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Off My Rocker: One Man’s Tasty, Twisted, Star-Studded Quest for Everlasting Music
IPPY GOLD Best Personal Nonfiction Ebook
"Wildly entertaining tell-all from a rock 'n' roll insider."—Marc Geiger
He messed with James Brown's perfect hair. He counted a pile of cash with Aretha Franklin in her hotel room. He ate popcorn with Leonard Cohen. He cured a dying sparrow with Joan Baez. He got bamboozled by Chuck Berry.
Kenny Weissberg followed the music his entire career. A disc jockey, critic, rock singer, bandleader, and concert promoter, he lived all his childhood dreams--some of which turned into nightmares.
Off My Rocker presents a rollicking, backstage look at the joys and painful realities of a life devoted to music. During his early years as a radio personality, Weissberg basks in the creative glow of the free-spirited, post-Woodstock era but later rebels against the soulless corporate takeover of the music he's loved forever. Along the way, he detours to the dark side, succumbing to the greed, deceit, theft, and drugs that plague the entertainment industry.
In lively prose and vivid detail, Weissberg shares stories about the eccentric cast of characters who cross his path, including a spectacular array of showbiz legends. Equal parts spicy confessional and pop-culture adventure, with trenchant insights throughout, this page-turner of a memoir will stay with you long after the closing credits.
"Wildly entertaining tell-all from a rock 'n' roll insider."—Marc Geiger
He messed with James Brown's perfect hair. He counted a pile of cash with Aretha Franklin in her hotel room. He ate popcorn with Leonard Cohen. He cured a dying sparrow with Joan Baez. He got bamboozled by Chuck Berry.
Kenny Weissberg followed the music his entire career. A disc jockey, critic, rock singer, bandleader, and concert promoter, he lived all his childhood dreams--some of which turned into nightmares.
Off My Rocker presents a rollicking, backstage look at the joys and painful realities of a life devoted to music. During his early years as a radio personality, Weissberg basks in the creative glow of the free-spirited, post-Woodstock era but later rebels against the soulless corporate takeover of the music he's loved forever. Along the way, he detours to the dark side, succumbing to the greed, deceit, theft, and drugs that plague the entertainment industry.
In lively prose and vivid detail, Weissberg shares stories about the eccentric cast of characters who cross his path, including a spectacular array of showbiz legends. Equal parts spicy confessional and pop-culture adventure, with trenchant insights throughout, this page-turner of a memoir will stay with you long after the closing credits.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 23, 2013
59 people are currently reading
1815 people want to read
About the author
Kenny Weissberg
4 books44 followersKenny has been a music junkie since he got his first transistor radio at age seven. Born and raised in New Jersey, he headed west in thousand-mile increments.
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin, he moved to Boulder, Colorado, in 1971, quickly becoming an integral part of the music and media communities. He spent six years as a morning DJ/talk show host at KRNW and was an original on-air personality at both KBCO and KGNU (which he cofounded in 1978). Kenny was also the first-ever rock critic for the Daily Camera (1976–1980), a contributor to many Boulder/Denver publications, and the lead singer/guitarist for Kenny & the Kritix (1980–1983).
In 1983, he moved to San Diego, where he produced the internationally acclaimed Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay series for twenty-three years and hosted the award-winning Music Without Boundaries radio show on five stations.
Kenny lives in San Diego with his wife, artist Helen Redman.
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin, he moved to Boulder, Colorado, in 1971, quickly becoming an integral part of the music and media communities. He spent six years as a morning DJ/talk show host at KRNW and was an original on-air personality at both KBCO and KGNU (which he cofounded in 1978). Kenny was also the first-ever rock critic for the Daily Camera (1976–1980), a contributor to many Boulder/Denver publications, and the lead singer/guitarist for Kenny & the Kritix (1980–1983).
In 1983, he moved to San Diego, where he produced the internationally acclaimed Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay series for twenty-three years and hosted the award-winning Music Without Boundaries radio show on five stations.
Kenny lives in San Diego with his wife, artist Helen Redman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
November 4, 2013
As Kenny's daughter, and a character in the memoir, perhaps my review won't carry as much weight as some. Nevertheless, I have to say that I've read the book three times. Some of Kenny's story has been my story and there are parts of the book and our lives together that are less than savory or happy for me. I think the fact that we are all loving and connected and that Kenny can write this story and I can read it and share it with my friends is a testament to Kenny and to his acumen as a writer and as human growing and changing as he moves through the decades of his life. Kenny's progression as a man, a husband, and a father have all been part of my story. I cannot recommend this book enough for those who love music, who have made mistakes, who have dared to dream, who have made teshuvah (return/repentence), who have loved deeply and who have shared honestly. Kenny's story is a testament not only of one man's quest for everlasting music, but also one man's quest to express his unique and important contribution to a life lived fully and how this living has impacted those closest to him and all those whose lives he touched by being who he is.
