core and therefore makes you feel it too.
A must read if you were ever a roadie, groupie or musician. And as a fan of music I like the glimpse into seeing what makes a band tick. I also have a new appreciation for what opening acts and new bands go through. I will definitely give them more of a chance after reading this book.
At times these conflicting themes disrupted the flow but all were essential to the telling of 33 Days. Leave out one element and you miss the driving force of what made Divine Weeks hit the road in the first place and ultimately what made them fall apart.
Bill See (the author of 33 Days) was the lead singer for Divine Weeks, an indie band that was quite popular in the late 80's on the LA music scene. With the bravado that only comes from idealistic youth, the band (consisting of Bill, Raj, Dave, George and road manager Ian ) decide this is their moment and embark on a 33 day tour to break out and finally make it.
What "making it" means to each band member is interesting. George wants to make it big - he wants the whole thing - to be a rock god (or at least that's my interpretation) He's tired of playing small clubs for $20 a show. BTW - $20 a show?? YIKES. The other guys are in it for having that one moment that connects everyone in the band and the audience or to escape from troubled home lives.
Bill seems to be the most idealistic of the group. He wants the full DIY touring experience. "Eschew major labels. Put out your own records, book your own tours." He doesn't want to sell out and be one of those asshole bands that stops connecting with the fans. He is truly in it for the music. Bill believes the music - the band - can change lives. I think sometimes his belief leaves him a little oblivious to what the other members are feeling about the tour. Raj and George in particular have a hard time leaving family and loved ones behind and Bill wholeheartedly believes that if they just have one great show it will all come together and they will see.
The author name drops bands almost all the time as a soundtrack to his life. Being fairly new to music, I didn't always know the name of the bands and felt a little disconnected. Since I've started meeting writers that use soundtracks to write, I find it fascinating that people hear their lives in song. A song to mark a certain mood or event. I've never done that until recently. I had to look up most of the songs/bands but I found a few new groups to listen to.
The story shifts from Bill's home life, which is very dysfunctional, his relationship with his girlfriend Mary, which is very dysfunctional (see the common thread?) and the tour. The actual tour wasn't what I expected. I was ready for stories of wild sex (not much it seems, unless you're the sound guy), drugs (yup - plenty of that) and rock & roll, but this was really more about personal relationships between the band and how to go after your dream without selling out or losing another part of yourself. There are of course funny anecdotes about trying to get paid, sleeping in real hell holes etc. but the story that stuck with me the most was about Raj. Raj is Indian and is repeatedly the object of racism at different venues. People calling him "paki" or cornering him after talking to a white woman. What really breaks my heart is this was in the 80's and sadly not much has changed. In fact it's probably worse now after 9/11. He is torn between his culture, obligations to his family and the joy he feels only when on stage. After I read the book I went to the 33 Days website to look at pictures and listen to the music and Raj's face just emanates kindness and peace so it kills me to read what he went through. Thankfully the band was amazing as a group dealing with this crap and supporting Raj.
The book is recounted from passages in journals that the author kept during that period of time. The shifts between Bill's home life and the tour sometimes felt jarring but I got used to the style. I almost wish he wrote two books. One about his family and one about the tour. Both are riveting but sometimes take away from each other in this book. But like I said you need them both to explain Bill's motivations.
I also wished I had gone to the website to view the pictures and listen to the music before I read the book. When he was talking about singing certain notes to a song or performances to songs I didn't know I couldn't relate but after hearing the music I got it.
It is really hard not to get caught up in Bill's enthusiasm for music. He feels it to his very core and therefore makes you feel it too.
A must read if you were ever a roadie, groupie or musician. And as a fan of music I like the glimpse into seeing what makes a band tick. I also have a new appreciation for what opening acts and new bands go through. I will definitely give them more of a chance after reading this book.
March 22, 2011
We all have dreams. Some of us pursue them, relentlessly, and often to the detriment of anyone or anything that gets in our way.
Some of us say, “It’s all too hard” and then spend the rest of our damned lives wondering...” What if?” This is about four amazing human beings that chased their dream. Without causing damage to anyone else on the journey…at least not with intent.
In 1987, four young men shared a common dream. They hungered for that bright shining star in their sky, and they had the guts to go in search of it. They didn’t understand on the day they left L.A just how deeply committed they would need to be to the music and each other. The 33 days of their journey altered their lives forever.
Bill See the author kept a journal of those 33 days that changed the lives of he and his friends. I am so glad that he did, for had he not; I may have never had the delight of taking that trip with him, here and now in 2011. For such is the quality of this Author’s work that you can’t be anywhere else, you are there, in the van, on the road, meeting sleazebags, saints, and sinners in all the wrong places at all the right times.
Meet the band members of Divine Weeks: Bill See: The author of this book and the singer with the band it all begins with Bill; he was 22 years old and hungered after a dream. Not to be super famous, not to live a life of "sex drugs and rock’n roll", that’s not what this was about. He believed that it would be for the good of all and not merely about the dreams of one. His dysfunctional early life had him searching for a pristine moment of clarity, a moment when all the pain and the insecurity would merge and become a musical voice, a musical voice of honesty, a musical voice of integrity. The music and the making of it, the memory, the chance to do it and get it right! How many of us wish we had the balls to go for it and make it happen? I smell the back of the van after days on the road, no windows, no air, all fodder for memories he recounts that will make you laugh out loud just before your eyes fill with tears and you catch yourself nodding in agreement and understanding.
Bill See is a fine author; he brings the pages alive and makes you belong for the duration of the journey... you share it from the inside.
Meet Raj: The lead guitarist. A young man raised in the belief that family and tradition were all there was. Raised to believe that seeking an individual dream was somehow betraying what and who you were. Of the four band members, Raj’s and Bill's stories touched me deeply; they struggled with the yearning to make it as a part of this thing, this music, and this band. They fought against everything they had been taught to believe; to just once…just once; step outside the family and their demands and go for the dream. The moments of reflection into their individual personas show just how very close the band members became. They were brothers, unasked, and unrelentingly... brothers all.
Meet George: The Bass Player. Larger than life and twice as funny…ultimately belonging to the band allowed him to move beyond his preplanned and preordained life.
Meet Dave: The drummer Dave is a street smart survivor, with a huge heart and the gift of the gab. He has the ability to keep the guys centred when this road trip hits the dark edges.
Meet Ian: The Road Manager...The only non band member on the tour…The doer of all things miraculous, Ian’s steady hand, and calm demeanor helped keep the dream on track.
I read this book way ahead of schedule. Naively thinking I could pick it up and put it down over a period of time. Wrong! I began reading and the sunrise startled me into finding I had read all of it throughout the night and had lost myself in its pages.
Do yourselves a favor folks, if you only read one non-fiction book this year make it this one. I am left with a knowing smile on my face and the realization that I have just shared in something quite wonderful.
A couple of quotes from the book.
"This book is for everyone who’s stood at their crossroads with a dream screaming inside wondering whether to choose the road that goes off the map or fold up their tent and head back home. "
“It’s not about the having and getting, it’s about the being and becoming...we’re artists, wounded birds…descending, ascending…always chasing the muse."
Some of us say, “It’s all too hard” and then spend the rest of our damned lives wondering...” What if?” This is about four amazing human beings that chased their dream. Without causing damage to anyone else on the journey…at least not with intent.
In 1987, four young men shared a common dream. They hungered for that bright shining star in their sky, and they had the guts to go in search of it. They didn’t understand on the day they left L.A just how deeply committed they would need to be to the music and each other. The 33 days of their journey altered their lives forever.
