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The Music Never Stops: What Putting on 10,000 Shows Has Taught Me About Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Magic
The engrossing, insightful, and personal musical odyssey of Peter Shapiro, perhaps the most notable independent concert promoter since Bill Graham
Peter Shapiro is the best known and most influential concert promoter of his generation. He owned the legendary Wetlands in Tribeca and has gone on to much bigger things, including Brooklyn Bowl (NYC, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, and Nashville), the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, producing U2 3D , and promoting the Grateful Dead’s fiftieth-anniversary tour (“Fare Thee Well”) featuring the Core Four and Trey Anastasio . . . and so much more.
In The Music Never Stops , Shapiro shares the inside story of how he became a power-house in the music industry—an island in an increasingly consolidated landscape of venues, ticketing, and touring—through the lens of fifty iconic concerts. Along the way, readers gain insight into what it was like to work with some of the most celebrated bands in modern music, including not just the Grateful Dead and U2, but also Bob Dylan, Phish, Dave Matthews Band, Al Green, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Jason Isbell, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Roots, Robert Plant, Leonard Cohen, and many more.
Featuring never-before-published back-stage anecdotes, insights, and photographs of the biggest bands in the business and the concerts that later became legendary, The Music Never Stops is a perfect guide for any-one who wants to understand the modern live music industry.
Peter Shapiro is the best known and most influential concert promoter of his generation. He owned the legendary Wetlands in Tribeca and has gone on to much bigger things, including Brooklyn Bowl (NYC, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, and Nashville), the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, producing U2 3D , and promoting the Grateful Dead’s fiftieth-anniversary tour (“Fare Thee Well”) featuring the Core Four and Trey Anastasio . . . and so much more.
In The Music Never Stops , Shapiro shares the inside story of how he became a power-house in the music industry—an island in an increasingly consolidated landscape of venues, ticketing, and touring—through the lens of fifty iconic concerts. Along the way, readers gain insight into what it was like to work with some of the most celebrated bands in modern music, including not just the Grateful Dead and U2, but also Bob Dylan, Phish, Dave Matthews Band, Al Green, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Jason Isbell, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Roots, Robert Plant, Leonard Cohen, and many more.
Featuring never-before-published back-stage anecdotes, insights, and photographs of the biggest bands in the business and the concerts that later became legendary, The Music Never Stops is a perfect guide for any-one who wants to understand the modern live music industry.
368 pages, Paperback
Published November 7, 2023
88 people are currently reading
1968 people want to read
About the author
Peter Shapiro
16 books16 followersPeter Shapiro was an American lawyer and music journalist. He wrote several reference works on music genres including Disco and Hip-hop, before moving into practice focusing on media law.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 26, 2022
3.5 Stars
Peter Shapiro is a NYC based music mogul who has logged in over 100,000 hours in his profession which centers on opening music venues, producing concert events and dealing with musicians. He was just in his twenties when he took over the Tribeca based music venue "Wetlands". He later went on to create the Brooklyn based business "Brooklyn Bowl" which provided the multimedia experience of giant video screens, live concert jams and...bowling! Then he assumed ownership of the Port Chester based "Capitol Theatre", a large, beautiful historic venue that he renovated and transformed. He also spearheaded an annual awards show called "Jammys". You see, Shapiro is a huge fan of jams, which is why he is also a major Grateful Dead fan. In fact, a very large portion of the book concerns his passion for the Grateful Dead and his longtime relationships with Dead bassist Phil Lesh, Bob Weir and other surviving band members. Shapiro booked them constantly at his various music venues. If you are a Grateful Dead fan, perhaps you might enjoy this book more than I did.
First let me tell you what I liked about the book. I was fascinated by all the business machinations and creativity required to be a successful music entrepreneur like Peter Shapiro. He doesn't even watch TV, his mind is so busy maintaining his business empire and strategizing future goals. My son is in the music business so I found his advice valuable, interesting and informative. Shapiro is generous in this book with explaining business aspects such as acquiring property, coming up with business capital, and avoiding bankruptcy. He talks about how much the musical artist is paid, how tickets are sold, what cut a venue can take from the sale of merchandise and much, much more. One of my favorite stories was about Robert Plant, the iconic lead singer of Led Zeppelin who was on a solo tour. He happened to be in NYC staying at a hotel directly across the street from one of Shapiro's music venues. Shapiro went to his bank and withdrew $50,000 in cash and put it in a paper bag, using it to make a deal with Plant to do a show before leaving town. It reminded me of when Led Zeppelin played Madison Square Garden in the 70s and their eccentric and overpowering manager Peter Brandt demanded they be paid in cash.