May 10, 2015
There are two problems with Kenny Weissberg's sex-drugs-and-rock'n'roll (reverse the order on that) insider's account of his incredible journey through the rich garden of rock, blues and soul from the '60s onward. The first problem is that you cannot put it down. When I finished reading his stories about his encounters with musicians we all know -- the great, the good and the ugly -- I felt like I had lost a friend. For a few days, this book kept me so enthralled that the rest of life seemed to slip into the background. The second problem is that there are so many references to the songs of our era (yes, I'm from the Kenny generation -- we even overlapped at Madison) that you need to keep interrupting to find this or that unknown or forgotten tune on You Tube. In fact, if I try to find every tempting song he mentions, it's going to keep me busy until Christmas. Not a bad present (and this way, my friend will stick around a bit longer). And by the way, this intensely personal account is also a story of love -- not only of the music business, which Kenny experienced as disc jockey, leader of a rock band, and concert promoter, but also of his seduction of a beautiful neighbor, the artist Helen Redman, that turned into a lifetime romance. Their story, and Kenny's struggles with his inner demons, make this much more than a tell-all memoir about rock. It's an exploration of how the '60s generation dared to break with tradition and lived to tell the tale of their wild ride. Not for the faint-hearted.
December 18, 2015
Loved this book that is all about music! It's a true story of the author's many years as a DJ and concert producer, and he has lots of great stories. He booked a lot of famous musicans over the years, and we hear stories of which ones were a pleasure to work with (such as BB King, Bonnie Raitt, Lyle Lovett), and the not-so-nice (Chuck Berry, Dionne Warwick, and more). I'm tempted to read this book all over again now, taking time to look up all the great songs he mentions from his radio programs. Highly recommended for music-lovers!
May 19, 2014
Entertainment—that’s what Kenny Weissberg has spent his life providing and his memoir is no exception.
From the emotional first chapter about Otis Redding, through the astonishing years of drug-drenched escapades where he managed to hold down real jobs and marry the love of his life (lifetimes), artist Helen Redman, I found myself putting my own life on hold because Weissberg’s witty writing held me captive at the breakfast table for hours, staring at my Kindle. (Don’t tell my husband.)
I am not a big music fan. In fact, many of the artists Weissberg discusses are either total unknowns to me (he’d hate to hear that), or famous people whose music has saturated my life in the same way I’m appreciative of lovely background vistas. (Again, don’t tell my music-loving husband, who carefully fills my days with eclectic selections from all over the world. I still didn’t recognize some of these names.) But if you know music at all, you will know them, and Weissberg tells tales about the monsters and angels of his working life with amusing honesty.
I live in San Diego and worked as a fine art and theater journalist in the eighties when Weissberg first launched his concert series. When I heard his name announced recently at an author event, I was surprised and curious to read his book.
What I found so intriguing and gratifying was Weissberg’s life story. His personal evolution. His complete frankness about his faults and mistakes. His witty descriptions of the down and dirty sides of musicians, agents, money men, and the concert business as a whole. I enjoyed his observant and thoughtful conclusions about human behavior, good and bad. He took me into back rooms I would never dream of entering. He survived events that would have killed me on the spot! He even managed to ace his way through Woodstock’s muddy miasma, despite his drug-induced haze, and come out shining if not squeaky clean.
A few years older than me, he stayed out of Vietnam, stopped a cocaine habit in mid-spiral, and humbled himself to take back a lucrative job he deservedly lost. He’s faced similar inner battles about compromise in the radio business that I encountered in the publishing business. His honesty, and his ability to change course when in danger of losing himself completely, captured my sympathy and admiration. I could learn a thing or two from him.
Weissberg’s well-honed writing kept me entertained for longer hours than I should have spent. I completely enjoyed his book—ironically, since I probably would not enjoy his musical programming tastes. Go figure. I hope he writes another!
From the emotional first chapter about Otis Redding, through the astonishing years of drug-drenched escapades where he managed to hold down real jobs and marry the love of his life (lifetimes), artist Helen Redman, I found myself putting my own life on hold because Weissberg’s witty writing held me captive at the breakfast table for hours, staring at my Kindle. (Don’t tell my husband.)
I am not a big music fan. In fact, many of the artists Weissberg discusses are either total unknowns to me (he’d hate to hear that), or famous people whose music has saturated my life in the same way I’m appreciative of lovely background vistas. (Again, don’t tell my music-loving husband, who carefully fills my days with eclectic selections from all over the world. I still didn’t recognize some of these names.) But if you know music at all, you will know them, and Weissberg tells tales about the monsters and angels of his working life with amusing honesty.
I live in San Diego and worked as a fine art and theater journalist in the eighties when Weissberg first launched his concert series. When I heard his name announced recently at an author event, I was surprised and curious to read his book.