Bill See the author kept a journal of those 33 days that changed the lives of he and his friends. I am so glad that he did, for had he not; I may have never had the delight of taking that trip with him, here and now in 2011. For such is the quality of this Author’s work that you can’t be anywhere else, you are there, in the van, on the road, meeting sleazebags, saints, and sinners in all the wrong places at all the right times.
Meet the band members of Divine Weeks: Bill See: The author of this book and the singer with the band it all begins with Bill; he was 22 years old and hungered after a dream. Not to be super famous, not to live a life of "sex drugs and rock’n roll", that’s not what this was about. He believed that it would be for the good of all and not merely about the dreams of one. His dysfunctional early life had him searching for a pristine moment of clarity, a moment when all the pain and the insecurity would merge and become a musical voice, a musical voice of honesty, a musical voice of integrity. The music and the making of it, the memory, the chance to do it and get it right! How many of us wish we had the balls to go for it and make it happen? I smell the back of the van after days on the road, no windows, no air, all fodder for memories he recounts that will make you laugh out loud just before your eyes fill with tears and you catch yourself nodding in agreement and understanding.
Bill See is a fine author; he brings the pages alive and makes you belong for the duration of the journey... you share it from the inside.
Meet Raj: The lead guitarist. A young man raised in the belief that family and tradition were all there was. Raised to believe that seeking an individual dream was somehow betraying what and who you were. Of the four band members, Raj’s and Bill's stories touched me deeply; they struggled with the yearning to make it as a part of this thing, this music, and this band. They fought against everything they had been taught to believe; to just once…just once; step outside the family and their demands and go for the dream. The moments of reflection into their individual personas show just how very close the band members became. They were brothers, unasked, and unrelentingly... brothers all.
Meet George: The Bass Player. Larger than life and twice as funny…ultimately belonging to the band allowed him to move beyond his preplanned and preordained life.
Meet Dave: The drummer Dave is a street smart survivor, with a huge heart and the gift of the gab. He has the ability to keep the guys centred when this road trip hits the dark edges.
Meet Ian: The Road Manager...The only non band member on the tour…The doer of all things miraculous, Ian’s steady hand, and calm demeanor helped keep the dream on track.
I read this book way ahead of schedule. Naively thinking I could pick it up and put it down over a period of time. Wrong! I began reading and the sunrise startled me into finding I had read all of it throughout the night and had lost myself in its pages.
Do yourselves a favor folks, if you only read one non-fiction book this year make it this one. I am left with a knowing smile on my face and the realization that I have just shared in something quite wonderful.
A couple of quotes from the book.
"This book is for everyone who’s stood at their crossroads with a dream screaming inside wondering whether to choose the road that goes off the map or fold up their tent and head back home. "
“It’s not about the having and getting, it’s about the being and becoming...we’re artists, wounded birds…descending, ascending…always chasing the muse."
April 21, 2011
33 Days: Touring In a Van. Sleeping On Floors. Chasing A Dream is based on indie rock band Divine Weeks first foray into "touring" (a loose term by an means) in the Summer of 1987. Inspired by "DIY elders" The Minutemen & Black Flag, See and his other bandmates seize the moment of their time as a local popular band in LA to spread their live music beyond LA's insular perimeter, hop into a van rented to them by the good graces of a friend as none of them even have credit cards to experience life 'On the Road'. It is a fun blast from the past for Indie Rockers as the author references the music of the time -- Husker Du, The Replacements, The Smiths, Jane's Addiction and of course R.E.M. throughout the book.
The author is adept at creating atmosphere of what it must of been like traveling in a van with 5 guys whose probably sole sustenance was big box cereal, pizza & beer (ew!). His descriptions of the venues they play are nuanced giving you a true feel for life on the road as an indie band. This was not a band backed by major record label by any means. Affording gas money and basic needs such as safe tires for the van are a constant challenge for these guys.
The main characters in the book, or bandmates and "tour manager" (another loose term) are all engaging with different plights in life. Lead singer and character Bill is insightful, poetic and ever challenging his bandmates. Guitarist Raj is battling his family's cultural expectations. George, the Bassist with a nagging girlfriend at home is truly at a crossroads trying to decide whether or not to pursue Grad school for Englisht Lit. Drummer Dave is the practical one of the group remembering to bring a toolbox (for van repairs) while Bill has only managed to remember his mix tapes and journal. Ian, the "tour manager" offers the non-musician perspective.
As Raj, the guitarist is of East Indian descent, race relations are dealt with in a spot on natural way, never didactic. You can always find some ignorant person in a bar who still believes the color of your skin is the most crucial aspect of one's being and there is a significant scene where Raj is picked on by an invariably low brow scary woman for being a "Paki". It is one of the many heartfelt and poignant moments in the book where friendship trumps all and strengthens the band's intent.
In some respects the book is 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man' as See shares insight to his upbringings, a classic case of a dysfunctional family. See's writing is emotionally touching without ever becoming sappy or self-pitying. Raised by a single mother and his grandparents without ever knowing his father, music is a form of salvation for him. Now was Divine Weeks the long lost band of the '80's? Most likely not but if you venture on to the book's website to listen to the band's music you can hear their simmering soulfulness, songs written with integrity and solidly crafted music that is undeniably rockist.
If you appreciate good music with integrity (obviously quite a relative term) or some of the bands referenced, wonder what it's like to chase your dream no matter how scary or impossible it might seem you will enjoy this book. It is truly a story of friendships, how they grow and are challenged over the course of being 'On the Road' together -- basically a life and dream affirming, humorous coming of age story.
The author is adept at creating atmosphere of what it must of been like traveling in a van with 5 guys whose probably sole sustenance was big box cereal, pizza & beer (ew!). His descriptions of the venues they play are nuanced giving you a true feel for life on the road as an indie band. This was not a band backed by major record label by any means. Affording gas money and basic needs such as safe tires for the van are a constant challenge for these guys.
The main characters in the book, or bandmates and "tour manager" (another loose term) are all engaging with different plights in life. Lead singer and character Bill is insightful, poetic and ever challenging his bandmates. Guitarist Raj is battling his family's cultural expectations. George, the Bassist with a nagging girlfriend at home is truly at a crossroads trying to decide whether or not to pursue Grad school for Englisht Lit. Drummer Dave is the practical one of the group remembering to bring a toolbox (for van repairs) while Bill has only managed to remember his mix tapes and journal. Ian, the "tour manager" offers the non-musician perspective.
As Raj, the guitarist is of East Indian descent, race relations are dealt with in a spot on natural way, never didactic. You can always find some ignorant person in a bar who still believes the color of your skin is the most crucial aspect of one's being and there is a significant scene where Raj is picked on by an invariably low brow scary woman for being a "Paki". It is one of the many heartfelt and poignant moments in the book where friendship trumps all and strengthens the band's intent.
In some respects the book is 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man' as See shares insight to his upbringings, a classic case of a dysfunctional family. See's writing is emotionally touching without ever becoming sappy or self-pitying. Raised by a single mother and his grandparents without ever knowing his father, music is a form of salvation for him. Now was Divine Weeks the long lost band of the '80's? Most likely not but if you venture on to the book's website to listen to the band's music you can hear their simmering soulfulness, songs written with integrity and solidly crafted music that is undeniably rockist.
If you appreciate good music with integrity (obviously quite a relative term) or some of the bands referenced, wonder what it's like to chase your dream no matter how scary or impossible it might seem you will enjoy this book. It is truly a story of friendships, how they grow and are challenged over the course of being 'On the Road' together -- basically a life and dream affirming, humorous coming of age story.