The parts I didn't like in the book were the focus on musical acts I didn't know at all, or knew next to nothing about. Shapiro definitely has a very different music palette from mine. Some of the acts that often played at his venues were John Popper, Questlove, The Tedeschi Trucks Band, Disco Biscuits, and most especially various iterations of the remaining Grateful Dead members or Grateful Dead tribute bands. By about the 70% mark in the book I resorted to skimming because I had lost interest in reading about these bands. Also, towards the end of the book he touched on politics just a little bit, so that gave me a reason to skim even more.
Overall, I think this would be an an excellent book for use in a college Music Business course. This book is almost 400 pages, and Shapiro has massive experience in the industry to impart, and does so skillfully. It was a pleasant and easy read, but this type of book lends itself to some skimming if you're not particularly interested in the bands discussed.
Thank you to the publisher Hachette Books who provided an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
Peter Shapiro is a NYC based music mogul who has logged in over 100,000 hours in his profession which centers on opening music venues, producing concert events and dealing with musicians. He was just in his twenties when he took over the Tribeca based music venue "Wetlands". He later went on to create the Brooklyn based business "Brooklyn Bowl" which provided the multimedia experience of giant video screens, live concert jams and...bowling! Then he assumed ownership of the Port Chester based "Capitol Theatre", a large, beautiful historic venue that he renovated and transformed. He also spearheaded an annual awards show called "Jammys". You see, Shapiro is a huge fan of jams, which is why he is also a major Grateful Dead fan. In fact, a very large portion of the book concerns his passion for the Grateful Dead and his longtime relationships with Dead bassist Phil Lesh, Bob Weir and other surviving band members. Shapiro booked them constantly at his various music venues. If you are a Grateful Dead fan, perhaps you might enjoy this book more than I did.
First let me tell you what I liked about the book. I was fascinated by all the business machinations and creativity required to be a successful music entrepreneur like Peter Shapiro. He doesn't even watch TV, his mind is so busy maintaining his business empire and strategizing future goals. My son is in the music business so I found his advice valuable, interesting and informative. Shapiro is generous in this book with explaining business aspects such as acquiring property, coming up with business capital, and avoiding bankruptcy. He talks about how much the musical artist is paid, how tickets are sold, what cut a venue can take from the sale of merchandise and much, much more. One of my favorite stories was about Robert Plant, the iconic lead singer of Led Zeppelin who was on a solo tour. He happened to be in NYC staying at a hotel directly across the street from one of Shapiro's music venues. Shapiro went to his bank and withdrew $50,000 in cash and put it in a paper bag, using it to make a deal with Plant to do a show before leaving town. It reminded me of when Led Zeppelin played Madison Square Garden in the 70s and their eccentric and overpowering manager Peter Brandt demanded they be paid in cash.
The parts I didn't like in the book were the focus on musical acts I didn't know at all, or knew next to nothing about. Shapiro definitely has a very different music palette from mine. Some of the acts that often played at his venues were John Popper, Questlove, The Tedeschi Trucks Band, Disco Biscuits, and most especially various iterations of the remaining Grateful Dead members or Grateful Dead tribute bands. By about the 70% mark in the book I resorted to skimming because I had lost interest in reading about these bands. Also, towards the end of the book he touched on politics just a little bit, so that gave me a reason to skim even more.
Overall, I think this would be an an excellent book for use in a college Music Business course. This book is almost 400 pages, and Shapiro has massive experience in the industry to impart, and does so skillfully. It was a pleasant and easy read, but this type of book lends itself to some skimming if you're not particularly interested in the bands discussed.
Thank you to the publisher Hachette Books who provided an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
April 17, 2022
To compare rock impresario Peter Shapiro with the late Bill Graham would be appropriate, and he is doing for 21st century live music what Bill did for the 20th century. But first and foremost, Pete is a zealous, obsessed music fan. Especially a fan of live improvisational music. His (first) autobiography, written with partner Dean Budnick, overflows with his enthusiasm for the music, the performers, and his work promoting them. He clearly works from the viewpoint of the music fan, and all his decisions are based on the ethics of the jamband scene- kindness, inclusivity, and community.