What I found so intriguing and gratifying was Weissberg’s life story. His personal evolution. His complete frankness about his faults and mistakes. His witty descriptions of the down and dirty sides of musicians, agents, money men, and the concert business as a whole. I enjoyed his observant and thoughtful conclusions about human behavior, good and bad. He took me into back rooms I would never dream of entering. He survived events that would have killed me on the spot! He even managed to ace his way through Woodstock’s muddy miasma, despite his drug-induced haze, and come out shining if not squeaky clean.
A few years older than me, he stayed out of Vietnam, stopped a cocaine habit in mid-spiral, and humbled himself to take back a lucrative job he deservedly lost. He’s faced similar inner battles about compromise in the radio business that I encountered in the publishing business. His honesty, and his ability to change course when in danger of losing himself completely, captured my sympathy and admiration. I could learn a thing or two from him.
Weissberg’s well-honed writing kept me entertained for longer hours than I should have spent. I completely enjoyed his book—ironically, since I probably would not enjoy his musical programming tastes. Go figure. I hope he writes another!
March 10, 2014
Another old rock 'n roller who thinks the young kids of today are being cheated out of an era of what will become "classic", I thoroughly enjoyed Kenny Weissberg's, "Off My Rocker". Weissberg leaves no doubt that he REALLY knows his business; as a young boy ate, drank, and slept music--all kinds of it!, Breaking into his first DJ job, thence beginning a lifelong career that began on slightly false, if not duly licensed credentials, he did all that and more as he got into the dark side of the music business. Amazing the number of upstarts he knew and appreciated, while most of us were wallowing in the top 20 hits over and over and over and………… Names I've never heard of in my life and apparently never will; given the almost 4 years we spent overseas during 'Nam, and further insulated by what the radio waves were dishing to us then. Glad, however, to read that many of my favorite stars were "what you see is what you get" down to earth caring people while others (perhaps not a big surprise who) demanded outrageous additions to contracts bloated by gimmee's as if they were king or queen of Musicland and could make and receive any outrageous demand. I had a little problem with the chronological order of the narrative with chapters that deviated, but the reason usually became obvious and most used to fill in background information to explain the (then) present day impact. This was a free download, but a book with an intriguing storyline and an obvious personal (age) connection and one I was happy to receive and enjoy. Would recommend.
February 28, 2014
Before reading this book I'd never heard of Kenny Weissberg, had no idea who he was or what he had done or why I would want to read a book about his life thus far.
But an offer for a free Kindle version of his book came my way and since I have a small interest in music, I thought I would give it a shot. I'm so glad I did.
Weissberg has led an interesting life and almost all of it has centered around music and the music industry. From his youth as a fan, to a DJ to a performer himself and then as a concert promoter, music has been an integral part of his personal and professional life.
I still don't know Weissberg, but I know quite a bit about his life, its ups and downs, successes and failures, and I'm glad to have made his acquaintance in this fashion. As an extra bonus, I now have some new music and musicians to explore thanks to his sharing of some of his favorites.
But an offer for a free Kindle version of his book came my way and since I have a small interest in music, I thought I would give it a shot. I'm so glad I did.
Weissberg has led an interesting life and almost all of it has centered around music and the music industry. From his youth as a fan, to a DJ to a performer himself and then as a concert promoter, music has been an integral part of his personal and professional life.
I still don't know Weissberg, but I know quite a bit about his life, its ups and downs, successes and failures, and I'm glad to have made his acquaintance in this fashion. As an extra bonus, I now have some new music and musicians to explore thanks to his sharing of some of his favorites.
February 6, 2015
Kenny Weissbergs life, twisting through the most important years that defined rock'n'roll as we know it is a story well worth spending time with.
He went to Woodstock, he had his own radioshow (on several major networks), he was a music critic, and he met any critical musicians half way by fronting his own band. But most importantly, he was a concert promotor.
His stories of meeting the nicest people in the business are just what we hoped for. His stories of meeting the worst assholes of the business are just what we feared.
His writing sucks you in, and you fly through the pages in no time.
He went to Woodstock, he had his own radioshow (on several major networks), he was a music critic, and he met any critical musicians half way by fronting his own band. But most importantly, he was a concert promotor.
His stories of meeting the nicest people in the business are just what we hoped for. His stories of meeting the worst assholes of the business are just what we feared.
His writing sucks you in, and you fly through the pages in no time.