April 21, 2011
33 Days: Touring In a Van. Sleeping On Floors. Chasing A Dream is based on indie rock band Divine Weeks first foray into "touring" (a loose term by an means) in the Summer of 1987. Inspired by "DIY elders" The Minutemen & Black Flag, See and his other bandmates seize the moment of their time as a local popular band in LA to spread their live music beyond LA's insular perimeter, hop into a van rented to them by the good graces of a friend as none of them even have credit cards to experience life 'On the Road'. It is a fun blast from the past for Indie Rockers as the author references the music of the time -- Husker Du, The Replacements, The Smiths, Jane's Addiction and of course R.E.M. throughout the book.
The author is adept at creating atmosphere of what it must of been like traveling in a van with 5 guys whose probably sole sustenance was big box cereal, pizza & beer (ew!). His descriptions of the venues they play are nuanced giving you a true feel for life on the road as an indie band. This was not a band backed by major record label by any means. Affording gas money and basic needs such as safe tires for the van are a constant challenge for these guys.
The main characters in the book, or bandmates and "tour manager" (another loose term) are all engaging with different plights in life. Lead singer and character Bill is insightful, poetic and ever challenging his bandmates. Guitarist Raj is battling his family's cultural expectations. George, the Bassist with a nagging girlfriend at home is truly at a crossroads trying to decide whether or not to pursue Grad school for Englisht Lit. Drummer Dave is the practical one of the group remembering to bring a toolbox (for van repairs) while Bill has only managed to remember his mix tapes and journal. Ian, the "tour manager" offers the non-musician perspective.
As Raj, the guitarist is of East Indian descent, race relations are dealt with in a spot on natural way, never didactic. You can always find some ignorant person in a bar who still believes the color of your skin is the most crucial aspect of one's being and there is a significant scene where Raj is picked on by an invariably low brow scary woman for being a "Paki". It is one of the many heartfelt and poignant moments in the book where friendship trumps all and strengthens the band's intent.
In some respects the book is 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man' as See shares insight to his upbringings, a classic case of a dysfunctional family. See's writing is emotionally touching without ever becoming sappy or self-pitying. Raised by a single mother and his grandparents without ever knowing his father, music is a form of salvation for him. Now was Divine Weeks the long lost band of the '80's? Most likely not but if you venture on to the book's website to listen to the band's music you can hear their simmering soulfulness, songs written with integrity and solidly crafted music that is undeniably rockist.
If you appreciate good music with integrity (obviously quite a relative term) or some of the bands referenced, wonder what it's like to chase your dream no matter how scary or impossible it might seem you will enjoy this book. It is truly a story of friendships, how they grow and are challenged over the course of being 'On the Road' together -- basically a life and dream affirming, humorous coming of age story.
The author is adept at creating atmosphere of what it must of been like traveling in a van with 5 guys whose probably sole sustenance was big box cereal, pizza & beer (ew!). His descriptions of the venues they play are nuanced giving you a true feel for life on the road as an indie band. This was not a band backed by major record label by any means. Affording gas money and basic needs such as safe tires for the van are a constant challenge for these guys.
The main characters in the book, or bandmates and "tour manager" (another loose term) are all engaging with different plights in life. Lead singer and character Bill is insightful, poetic and ever challenging his bandmates. Guitarist Raj is battling his family's cultural expectations. George, the Bassist with a nagging girlfriend at home is truly at a crossroads trying to decide whether or not to pursue Grad school for Englisht Lit. Drummer Dave is the practical one of the group remembering to bring a toolbox (for van repairs) while Bill has only managed to remember his mix tapes and journal. Ian, the "tour manager" offers the non-musician perspective.
As Raj, the guitarist is of East Indian descent, race relations are dealt with in a spot on natural way, never didactic. You can always find some ignorant person in a bar who still believes the color of your skin is the most crucial aspect of one's being and there is a significant scene where Raj is picked on by an invariably low brow scary woman for being a "Paki". It is one of the many heartfelt and poignant moments in the book where friendship trumps all and strengthens the band's intent.
In some respects the book is 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man' as See shares insight to his upbringings, a classic case of a dysfunctional family. See's writing is emotionally touching without ever becoming sappy or self-pitying. Raised by a single mother and his grandparents without ever knowing his father, music is a form of salvation for him. Now was Divine Weeks the long lost band of the '80's? Most likely not but if you venture on to the book's website to listen to the band's music you can hear their simmering soulfulness, songs written with integrity and solidly crafted music that is undeniably rockist.
If you appreciate good music with integrity (obviously quite a relative term) or some of the bands referenced, wonder what it's like to chase your dream no matter how scary or impossible it might seem you will enjoy this book. It is truly a story of friendships, how they grow and are challenged over the course of being 'On the Road' together -- basically a life and dream affirming, humorous coming of age story.
May 15, 2011
As a music and autobiography lover, this book was right up my alley. And it did not disappoint! Bill See has a talent for writing and his style is easy to read and follow. His book turned out to be very inspiring and encouraging for those who have a dream but hesitate to take a step into the unknown to follow that dream. What will happen if you don’t take that chance? And what will happen if you do?
In the summer of ’87, Bill and his fellow band members have become well known around LA with their indie band, Divine Weeks. They have determined that the time has come for them to spread their wings and see if they can make the big time. They know they will never have this chance again. Following in the footsteps of their favorite Indie bands, they embark on a 33 day tour into Canada and around the U.S. in a rented van.
For the next 33 days, Bill gives you a first person account of what it is like not knowing where you will sleep that night, playing you heart out to a nearly empty venue, and hoping for the kindness of strangers. They are on their own for the first time in their lives. Each venue and city they play a gig in becomes a learning experience for them. They play in dive bars and clubs more often than not, run into owners who try to get away with not paying or docking their pay, and spend some time in seedy motels.
They do radio interviews, including one with a lunatic DJ in Canada, and a cable TV spot in St Louis. Anything to gain hype to fill the clubs they are playing. It is very obvious throughout the book that the band members believe in their music and talent and are dedicated to their mission. There are many hilarious moments and just as many disappointments along the way.
As the days go by, each of the guys learns more about themselves and what is ultimately important to them. Bill had a very chaotic upbringing with a mother hung up on drugs and alcohol. He never knew his father and was ultimately raised in a house with his mother, grandparents, and aunt. Music became an escape from his crazy life at home. Not surprisingly, his family was not supportive of his musical dreams. Bits of interesting and touching information from his life turn up throughout the book which gives you an even better insight into why Bill feels he must take the chance now or give up his dream.
Raj, who is the bands talented Indian guitar player, quickly became one of my favorites. The band faces their first eye-opening experience of the discrimination Raj has endured throughout his life for having brown skin. The trip itself is very hard on Raj. His Indian heritage dictates that he is not to leave his family, especially when they are in need. Somehow Raj forces himself to go on the tour and seems to battle daily with the guilt of his decision. I really felt sorry for him.
Bill does a great job with his descriptions which enables you to feel as if you know and can see the people and places he is experiencing. The book also ended my favorite way. Bill lets you know what happened to each of the band members and where their lives have taken them. I hate being left to wonder what eventually happened to everyone!
I thought the book was great and if Bill See were to write anything in the future, I would be sure to check it out. He has the talent to pull a reader in and keep their attention. You can’t ask for better than that!
In the summer of ’87, Bill and his fellow band members have become well known around LA with their indie band, Divine Weeks. They have determined that the time has come for them to spread their wings and see if they can make the big time. They know they will never have this chance again. Following in the footsteps of their favorite Indie bands, they embark on a 33 day tour into Canada and around the U.S. in a rented van.