Peter tells his own story of attending Northwestern, where he met many of his current inner circle, and opening Wetlands, a club dedicated to the jamband scene in lower Manhattan. From there, he describes orchestrating the surviving Grateful Dead members' final shows called Fare Thee Well, opening the Brooklyn Bowl franchise, the refurbished Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, the Lockn' Festival, and much much more.
As he proceeds, he offers advice and reflections to aspiring promoters . His "nos turn to yeses', knowing when to leave early versus being the last person standing in the room, deciding when to propose an idea to an artist or to their management, being able to astutely read a room and/or situation are all practical and solid ideas. The book abounds with them.
He often references sports ("The promotor's job is to deliver the assist. The artist scores") , his own personal asides (he is prone to allergic reactions, and if you are he advises you carry Benadryl), and using music terminology to describe decisions ("I called an audible and went to this show").
Many of his reflections seem like life lessons as well as business lessons ("Whenever you start something, all the calls are outgoing. But if you build it right, you get the incoming"). I found myself googling some of what, to me, were more of the obscure references ("they provided white label service for us on the back end") and became more knowledgeable about the music business in the process.
A delightful and informative read for music fans and industry insiders alike. Many thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.
Peter tells his own story of attending Northwestern, where he met many of his current inner circle, and opening Wetlands, a club dedicated to the jamband scene in lower Manhattan. From there, he describes orchestrating the surviving Grateful Dead members' final shows called Fare Thee Well, opening the Brooklyn Bowl franchise, the refurbished Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, the Lockn' Festival, and much much more.
As he proceeds, he offers advice and reflections to aspiring promoters . His "nos turn to yeses', knowing when to leave early versus being the last person standing in the room, deciding when to propose an idea to an artist or to their management, being able to astutely read a room and/or situation are all practical and solid ideas. The book abounds with them.
He often references sports ("The promotor's job is to deliver the assist. The artist scores") , his own personal asides (he is prone to allergic reactions, and if you are he advises you carry Benadryl), and using music terminology to describe decisions ("I called an audible and went to this show").
Many of his reflections seem like life lessons as well as business lessons ("Whenever you start something, all the calls are outgoing. But if you build it right, you get the incoming"). I found myself googling some of what, to me, were more of the obscure references ("they provided white label service for us on the back end") and became more knowledgeable about the music business in the process.
A delightful and informative read for music fans and industry insiders alike. Many thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.
August 7, 2022
If you like jam bands then this book is for you. Peter Shapiro tells his story of how he started in the music promotion business which was launched and inspired by his love for the Grateful Dead scene. I was amazed to read how many areas of popular music he has supported and promoted through clubs\restaurants\festivals and up to some of the largest venues in the world. His dedication to the music, the scene, the artists and the public is shown time again in the stories of his life.
June 17, 2022
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
If you are from the NYC area, or love The Grateful Dead, you will love this book. I enjoyed reading about the author's work life, and how things came together. I think I would have enjoyed this more if it wasn't 75% Grateful Dead (and family) stories. I spent most of the 70s and 80s going to concerts in Los Angeles, and would love a book like this about the West Coast.
Well written, and flows nicely. Wish there were photos!
If you are from the NYC area, or love The Grateful Dead, you will love this book. I enjoyed reading about the author's work life, and how things came together. I think I would have enjoyed this more if it wasn't 75% Grateful Dead (and family) stories. I spent most of the 70s and 80s going to concerts in Los Angeles, and would love a book like this about the West Coast.
Well written, and flows nicely. Wish there were photos!
August 21, 2022
I was pretty disappointed in this book. I was hoping for shop talk and business insight, but I got name-dropping and self-celebration. There were some good nuggets in there, but it was honestly a slog to get through with entire paragraphs of nothing but names and commas.
August 12, 2022
This book is not well written and there was something that irritated me about it BUT I loved what amounted to a back stage tour of sorts. I love that Peter Shapiro is a true music lover and that he totally understands that a show can be a sacred, spiritual, and magical place. And he probably has the coolest job ever.
