From the Inside: A Backdrop to the Music of My Life

by Russ DiBella

In 1978, when music found its way into Russ DiBella’s life largely by way of external circumstances, a natural progression of sorts began to unfold which would eventually marry his affection for words with a nascent interest in drumming and lyric writing. What began as a teenage rite of passage — his first rock concert — would spawn a lifelong passion for all things music, manifesting itself in ways both deliberate and unanticipated.Part memoir and part backstage pass, From the Inside is actually written from the perspective of an outsider looking in — although very often and surreptitiously from within. With a detailed history of how music became such an actively integral part of his life (even before an awareness of his parents’ unintended influence) and an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at several concerts (to include a respectable gathering of drumsticks along the way), DiBella recounts with enthusiasm and occasional humility more than thirty years of experiences as admirer, accomplice and collector.Less a narrative about unofficial access to “rock stars,” From the Inside sneaks a peek behind the proverbial curtain to discover some of the inner workings of live concerts. Meeting drum techs, guitar techs and other assorted crew and band members and observing load-ins, soundchecks and even a few shows from the other side of the stage offers an intimate look at activities otherwise inaccessible to the typical concert-goer. Not wanting for moments of rock’n’roll flash, encounters with rockers Mick Jagger, Eddie Van Halen and Neil Peart as well as country artists Brad Paisley and Montgomery Gentry among many others provide additional insight and add elements of celebrity to this otherwise personal account.Clearly written with an appreciation both for music and those artists who’ve inspired, From the Inside is the story of a life examined through the lens of music.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2011

Reviews

[S. Bavey · Rating 4 out of 5]

In From the Inside, Russ DiBella tells readers about his lifelong love affair with music starting from his teen years, when he took up drumming and then starting to go to see bands, trying to get famous bands’ guitar picks, drumsticks and signed items to add to what he calls ‘The Collection’. He also occasionally mentions the soundtrack to his life - music that triggers memories of his life events. The book is peppered with trivia and fun facts about the bands he went to see and information on their discography and members. Russ gives readers a wealth of information about the bands he has followed throughout the years while pursuing his passion project of collecting drumsticks. He also tells of his own progression as a drummer in bands from schooldays through writing his wedding song and recording with multiple bands he has been a member of.
An interesting memoir for music fans in particular!

[Inga Aksamit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Russ Debella shares his personal journey through the lens of music, weaving together memories, reflections, and the songs that shaped his life. While the writing can feel uneven at times, the sincerity and passion behind his stories come through clearly. It reads less like a polished narrative arc and more like sitting down with someone who truly loves music and wants to share how it influenced his path. The music I was familiar with drew me in and I was amazed at the access he created for himself--that in itself is a remarkable feat. A heartfelt memoir that fans of personal storytelling and music nostalgia will appreciate.