For the next 33 days, Bill gives you a first person account of what it is like not knowing where you will sleep that night, playing you heart out to a nearly empty venue, and hoping for the kindness of strangers. They are on their own for the first time in their lives. Each venue and city they play a gig in becomes a learning experience for them. They play in dive bars and clubs more often than not, run into owners who try to get away with not paying or docking their pay, and spend some time in seedy motels.
They do radio interviews, including one with a lunatic DJ in Canada, and a cable TV spot in St Louis. Anything to gain hype to fill the clubs they are playing. It is very obvious throughout the book that the band members believe in their music and talent and are dedicated to their mission. There are many hilarious moments and just as many disappointments along the way.
As the days go by, each of the guys learns more about themselves and what is ultimately important to them. Bill had a very chaotic upbringing with a mother hung up on drugs and alcohol. He never knew his father and was ultimately raised in a house with his mother, grandparents, and aunt. Music became an escape from his crazy life at home. Not surprisingly, his family was not supportive of his musical dreams. Bits of interesting and touching information from his life turn up throughout the book which gives you an even better insight into why Bill feels he must take the chance now or give up his dream.
Raj, who is the bands talented Indian guitar player, quickly became one of my favorites. The band faces their first eye-opening experience of the discrimination Raj has endured throughout his life for having brown skin. The trip itself is very hard on Raj. His Indian heritage dictates that he is not to leave his family, especially when they are in need. Somehow Raj forces himself to go on the tour and seems to battle daily with the guilt of his decision. I really felt sorry for him.
Bill does a great job with his descriptions which enables you to feel as if you know and can see the people and places he is experiencing. The book also ended my favorite way. Bill lets you know what happened to each of the band members and where their lives have taken them. I hate being left to wonder what eventually happened to everyone!
I thought the book was great and if Bill See were to write anything in the future, I would be sure to check it out. He has the talent to pull a reader in and keep their attention. You can’t ask for better than that!
September 4, 2011
In the summer of 1987, LA-based band Divine Weeks went on its first (inter)national tour. Instead of limousines and entourages and fancy hotels, however, they lived out of the back of an increasingly fetid van, slept on strangers' floors, and, on occasion, begged for food. For the band, however, it was more than music: it was an opportunity to live. Lead singer Bill See's 33 Days lets us share in the experience.
From the get-go, one can tell that there's something special about this group and its journey. Unapologetic idealism, and hesitant optimism, permeates the text, convincing the reader that this is an adventure with a worthy purpose, one extending far beyond selling a record here and there. Admittedly, the first chapter is a little slow, full of background information about each member of the band. The struggles that it highlights, however, form the baseline from which each person grows throughout the book. The story picks up once Divine Weeks finally hits the road.
One of 33 Days' biggest achievements is perhaps its effective breaking of stereotypes. Few will paint rock stars in an intellectual light, but the members of the band are both traditionally educated and socially smart. It comes through in the way they balance one another and the deep conversations that they share. It's also reflected heavily in See's writing, an eclectic combination of college-level vocabulary words and the everyman's speech patterns. His earnestness is what keeps his speeches uplifting, while his unassuming tone of voice makes it feel as if you're really inside of his head, hearing his thoughts without the filter of a backspace button.
One thing that readers may or may not appreciate is the frequent mentioning of other bands, ones which heavily influenced Divine Weeks. Admittedly, my exposure to the music scene has involved more violins than bass guitars, which means that I had to spend some quality time with Youtube to get the point. Those a little more "in the know" might not have to. Additionally, See discusses several songs related to their line-up, and while I could easily look up each one, it would have been nice to have had a reference section with lyrics in the back of the book (unless there are some copyright issues involved). The few lyrics he included gave the relevant scenes a little more meaning.
For the most part, the author's writing style works. There are several instances, however, in which the "fast and loose" approach to grammar goes a little too far. Some of the sentences become confusing or, at the very least, awkward. How much this bothers you will depend on how picky you are. Also of note is the frequent use of the f-bomb. I don't particularly mind, but for those who are turned off by profanity, you've been warned.
33 Days is an inspiring story, told in a voice that is one part grit, one part tenacity, and five parts soul. Whether you've been in a band, wish you were in a band, or admit that you're completely tone-deaf, the book is well worth the read.
Hide and Read
(Review copy provided by the author)
From the get-go, one can tell that there's something special about this group and its journey. Unapologetic idealism, and hesitant optimism, permeates the text, convincing the reader that this is an adventure with a worthy purpose, one extending far beyond selling a record here and there. Admittedly, the first chapter is a little slow, full of background information about each member of the band. The struggles that it highlights, however, form the baseline from which each person grows throughout the book. The story picks up once Divine Weeks finally hits the road.
One of 33 Days' biggest achievements is perhaps its effective breaking of stereotypes. Few will paint rock stars in an intellectual light, but the members of the band are both traditionally educated and socially smart. It comes through in the way they balance one another and the deep conversations that they share. It's also reflected heavily in See's writing, an eclectic combination of college-level vocabulary words and the everyman's speech patterns. His earnestness is what keeps his speeches uplifting, while his unassuming tone of voice makes it feel as if you're really inside of his head, hearing his thoughts without the filter of a backspace button.
One thing that readers may or may not appreciate is the frequent mentioning of other bands, ones which heavily influenced Divine Weeks. Admittedly, my exposure to the music scene has involved more violins than bass guitars, which means that I had to spend some quality time with Youtube to get the point. Those a little more "in the know" might not have to. Additionally, See discusses several songs related to their line-up, and while I could easily look up each one, it would have been nice to have had a reference section with lyrics in the back of the book (unless there are some copyright issues involved). The few lyrics he included gave the relevant scenes a little more meaning.
For the most part, the author's writing style works. There are several instances, however, in which the "fast and loose" approach to grammar goes a little too far. Some of the sentences become confusing or, at the very least, awkward. How much this bothers you will depend on how picky you are. Also of note is the frequent use of the f-bomb. I don't particularly mind, but for those who are turned off by profanity, you've been warned.
33 Days is an inspiring story, told in a voice that is one part grit, one part tenacity, and five parts soul. Whether you've been in a band, wish you were in a band, or admit that you're completely tone-deaf, the book is well worth the read.
Hide and Read
(Review copy provided by the author)
November 21, 2011
Bill See and I are about the same age and spent lots of time in similar music scenes - him as a musician, me as a manager/promoter/bass player's girlfriend. When he pitched his book to me I thought, "Why not?"
33 Days is a memoir that Mr. See based off of the journal he kept during the first tour with his first band, Divine Weeks. If you've never been in or around a music scene, this book is great for capturing the flavor of what it's really like. The indie movement was built on a DIY philosophy that came out of its roots in the punk scene. Inspired by bands like the Minutemen, these bands were interested in making themselves happen (as opposed to waiting for a corporate overlord to happen to them). This meant a lot of low-end touring - too many people with too much gear in too small a space for too many days - that anyone survives is a minor miracle.
The story of the Divine Weeks journey is an enjoyable read. I know some of the venues they played and many of the bands they mention. Honestly, I don't recognize them, but I do recognize the Dharma Bums - a great band out of Portland for whom Divine Weeks opened. This made me laugh at the irony - the battle of the knowledge of the obscure bands ...
Picking a path in life is tricky. Lots and lots of people spend their lives following the script: college, law school or medical school or business school, marriage #1, children, divorce, marriage #2, corporate job and paycheck, lots of TV time. More power to the folks for whom this works - it's a hell of a lot easier than finding an alternative. All kinds of alternatives exist and 33 Days is the exploration of just one of them.