August 19, 2024
“You can’t see it if you’re not there.”
September 11, 2022
I first met Peter at CMJ 200? When he made a presentation about Ticketmaster. Being from Florida, I had never heard of him, but immediately was inspired by him. After that trip, I created a music promotions company that focused on a website sharing new music and became a resource for local music fans to learn about shows in the tri-county area. The project was a side-one for me, as I have a full-time professional career, apart from music. But, despite the requirements to make money and put my kids through school, music promotion remains near and dear to my heart. So, that being said, this book was extremely refreshing to read because Peter has yet again, inspired me to move forward with a music-focused project. His dedication to making it easy, and fun, to consume live music. I too, love live music, and wondered how the absence of live music affected others. I know that I supported artists during COVID by purchasing their music on vinyl, their merchandise and any live streams they were willing to put together, just to entertain me. Peter, thank you for this incredible story. You gave us a sneak peak and for that, I'm forever grateful. ✌️ ❤️ 🎶
August 9, 2022
Very interesting and fun read for all Jam band fans.
July 28, 2023
Peter Shapiro has the type of career that most of us never think about. When we go to concerts or stream live music or appreciate the aesthetic of a venue we don’t often think about the people behind it all. Most of us just want to see the band and hear some good tunes. Shapiro is one of the people that makes that happen.
He’s led an interesting life and clearly has a knack and energy for what he does. That energy is infectious; it comes off the pages in waves. I can only imagine what it’s like to be around him and I can see how he has been able to form such meaningful relationships with some of the biggest names in music.
What I enjoyed about this book is the behind the scenes look at the music promotion business. Shapiro talks quite a bit about the ins and outs of booking bands, costs, risks, and the internal and external stresses.
It does get exasperating after a while though. The book reads more like a list of name drops and Shapiro’s accomplishments. He mentions that he does his best work and thinking when he paces and it reads as if that’s how he wrote it—pacing back and forth while his coauthor Dean Budnick takes dictation. At 330 pages it’s not exceptionally long but it begins to feel that way by the end.
I’m glad I read it though. For one, it made me really want to go see some live music, something I still haven’t had a chance to do since before COVID. And two, whenever that chance arrives I will have a better understanding of what people went through to bring me that concert.
He’s led an interesting life and clearly has a knack and energy for what he does. That energy is infectious; it comes off the pages in waves. I can only imagine what it’s like to be around him and I can see how he has been able to form such meaningful relationships with some of the biggest names in music.
What I enjoyed about this book is the behind the scenes look at the music promotion business. Shapiro talks quite a bit about the ins and outs of booking bands, costs, risks, and the internal and external stresses.
It does get exasperating after a while though. The book reads more like a list of name drops and Shapiro’s accomplishments. He mentions that he does his best work and thinking when he paces and it reads as if that’s how he wrote it—pacing back and forth while his coauthor Dean Budnick takes dictation. At 330 pages it’s not exceptionally long but it begins to feel that way by the end.
I’m glad I read it though. For one, it made me really want to go see some live music, something I still haven’t had a chance to do since before COVID. And two, whenever that chance arrives I will have a better understanding of what people went through to bring me that concert.
July 16, 2024
This is a short, light read that will be of personal interest to jamband fans.
Peter is obviously very talented, very personable, and has great thymos — I would love to shadow him for a day to see him operate. This book is a great testament to how much one can accomplish when they truly care.
Two things I reflected on while reading this book:
1. Once someone becomes an established person, (ie a form of matchmaker, liquidity provider, connected person etc.), it becomes incredibly easy to create things, in a way that is simply impossible for ordinary people. Few become "established persons," and those who do often aren't born exceptional but rather have good fortune on their side. It seems there should be more focus in "the discourse" on becoming one of these people, because once that status is reached, building and facilitating things becomes orders of magnitude easier.
2. During Peter's ascent and domination of the jamband world, the jamband scene also died. It's also significant that many jamband fans voice dislike for Shapiro. While I suspect the fate of jambands has more to do with factors like the return of Phish + Dead cover bands galore, increased cost of fuel and living, and more channels for distribution beyond live shows, it's at least not obvious that Shapiro actively made the music community he cares about better off. There's definitely an argument to be made that he could have done more.
Peter is obviously very talented, very personable, and has great thymos — I would love to shadow him for a day to see him operate. This book is a great testament to how much one can accomplish when they truly care.
Two things I reflected on while reading this book:
1. Once someone becomes an established person, (ie a form of matchmaker, liquidity provider, connected person etc.), it becomes incredibly easy to create things, in a way that is simply impossible for ordinary people. Few become "established persons," and those who do often aren't born exceptional but rather have good fortune on their side. It seems there should be more focus in "the discourse" on becoming one of these people, because once that status is reached, building and facilitating things becomes orders of magnitude easier.
2. During Peter's ascent and domination of the jamband world, the jamband scene also died. It's also significant that many jamband fans voice dislike for Shapiro. While I suspect the fate of jambands has more to do with factors like the return of Phish + Dead cover bands galore, increased cost of fuel and living, and more channels for distribution beyond live shows, it's at least not obvious that Shapiro actively made the music community he cares about better off. There's definitely an argument to be made that he could have done more.
September 22, 2023
Interesting if you're into the jam band scene, but probably 100 pages too long. By the end I was bored and found it redundant. It also got old listening to the constant name drops and self-adulation.
Also, and I'm probably in the minority on this, but my biggest takeaway was that Peter Shapiro was essentially born on 3rd base. And had he not been, he definitely wouldn't be where he is today. And I wish he would have at least acknowledged this. He had rich parents, and mentions several times how it helped having an attorney for a father. He also said he started his business using the proceeds from selling the IBM shares his Grandpa gave him for his Bar Mitzvah. At first he casually mentions that he was given the shares like it was small potatoes, until you later learn it was enough money to start a business. Theres also other small things, like how he mentions going to Stanford Golf Camp as a kid. If that's not some rich person shit, I don't know what is. Don't get me wrong, he worked his ass off to get where he is today, and he's changed the jam band scene infinitely for the better, but I couldn't help but feel like he's the type of person that was born on 3rd base thinking he hit a triple.
Also, and I'm probably in the minority on this, but my biggest takeaway was that Peter Shapiro was essentially born on 3rd base. And had he not been, he definitely wouldn't be where he is today. And I wish he would have at least acknowledged this. He had rich parents, and mentions several times how it helped having an attorney for a father. He also said he started his business using the proceeds from selling the IBM shares his Grandpa gave him for his Bar Mitzvah. At first he casually mentions that he was given the shares like it was small potatoes, until you later learn it was enough money to start a business. Theres also other small things, like how he mentions going to Stanford Golf Camp as a kid. If that's not some rich person shit, I don't know what is. Don't get me wrong, he worked his ass off to get where he is today, and he's changed the jam band scene infinitely for the better, but I couldn't help but feel like he's the type of person that was born on 3rd base thinking he hit a triple.
August 9, 2022
Depending on the type of music you listen to you may be familiar with Peter Shapiro a graduate of Northwestern University where he got his start early by putting together a couple of films following the Dead Heads around the country. Peter is a well-known club owner, concert promoter, filmmaker
and magazine publisher and of course an author. He first got noticed by presenting two films at the Sundance film festival. He leased the Wetlands in New York and brought many different musical acts and jam bands such as the likes of members of the Grateful dead and the band Phish along with many different artists. The Wetlands also got him involved in Environmental causes and started this at the age of 23. In the description the are many musicians and bands mention and that is what drew me to this book the main focus seems to be what are called jam bands. Not being a big fan of those bands, this book was not all i hoped it would be even though it is well written and the fact that everything this man seems to touch turns out well. So, if bands like the Grateful dead and phish are you bands you like this book is definitely for you. I would rate this book 3 1/2 stars out of 5.
and magazine publisher and of course an author. He first got noticed by presenting two films at the Sundance film festival. He leased the Wetlands in New York and brought many different musical acts and jam bands such as the likes of members of the Grateful dead and the band Phish along with many different artists. The Wetlands also got him involved in Environmental causes and started this at the age of 23. In the description the are many musicians and bands mention and that is what drew me to this book the main focus seems to be what are called jam bands. Not being a big fan of those bands, this book was not all i hoped it would be even though it is well written and the fact that everything this man seems to touch turns out well. So, if bands like the Grateful dead and phish are you bands you like this book is definitely for you. I would rate this book 3 1/2 stars out of 5.