I do have a couple of quibbles. First, this book is exceedingly earnest in the way only a 22-year-old can be - full of the dream and the discovery and every freakin' moment is just so earth shatteringly life-changing. A certain amount of this is charming, but I wish Mr. See had throttled back on this a bit - at times it becomes cringeworthy and that's too bad because the story is better than that. I also found the defining moment that grew the band up a bit disingenuous. I believe that they got hassled by some drunk racist bitch in a bar in the middle of nowhere. I don't believe that that was anyone's first encounter with the animal - if it was, no one (other than their guitar player, Raj) was paying attention and that baffles me.
Entertaining and enjoyable, but could use a bit of an edit for clarity of story and its throughline more than anything. Thanks to the author for sending me a copy.
33 Days is a memoir that Mr. See based off of the journal he kept during the first tour with his first band, Divine Weeks. If you've never been in or around a music scene, this book is great for capturing the flavor of what it's really like. The indie movement was built on a DIY philosophy that came out of its roots in the punk scene. Inspired by bands like the Minutemen, these bands were interested in making themselves happen (as opposed to waiting for a corporate overlord to happen to them). This meant a lot of low-end touring - too many people with too much gear in too small a space for too many days - that anyone survives is a minor miracle.
The story of the Divine Weeks journey is an enjoyable read. I know some of the venues they played and many of the bands they mention. Honestly, I don't recognize them, but I do recognize the Dharma Bums - a great band out of Portland for whom Divine Weeks opened. This made me laugh at the irony - the battle of the knowledge of the obscure bands ...
Picking a path in life is tricky. Lots and lots of people spend their lives following the script: college, law school or medical school or business school, marriage #1, children, divorce, marriage #2, corporate job and paycheck, lots of TV time. More power to the folks for whom this works - it's a hell of a lot easier than finding an alternative. All kinds of alternatives exist and 33 Days is the exploration of just one of them.
I do have a couple of quibbles. First, this book is exceedingly earnest in the way only a 22-year-old can be - full of the dream and the discovery and every freakin' moment is just so earth shatteringly life-changing. A certain amount of this is charming, but I wish Mr. See had throttled back on this a bit - at times it becomes cringeworthy and that's too bad because the story is better than that. I also found the defining moment that grew the band up a bit disingenuous. I believe that they got hassled by some drunk racist bitch in a bar in the middle of nowhere. I don't believe that that was anyone's first encounter with the animal - if it was, no one (other than their guitar player, Raj) was paying attention and that baffles me.
Entertaining and enjoyable, but could use a bit of an edit for clarity of story and its throughline more than anything. Thanks to the author for sending me a copy.
March 2, 2013
Trip of torture and release
It felt more like 99 days on the road. That is both the beauty and Achilles’ heel of this story. Mr. See goes into great detail describing the events he and his mates endure as they attempt to become the “new sound” and follow in the footsteps of “Husker Du,” “Jane’s Addiction,” “Black Flag,” and the “Minutemen.”
He unveils to the reader how trying such a trip can be. Imagine being cooped up with your best friends for over thirty-three days in an eight by ten box. Trying is a kind word to say the least.
The pros. The story and the insightful details we are given of the band members and their divergent personalities truly let us know who we are reading about. For the most part, this is a rag-tag group of individuals flung together (except Dave, who is contemplating grad school) who have no idea what path their lives are traveling. The one thing they can agree on is, it’s time to get away from their dysfunctional, overbearing and non-understanding families, hit the road, and let their music be their voice. The road will be there escape from the walls of LA, and with luck, the start of a true following.
You feel the pain and uncertainty of this group as they travel through Canada and the States in an effort to find themselves and build a fan base for a Fall tour. This is very enlightening and enjoyable.
The cons. Seriously? Three epilogues? I found this a bit jarring and not in the context of the preceding text which was well thought out and depicted.
What of the four years the band continued to play. Were they successful, or a dismal failure? Why did they disband? Did they find better jobs? Did they tire of each other, or was it time to move on and obtain normal jobs? This was very dissatisfying.
At times I felt there were too many flashbacks about a troubled childhood with a mother who just couldn’t figure everything out.
I also found the occasional political inserts a distraction. They added nothing to the story other than the author voicing his opinions when they weren’t solicited. I find it hard to believe that any of the group had time to keep up with current events during this marathon tour.
Overall, this isn’t a bad read. It has moments of brilliance that will keep the reader’s attention in understanding exactly what it’s like to tour the country in the hopes of building a fan base. I strongly suggest this work to any would be musicians who are about to embark on a new career. As Mr. See alludes, it’s hard work and requires an immense amount of perseverance and drive.
3.5 Stars
It felt more like 99 days on the road. That is both the beauty and Achilles’ heel of this story. Mr. See goes into great detail describing the events he and his mates endure as they attempt to become the “new sound” and follow in the footsteps of “Husker Du,” “Jane’s Addiction,” “Black Flag,” and the “Minutemen.”
He unveils to the reader how trying such a trip can be. Imagine being cooped up with your best friends for over thirty-three days in an eight by ten box. Trying is a kind word to say the least.
The pros. The story and the insightful details we are given of the band members and their divergent personalities truly let us know who we are reading about. For the most part, this is a rag-tag group of individuals flung together (except Dave, who is contemplating grad school) who have no idea what path their lives are traveling. The one thing they can agree on is, it’s time to get away from their dysfunctional, overbearing and non-understanding families, hit the road, and let their music be their voice. The road will be there escape from the walls of LA, and with luck, the start of a true following.
You feel the pain and uncertainty of this group as they travel through Canada and the States in an effort to find themselves and build a fan base for a Fall tour. This is very enlightening and enjoyable.
The cons. Seriously? Three epilogues? I found this a bit jarring and not in the context of the preceding text which was well thought out and depicted.
What of the four years the band continued to play. Were they successful, or a dismal failure? Why did they disband? Did they find better jobs? Did they tire of each other, or was it time to move on and obtain normal jobs? This was very dissatisfying.
At times I felt there were too many flashbacks about a troubled childhood with a mother who just couldn’t figure everything out.
I also found the occasional political inserts a distraction. They added nothing to the story other than the author voicing his opinions when they weren’t solicited. I find it hard to believe that any of the group had time to keep up with current events during this marathon tour.
Overall, this isn’t a bad read. It has moments of brilliance that will keep the reader’s attention in understanding exactly what it’s like to tour the country in the hopes of building a fan base. I strongly suggest this work to any would be musicians who are about to embark on a new career. As Mr. See alludes, it’s hard work and requires an immense amount of perseverance and drive.
3.5 Stars
July 21, 2011
I was very cautious going into this experience, I guarded myself quite well. For some reason, I was utterly afraid such a story would become the epic of debauchery and over-glorified rock-godly human figures, which is, you know, fine by me, as long as we get to see pictures of it :D Seriously though, I was very guarded before actually starting to read it.
And then, after the first few pages, I was completely disarmed. To my stupor, it wasn’t the epic of people becoming rock gods, but of young(ish) people becoming functional (I hate the term!), successful grown-ups. And the story, or should I say stories, proved to be incredibly touching, and agonizingly real. All that struggle, all that passion just sweeps you off your feet. Just like that, I was totally on board. We could have gone on a 4 years long tour, I was on board for that; 33 days suddenly felt too little, precious little no doubt, but little none the less.
The first hand account makes a strong impact, without a doubt. Pictures sprinkled here and there along the way really compliment the story in a beautiful way. It’s a constant reminder these are peoples lives you’re peeking into, not some fantasy story, not some ,delightful as it is, fiction. It feels so incredibly real, and vibrant, and quite breathtaking here and there.
Following the events, I was constantly reminded of my artist (especially musicians) friends, and their struggles. And it struck me the struggling artist is a phrase that will never get old, no matter how times change, no matter how societies evolve (or involve, as the case may be for some).