June 2, 2024
If you love live music and attending concerts, then this book by Peter Shapiro will certainly keep you entertained and educated. The Music Never Stops chronicles Shapiro’s involvement with putting on concerts all over the world, with every artist imaginable. He’s worked with the Grateful Dead, Phish, U2, the Disco Biscuits, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and countless more.
While there’s a bit of self indulgence throughout the book, it’s minimal compared to the amount of stories that educate and entertain. The amount of time, finances, and other logistics involved with putting on concerts is all highlighted in this book, and it’s pretty incredible, to say the least.
While many will never know Shapiro, the fact is he is responsible for a lot of what you see on a stage or a festival. His work with the Dead “Fare Thee Well” shows, LOCKN, and various Earth Day festivals is highlighted and a pleasure to read. If you love live music, this book is a must read.
While there’s a bit of self indulgence throughout the book, it’s minimal compared to the amount of stories that educate and entertain. The amount of time, finances, and other logistics involved with putting on concerts is all highlighted in this book, and it’s pretty incredible, to say the least.
While many will never know Shapiro, the fact is he is responsible for a lot of what you see on a stage or a festival. His work with the Dead “Fare Thee Well” shows, LOCKN, and various Earth Day festivals is highlighted and a pleasure to read. If you love live music, this book is a must read.
December 22, 2022
Rating 3.5 / 5
Not the best written book of all time, but that’s to be expected from a guy who deals less with the written word and more with the spoken, or more often, sung word. This book was definitely enjoyable as it spans the years and the music that I’ve been heavily invested in my whole life. I can’t see what interest someone outside of the jamband scene would have in this book, but for someone who is deeply invested in said scene, it is a lovely collection of stories of how major memorable concerts and events came to be through the mind of Pete Shapiro.
Would recommend to heads who want a behind the scenes look at some great jam moments of the last 30 years.
Not the best written book of all time, but that’s to be expected from a guy who deals less with the written word and more with the spoken, or more often, sung word. This book was definitely enjoyable as it spans the years and the music that I’ve been heavily invested in my whole life. I can’t see what interest someone outside of the jamband scene would have in this book, but for someone who is deeply invested in said scene, it is a lovely collection of stories of how major memorable concerts and events came to be through the mind of Pete Shapiro.
Would recommend to heads who want a behind the scenes look at some great jam moments of the last 30 years.
May 8, 2023
Wow! I was pleasantly surprised how Peter Shapiro’s autobiography “The Music Never Stops” made me feel. It is a great read. Along with intriguing stories about his career as a concert promoter, this book offers a great insight into the live music industry. Anyone who loves live music should read this book. Being a huge live music person,this brought me great memories and yearning for more. The stories- at the Wetland’s, starting Brooklyn Bowl, and making the Capitol- are amazing. I can’t wait to see and listen to what he has planned for the future! (Chicago 2016?!)
Side note: I met Pete a few times and he is very kind and down to earth dude. Let there be songs to fill the air. ⚡️
Side note: I met Pete a few times and he is very kind and down to earth dude. Let there be songs to fill the air. ⚡️
April 11, 2024
For me reading about venue management in New York in 90s from the fan of Dreadful Dead is how listening to stories of Pesniary band backstage in soviet era for modern fun of gabber from Holland. No connection ) But anecdote after anecdote I spotted some relevant and interesting facts. Like tapering floors of new venues to agree on renovation plans. Constant eagerness to level up the bar of live (and streaming) experience. Understanding the audience - those who come to play music and those come to listen is crucial for venue managers like Shapiro. And of course sense of making deals. If you at the same time a fan of music - it’s a combo.
September 2, 2022
(2 1/2). Many moons ago, I promoted concerts. So picking up this book was a natural for me. The good news is that Shapiro has had a long and prolific career, and we learn about a great deal of it in these pages. The bad new is that the recounts get pretty boring at times. List after list of artists. His obsession with all things Grateful Dead has been a boon financially, but as a reader....Ugh! Quite the guy but the writing is pretty dry. If you are not a serious Deadhead or diehard concert fan this will not be appealing. OK stuff.
December 16, 2022
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. Peter Shapiro's writing is focused on his experience as concert promoter, specifically on the economic challenges of club ownership and concert promotion, which he explains in appealing fashion. Shapiro has been involved in the jam scene for decades and knows or knew everyone from the core four of The Dead to Phish to Col Bruce to Strangefolk to Blues Traveler and it's great to read the backstories behind what Peter has produced over the years. He drops names and shares details but in a loving and approachable way.
May 24, 2023
If you follow jam band/Grateful Dead music, this book by the concert promoter who founded the Wetlands club in NYC, as well as Brooklyn Bowl, is interesting for its attention to detail, and Shapiro's ability to remember almost every musician he has met. He also recalls every one of the 10,000 concerts in the title. The book could really benefit from an index; the book is co-written with the editor of RELIX Magazine, and the writing style suggests it was transcribed from taped interviews and I was often hoping for a connection to a bigger picture. (3.6-3.9/5.0 stars).
April 7, 2024
Full disclosure: I am 100% the target audience for this book.
What a fascinating life Mr. Shapiro has led so far. From taking over Wetlands Preserve in NYC when he was 23, to promoting Fare Thee Well in 2015, he has had a hand in the culture I’ve immersed myself in perhaps more than any other single individual in the last 30 years who hasn’t played an instrument on stage.
Full of stories of successes and failures, tidbits of advice, and many lessons about music promotion can be found in these pages. A must-read for any jam band fan who likes learning about this weird cult we are in.
What a fascinating life Mr. Shapiro has led so far. From taking over Wetlands Preserve in NYC when he was 23, to promoting Fare Thee Well in 2015, he has had a hand in the culture I’ve immersed myself in perhaps more than any other single individual in the last 30 years who hasn’t played an instrument on stage.
Full of stories of successes and failures, tidbits of advice, and many lessons about music promotion can be found in these pages. A must-read for any jam band fan who likes learning about this weird cult we are in.
September 8, 2022
Unless you are into jam bands like Phish and Grateful Dead, there is little content of interest in this book. I feel like the book description is misleading and makes it seem like this is collection of behind-the-scenes stories about notable concerts and I kept listening for those stories but all I got was info about the jam band culture and technical details about the author’s career in the music/concert/bar industry.
May 9, 2023
4.5 OK, I admit I was never a huge fan of the Grateful Dead unlike the author of this book. But this was a very insightful look about the business of music by a major concert promoter in the business who came to that profession and life led by his own passion and fandom for the Dead. I really liked that Shapiro apparently never forgets that he is a music fan first, and then a businessman. It was also a very readable book.
December 26, 2023
If you enjoy music, especially the jam/rock side of music, you’ll love this book. All kinds of behind the scenes stories of bands I love, and legendary venues they played in, from someone that had a huge hand in making it all happen.
My only complaint is that each chapter kind of exists by itself, so sometimes portions of the same stories get repeated across several chapters, but not enough for me to rate it anything other than 5 stars
My only complaint is that each chapter kind of exists by itself, so sometimes portions of the same stories get repeated across several chapters, but not enough for me to rate it anything other than 5 stars
November 5, 2022
This book was so much fun to read! I’m the same age at Pete and saw many of the bands and shows he covers. His unique approach to the fan experience sets him apart in the business, and makes his venues/events more appealing than most. As a fellow entrepreneur, I also loved his insights on developing new ideas and running a business. And GD60? Whatever it looks like, count me in!
September 30, 2023
Dire. College kid makes a touring video about the Grateful Dead. Does something similar with Phish. Rich lawyer dad buys him a club. Bands come to play. He meets musicians. He drops names. He drops a billion more names. Nothing of any substance or interest follows. DNF.
January 26, 2024
Solid book, easy to read. Split into 50 chapters for 50 shows. Much of the book seemed like name-dropping, but it was a good story overall. Jamband fans would like this book more, as they probably attended some of these shows.
December 9, 2024
Lots of great stories, insight, and music history to get excited about and feel inspired by; however, by the end it started to feel like he's name-dropping for the sake of it and having himself a wank.
August 28, 2025
This was an outstanding read well written, tracing the path Pete has taken to nurture the music (thank you!) and leaving some valuable life and business lessons along the way.
I would have given it 5 stars except he had to mention Goose in the last chapter.
I would have given it 5 stars except he had to mention Goose in the last chapter.
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