When I was done reading this lovely novel, I just had to get a hold of a few of my friends I haven’t talked to in what seems like ages, just to see how they’re doing in the grown-up world. Few, I find, have the courage Bill See has, his strength. More often then not, they abandon that dream, and after all that struggle, all that enthusiasm and creative brewing, only the memory remains, or even that is overlooked somehow. The pains of “growing up”, of going from dreaming to doing, from becoming to being are a heinous necessity.
All in all, I’d say this is a brilliant read, though I caution, it can give you bouts of melancholy. It had that effect on me, that’s for sure. If I’d have to pick a favorite moment, out of all of them, it would be Epilogue 3.
And my absolute favorite quote would be the last paragraph, words to live by.
And then, after the first few pages, I was completely disarmed. To my stupor, it wasn’t the epic of people becoming rock gods, but of young(ish) people becoming functional (I hate the term!), successful grown-ups. And the story, or should I say stories, proved to be incredibly touching, and agonizingly real. All that struggle, all that passion just sweeps you off your feet. Just like that, I was totally on board. We could have gone on a 4 years long tour, I was on board for that; 33 days suddenly felt too little, precious little no doubt, but little none the less.
The first hand account makes a strong impact, without a doubt. Pictures sprinkled here and there along the way really compliment the story in a beautiful way. It’s a constant reminder these are peoples lives you’re peeking into, not some fantasy story, not some ,delightful as it is, fiction. It feels so incredibly real, and vibrant, and quite breathtaking here and there.
Following the events, I was constantly reminded of my artist (especially musicians) friends, and their struggles. And it struck me the struggling artist is a phrase that will never get old, no matter how times change, no matter how societies evolve (or involve, as the case may be for some).
When I was done reading this lovely novel, I just had to get a hold of a few of my friends I haven’t talked to in what seems like ages, just to see how they’re doing in the grown-up world. Few, I find, have the courage Bill See has, his strength. More often then not, they abandon that dream, and after all that struggle, all that enthusiasm and creative brewing, only the memory remains, or even that is overlooked somehow. The pains of “growing up”, of going from dreaming to doing, from becoming to being are a heinous necessity.
All in all, I’d say this is a brilliant read, though I caution, it can give you bouts of melancholy. It had that effect on me, that’s for sure. If I’d have to pick a favorite moment, out of all of them, it would be Epilogue 3.
And my absolute favorite quote would be the last paragraph, words to live by.
March 15, 2011
33 Days Along Star Stream
33 DAYS: TOURING IN A VAN, SLEEPING ON FLOORS, CHASING A DREAM places author Bill See in a new career. This is one of those breakthrough books that very quietly begins as a need form a writer to share a magic period in his life but ends up being one of the more sensitive and touching stories of how a young man joined his companions in blazing a trail of courage to shoot for the stars instead of settling for a flatline life. Yes, this is a memoir about the 33 days in 1987 when Bill See and his best friend Raj Makwana (this side story alone is worth reading as it sculpts the life of a mistreated Indian lad who happened to have the good fortune of finding his soul mate in Bill See), his other best friend George Edmondson, and Dave Smerszinski, together known as the Divine Weeks who with Road Manager Ian Bader toured the United States without capital, completely dependent of the good will of others for survival and how that experience changed them all.
Though the Divine Weeks was a famous band in Los Angeles they felt the need to go for broke on a now or never trip to see if the rest of the world would listen, would care, would 'get it' in their form of musical communication. The story is rich in those crazy wonderful memories of guys able to leave it all behind, work out their personal issues among friends, and take that leap that so few of us, especially in today's economic climate, dare to do. It is a story of humor, of tenderness, of the hard side as well as the soft snuggle of humanity and Bill See writes it with a style that is intoxicating.
33 DAYS is a challenge to all of us. In sharing his memoirs of a trip and experience of a lifetime he somehow encourages that hidden secretive spot in each of us to simply go for it while and when we can. In creating the sights, the smells, the hunger, the laughs, the noise and the solitude of being on the road in the height of discomfort just going for a dream, he offers not only some philosophy worth reading but also a really fine novel! There is a very good movie lurking in these pages...
Grady Harp
33 DAYS: TOURING IN A VAN, SLEEPING ON FLOORS, CHASING A DREAM places author Bill See in a new career. This is one of those breakthrough books that very quietly begins as a need form a writer to share a magic period in his life but ends up being one of the more sensitive and touching stories of how a young man joined his companions in blazing a trail of courage to shoot for the stars instead of settling for a flatline life. Yes, this is a memoir about the 33 days in 1987 when Bill See and his best friend Raj Makwana (this side story alone is worth reading as it sculpts the life of a mistreated Indian lad who happened to have the good fortune of finding his soul mate in Bill See), his other best friend George Edmondson, and Dave Smerszinski, together known as the Divine Weeks who with Road Manager Ian Bader toured the United States without capital, completely dependent of the good will of others for survival and how that experience changed them all.
Though the Divine Weeks was a famous band in Los Angeles they felt the need to go for broke on a now or never trip to see if the rest of the world would listen, would care, would 'get it' in their form of musical communication. The story is rich in those crazy wonderful memories of guys able to leave it all behind, work out their personal issues among friends, and take that leap that so few of us, especially in today's economic climate, dare to do. It is a story of humor, of tenderness, of the hard side as well as the soft snuggle of humanity and Bill See writes it with a style that is intoxicating.
33 DAYS is a challenge to all of us. In sharing his memoirs of a trip and experience of a lifetime he somehow encourages that hidden secretive spot in each of us to simply go for it while and when we can. In creating the sights, the smells, the hunger, the laughs, the noise and the solitude of being on the road in the height of discomfort just going for a dream, he offers not only some philosophy worth reading but also a really fine novel! There is a very good movie lurking in these pages...
Grady Harp
January 28, 2016
In 1987 four brave men got themselves a rental van, got into the van, and they went into battle. They were going to battle against APATHY!! Practically every night for a month, these emotionally expressive and musical men arranged themselves and their instruments in front of various sized audiences and they made a lot of noise and bared their very SOULS onstage, and most people were like, "Hey you guys, feel free to sleep on my floor tonight."
And the band was like, "Great. We don't have to sleep in our van!"
I'm not so sure that the music industry is like this anymore. But that's my current "research": maybe it IS similar.
I was incredibly impressed about the honest descriptions about band relationships. It becomes a family. And the guys become immune to their own collections of odors (and they act confused by the elusive female audience members who are so INTO the music, but they more or less run away after getting within arms' reach. Girls were probably thinking: Um, sorry, but ew.)
I experienced one or two instances where I wished for some self-editing and perspective from the author. Example: Quoting verbatim a long letter that he wrote to his guitarist. Yes, that is extremely emotionally brave (because who writes letters these days, and to guitar players nonetheless?! Everyone knows those guys don't read.) Unfortunately the letter overall is a bit gushy, even though it DID respond to a somewhat traumatic experience. I feel that some brevity could have made it more eloquent. However, I say Bravo! to the author because his older, wiser self did NOT jump in mid-crisis to add words of "Listen we were on drugs and sleep deprived. Those things make people cry."
The book immerses readers into a young artist's mind, and becomes immediate! It feels like it COULD be happening today. (Let's pretend that smart phones don't exist.) It is a mission statement for the event of playing and hearing music LIVE!
And the band was like, "Great. We don't have to sleep in our van!"
I'm not so sure that the music industry is like this anymore. But that's my current "research": maybe it IS similar.
I was incredibly impressed about the honest descriptions about band relationships. It becomes a family. And the guys become immune to their own collections of odors (and they act confused by the elusive female audience members who are so INTO the music, but they more or less run away after getting within arms' reach. Girls were probably thinking: Um, sorry, but ew.)
I experienced one or two instances where I wished for some self-editing and perspective from the author. Example: Quoting verbatim a long letter that he wrote to his guitarist. Yes, that is extremely emotionally brave (because who writes letters these days, and to guitar players nonetheless?! Everyone knows those guys don't read.) Unfortunately the letter overall is a bit gushy, even though it DID respond to a somewhat traumatic experience. I feel that some brevity could have made it more eloquent. However, I say Bravo! to the author because his older, wiser self did NOT jump in mid-crisis to add words of "Listen we were on drugs and sleep deprived. Those things make people cry."
The book immerses readers into a young artist's mind, and becomes immediate! It feels like it COULD be happening today. (Let's pretend that smart phones don't exist.) It is a mission statement for the event of playing and hearing music LIVE!
June 7, 2011
33 Days by Bill See is the true story of the members of Divine Weeks as they embark on their first national tour. The four band members Bill, Dave, George, and Raj and their road manager Ian cram into the back of an Econoline van ready to share their music with the world. I am not familiar with the underground or up and coming music scene, but I found this book to be an insightful look into the world of these young mens dreams. In the days before YouTube and online social media the only real way to get your name to the public was to spread it yourself, and these 4 were willing to do what it took to bring some attention to their band. While reading the book you can feel the passion of Bill for the music and the bond that the band mates shared. In a scene where Raj was confronted with the terrible reality of ignorance and racism the band formed around him and I found myself so angry I wanted to be there to fight on their side.
Divine Weeks tour is motivated by the bands that they idolized growing up in LA, bands that spread their message in their music and did everything they could to find common ground with a new audience every night. Scraping by with barely enough money for gas to get from town to town, living off of peanut butter and jelly and whatever meals the could charm or scam their way into, sleeping on the floors of strangers kind enough to open their homes to a rock band they didn't know. It seems that each member of the band has a time when they are questioning their commitment to the tour due to various pressures that they are under, but when they are onstage the world disappears and the only thing that matters in connecting with the audience. It would have been amazing to be at a show and see the passion and energy that they brought to their performances. This story is a great motivator to stop at nothing when you are chasing your dreams.
Divine Weeks tour is motivated by the bands that they idolized growing up in LA, bands that spread their message in their music and did everything they could to find common ground with a new audience every night. Scraping by with barely enough money for gas to get from town to town, living off of peanut butter and jelly and whatever meals the could charm or scam their way into, sleeping on the floors of strangers kind enough to open their homes to a rock band they didn't know. It seems that each member of the band has a time when they are questioning their commitment to the tour due to various pressures that they are under, but when they are onstage the world disappears and the only thing that matters in connecting with the audience. It would have been amazing to be at a show and see the passion and energy that they brought to their performances. This story is a great motivator to stop at nothing when you are chasing your dreams.
August 24, 2011
Very few memoirs about rockers come across so wonderfully...well..uplifting. This book doesn't deal with fights and egos. What it deals with are a bunch of guys setting out to make it in the music business. It also made me want to hunt down the music of Divine Weeks and give them a listen.
For all intents and purposes, the reader will feel like these guys are wasting their time trying to make it big, but music is hard business to break into and apparently you really should have a day job if you want to survive the early part of a career. These guys weren't making any money and they were schlepping across the country and across Canada! (And not without their share of problems) Yet, through it all this book shows how a dream and friendship make things happen even when there are things that make some band members want to give up. (George had a girlfriend he left behind in L.A. and Raj had family he felt strong ties too).
The 33 days of Divine Weeks' first national tour is full of fun and probably typical rocker behavior... a little drugs...a lot of booze..and a lot of sex...erm...nope ...not much of that unless you were the soundman. (This is lamented several times in the book)
These guys faced a lot together and they could have given up, but they didn't. I think that is what made me feel so good at the end of the book. These guys toughed it out for a few more years. Oh and though I had never heard of Divine Weeks before picking up this book, I came to love this band. Bill writes like a person sitting down at a table sharing stories. That's what made this book so good for me.
If you have an interest in rock n' roll, this is a great story for you, even if you aren't this is just a good all around memoir that reminds us to chase our own dreams.
For all intents and purposes, the reader will feel like these guys are wasting their time trying to make it big, but music is hard business to break into and apparently you really should have a day job if you want to survive the early part of a career. These guys weren't making any money and they were schlepping across the country and across Canada! (And not without their share of problems) Yet, through it all this book shows how a dream and friendship make things happen even when there are things that make some band members want to give up. (George had a girlfriend he left behind in L.A. and Raj had family he felt strong ties too).
The 33 days of Divine Weeks' first national tour is full of fun and probably typical rocker behavior... a little drugs...a lot of booze..and a lot of sex...erm...nope ...not much of that unless you were the soundman. (This is lamented several times in the book)
These guys faced a lot together and they could have given up, but they didn't. I think that is what made me feel so good at the end of the book. These guys toughed it out for a few more years. Oh and though I had never heard of Divine Weeks before picking up this book, I came to love this band. Bill writes like a person sitting down at a table sharing stories. That's what made this book so good for me.
If you have an interest in rock n' roll, this is a great story for you, even if you aren't this is just a good all around memoir that reminds us to chase our own dreams.
February 12, 2015
At the end of the night we're saying goodbye, and Corey pulls me aside and says, “You guys are the first from our little community that's becoming something.” Then he hands me $50 and says, “Bill takes this. We've seen Divine Weeks become something from nothing. You guys are making a lot of us believe we can go and chase our dreams too. Good luck to you guys.”
This was one of those books that came along at just the right time. I was in a funk and needed reminding of why I was chasing my dreams. I needed to remember what my own definition of success is.
33 Days is the 1987 tour diaries of band Divine Weeks. Unearthed and typed up for the whole world to enjoy they make for exciting, and often poignant, reading. It's the tale of a band on the road, living in a van, and having a hand to mouth existence. There's no pretences, no sex, and very little drugs. Forget your big, stadium filling rock stars. This is how it all starts. It's about beginning at the bottom and clawing your way up. Along the way you learn about yourself and exactly what you want from life. And it's not always the sex, drugs, and rock n' roll lifestyle. Sometimes it's about being satisfied with your place in the world and maybe, just maybe, trying to change the world around you.
33 Days is beautifully written, it's prose often as winding as the road they're on. This is one of those books that will be read and re-read, its lines highlighted, its margins filled with notes and its spine eventually being held together with sticky tape. It's also one of those books that you'll never want to end. If you're struggling in any aspect of your life, this is the perfect read. Who knows, it might inspire you to go out and change the world, even if it's only a little.
This was one of those books that came along at just the right time. I was in a funk and needed reminding of why I was chasing my dreams. I needed to remember what my own definition of success is.
33 Days is the 1987 tour diaries of band Divine Weeks. Unearthed and typed up for the whole world to enjoy they make for exciting, and often poignant, reading. It's the tale of a band on the road, living in a van, and having a hand to mouth existence. There's no pretences, no sex, and very little drugs. Forget your big, stadium filling rock stars. This is how it all starts. It's about beginning at the bottom and clawing your way up. Along the way you learn about yourself and exactly what you want from life. And it's not always the sex, drugs, and rock n' roll lifestyle. Sometimes it's about being satisfied with your place in the world and maybe, just maybe, trying to change the world around you.
33 Days is beautifully written, it's prose often as winding as the road they're on. This is one of those books that will be read and re-read, its lines highlighted, its margins filled with notes and its spine eventually being held together with sticky tape. It's also one of those books that you'll never want to end. If you're struggling in any aspect of your life, this is the perfect read. Who knows, it might inspire you to go out and change the world, even if it's only a little.
April 16, 2013
“Touring in a van. Sleeping on floors. Chasing a dream.” This is the tagline of this book and it sums it up very well. Divine Weeks is an “indie” band from the late ‘80’s L.A music scene, during the height of the DIY movement. What that meant is that the band does all their bookings, most of their own promotion. No tours sponsored by Pepsi or anybody else, just go out there and play your you-know-what’s off. Bill See is the band’s front man and the story is told from a collection of writings from his journal of their first tour in summer 1987. Through See’s conversational writing style you really get to know the main characters. You see a lot of the emotions that accompany 33 days cooped up together in a van. These guys were all looking for their way out and they felt that their best bet was music. They had to take their chance and go all out on this tour that took them from L.A., through Canada and the mid-west, to Texas then back to L.A. all in 33 days. While on the road they faced many obstacles like no or little advanced publicity, bad pay, car trouble, racism and much, much more. This is a coming of age story with the heart of determination and perseverance to live in the moment. I graduated high school in 1986 so I loved the references to bands that I could relate to also (Jane's Addiction, Dream Syndicate, Flaming Lips and many more). I really liked this book, it flowed easily and was a good read. If you are a fan of music this is a fascinating look at what it was like in the DIY generation of musicians.
Originally posted on To Read Or Not To Read, January 20, 2012.
Originally posted on To Read Or Not To Read, January 20, 2012.
February 25, 2011
33 days and the adventure of a lifetime. Truly one of those periods of time where dreams became reality, if only for the blink of an eye. In 1987, Divine Weeks (Bill, Raj, George, Dave, and their road manager Ian) stuffed themselves into a back of a beat up old van and went on their first tour (Don’t Hassle It Tour ’87). No roadies, no soundman, playing dives, sleeping on someone’s floor, eating PB&J sandwiches. Music at its purest.
The tour itself is one of those now or never experiences. Either the guys really take a shot at making the band work or they leave it all behind and go their separate ways. Family demons, responsibilities, college, career, and relationships yelling are louder and louder demanding an answer, a direction, a commitment. Still, somewhere deep inside, each of the guys knows they had to do this or they’d regret not taking the chance. In the process, each guy has some unforgettable experiences while gaining some clarity about who they want to be and what’s really important.
I think every one of us has that moment where we decide to either live our dreams or just give up. 33 Days touches that part of us. I read this story in one go-stayed up until 3:30 am to do so. I simply couldn’t put it down. It was like I was a tagalong for the ride. My dreams may have been different at 22 years old but for a fleeting moment I remembered.
The tour itself is one of those now or never experiences. Either the guys really take a shot at making the band work or they leave it all behind and go their separate ways. Family demons, responsibilities, college, career, and relationships yelling are louder and louder demanding an answer, a direction, a commitment. Still, somewhere deep inside, each of the guys knows they had to do this or they’d regret not taking the chance. In the process, each guy has some unforgettable experiences while gaining some clarity about who they want to be and what’s really important.
I think every one of us has that moment where we decide to either live our dreams or just give up. 33 Days touches that part of us. I read this story in one go-stayed up until 3:30 am to do so. I simply couldn’t put it down. It was like I was a tagalong for the ride. My dreams may have been different at 22 years old but for a fleeting moment I remembered.
January 16, 2012
It's the late 80s. MTV still played music videos. Bill See and his band are on the road for the first time. Traveling on a shoestring budget (and a ton of good luck and good will by others), Bill and the band are living the dream or what they think is their dream. Their tour will take them from LA to Canada and back again. The book reads like sort of a journal, a very no-holds barred journal. This style of writing may not work for everyone but it worked for me in this context. I really thought that the journal style added to the feeling of being right with the band as they experience their tour.
I really enjoyed this book. It was fun living vicariously through the band and their successes and failures. I'm not musical myself but I've always been fascinated with people who are and people who are able to turn their love of music into something really amazing like joining a band. All of the band members in the book are younger than I am now and for them to have the guts to step out there and do something like a tour.
I think that music lovers and memoir lovers alike will really enjoy this book!
I really enjoyed this book. It was fun living vicariously through the band and their successes and failures. I'm not musical myself but I've always been fascinated with people who are and people who are able to turn their love of music into something really amazing like joining a band. All of the band members in the book are younger than I am now and for them to have the guts to step out there and do something like a tour.
I think that music lovers and memoir lovers alike will really enjoy this book!
January 17, 2012
33 Days is your classic coming of age story, but it is so much more than that. It's about putting your life on the line for a dream, making things happen for yourself, making sacrifices for your art, and about leaving behind all the reasons why you shouldn't do what you love and try to make it. It's also about friendship and the pure joy of being young, with the whole world in front of you.
In listening to Divine Weeks's music on the http://www.33daysthebook.com/ website, it's easy to see why Bill See is such a good author. His music is heartfelt and passionate, just like his writing. Perhaps the book struck a particular chord in me (pardon the pun) because I'm an independently published author and I have to do a lot of my own promotion, just like Divine Weeks did, but there was something about the poignancy of this book that really left an impression on me. I walked away from it feeling a little sad, not only because it was over, but for the days of youth that are long past...for the band as well as myself. It made me look at my own life and how I've chased my own dreams. It makes me proud that I've done what I have, but made me question whether I have done enough.
In listening to Divine Weeks's music on the http://www.33daysthebook.com/ website, it's easy to see why Bill See is such a good author. His music is heartfelt and passionate, just like his writing. Perhaps the book struck a particular chord in me (pardon the pun) because I'm an independently published author and I have to do a lot of my own promotion, just like Divine Weeks did, but there was something about the poignancy of this book that really left an impression on me. I walked away from it feeling a little sad, not only because it was over, but for the days of youth that are long past...for the band as well as myself. It made me look at my own life and how I've chased my own dreams. It makes me proud that I've done what I have, but made me question whether I have done enough.
February 17, 2014
Hey - I posted this long-overdue review on Amazon just now.
Bill See's autobiographical crystalline chronicle of he and his band's shot at making it hits all the right notes. If you've ever wondered if you had the inner stuff to face who you are when confronted with the possibility of getting what you wished for, this is the book. Or as our friend Ziggy Stardust once advised, "You better hold onto yourself."
33 Days is about the real grit, because anyone who has been there knows it ain't never about the glamor, of surviving the first wave of local infamy and setting your sights to the horizon of something bigger. See and Divine Weeks van turns into a tiny ship, like a fourth barque of Columbus, hoping to discover a new world without sailing of the edge of all they know. Bill is honest in the demons they must confront together and separately on this journey. He doesn't hold back. Love, loathing, loss and levity are all woven together with a deft touch. You want to turn the page. You want to know what happened. You want to know why.
Download 33 Days already and enjoy the ride.
Bill See's autobiographical crystalline chronicle of he and his band's shot at making it hits all the right notes. If you've ever wondered if you had the inner stuff to face who you are when confronted with the possibility of getting what you wished for, this is the book. Or as our friend Ziggy Stardust once advised, "You better hold onto yourself."
33 Days is about the real grit, because anyone who has been there knows it ain't never about the glamor, of surviving the first wave of local infamy and setting your sights to the horizon of something bigger. See and Divine Weeks van turns into a tiny ship, like a fourth barque of Columbus, hoping to discover a new world without sailing of the edge of all they know. Bill is honest in the demons they must confront together and separately on this journey. He doesn't hold back. Love, loathing, loss and levity are all woven together with a deft touch. You want to turn the page. You want to know what happened. You want to know why.
Download 33 Days already and enjoy the ride.
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