September 7, 2016
If any of you lived in the 60's, then you knew who Kenny Weissberg was. My husband and I both read this book that I won in a Goodreads giveaway, and we loved it. It brought back so many memories of concerts we went to, headliners that most of the younger generation were unfortunate enough to miss, and just the whole atmosphere that was rock and roll. There will never be another generation like it. If you were there or just want to experience the times, read the book. You won't regret it and you may find yourself feeling young again. Lol
February 18, 2014
Amazing!!! Once I started it I fell in love!! I was always told I was born in the wrong decade and this book proved it!! I would have loved to have experienced music in that way :) Thank you for writing this :)
July 26, 2022
Let me start by saying that I finish this book over the course of one weekend. I never do that. Why did it happen this time? I hate to use a cliché, but I literally couldn’t put this book down. I am on a binge of reading rock ‘n’ roll memoirs, and this is the only one in which I could find absolutely no fault. It’s a collection of amazing encounters with some of the biggest stars of our time, of all time, interwoven with a love story, the author’s passion for music, and the constant battles between ideals and reality - the way of the world, you might say. Weissberg’s writing style flows and captivates you, with a mix of self-deprecating humor and astute observations - and an over-arching plot line that teaches an important life lesson: be careful what you wish for, with the addendum that it ain’t all bad. The opening vignette about the author’s love for Otis Redding is something all of us who grew up with a soundtrack in our heads can relate to - our favorite artists were our friends, our support. And his experiences in radio echo the frustrations I’ve been reading about for years in the press, which has dutifully chronicled the corporate takeover of radio and the anguished fate of the beloved deejays who were such an important part of so many of our young lives. I don’t want to give away too much but as a writer myself, with thousands of published stories, and an avid reader, buy this book. Get your friends to buy this book. Yes, it’s that good.
September 13, 2018
Entertaining and engaging! This true story about one person’s career (or more accurately—careers) in the music industry is a great read. The industry seems so glamorous and beyond reach that it’s somehow satisfying to know a bit of what goes on behind-the-scenes and to feel the tension between workaday business and entertainment glamour. The hardcore music information in the first chapter (which I admit was over my head) established the author as extremely knowledgeable. Highly recommend for both music lovers and fans of good stories (this one happens to be true). Well-written with great anecdotes about music stars we all know.
June 7, 2022
I've read countless rock 'n roll memoirs, and this is one of the best. Weissberg is so relatable, and has so many varied stories to share. Over his life, he's been a fan, a radio host, a performer and promoter. His memories of mounting shows in San Diego Harbor reminded me of how live music can be elevated when it's in the right hands.
Also, Kenny may be the only person who attended Woodstock and returned every night via an uncrowded road to a clean hotel room. That may be the most unbelievable tidbit in Off My Rocker.
This was one book I didn't want to end - super enjoyable, highly recommended.
Also, Kenny may be the only person who attended Woodstock and returned every night via an uncrowded road to a clean hotel room. That may be the most unbelievable tidbit in Off My Rocker.
This was one book I didn't want to end - super enjoyable, highly recommended.
September 20, 2020
Entertainer Extraordinaire
A rollicking roll through the eyes of a man in the entertainment industry. As a lover of the "classic rock" genre I was introduced to more. More songs by old favorites and more favorites in the form of so called obscure artists. Plus being reminded of jazz artists that I had forgotten I loved. Insights into the industry that entertains us all.
A rollicking roll through the eyes of a man in the entertainment industry. As a lover of the "classic rock" genre I was introduced to more. More songs by old favorites and more favorites in the form of so called obscure artists. Plus being reminded of jazz artists that I had forgotten I loved. Insights into the industry that entertains us all.
July 5, 2024
Entertaining and fun read !
Reading this book was like sitting talking with a friend you wish you had known .The music spectrum this man appreciated tells you just how much music meant in his everyday life.Lucky man got to meet some of his idols in his career as a concert promoter and dare I quote another singer when I say ..."he did it his way"
Reading this book was like sitting talking with a friend you wish you had known .The music spectrum this man appreciated tells you just how much music meant in his everyday life.Lucky man got to meet some of his idols in his career as a concert promoter and dare I quote another singer when I say ..."he did it his way"
January 29, 2023
More hypocrisy from a liberal
Yet another stunning example of a liberal complaining about the ills of society... after having grown up in a life of privelidge. Hypocrisy be thine middle name.
Yet another stunning example of a liberal complaining about the ills of society... after having grown up in a life of privelidge. Hypocrisy be thine middle name.
February 2, 2023
Fascinating!
The author has been a d.j., music critic and musician, not to mention a long career as a concert promoter. Not just an autobiography, but a fascinating look at the music industry from several different viewpoints. Well worth reading!
The author has been a d.j., music critic and musician, not to mention a long career as a concert promoter. Not just an autobiography, but a fascinating look at the music industry from several different viewpoints. Well worth reading!
January 31, 2018
pretty good story of a music-lover who gets into the music business and sees how crazy some of these folks are.
October 11, 2014
It's rare that I stray from my favorite thrillers and police/legal/medical procedurals, but when I saw this one offered free with my Kindle Unlimited membership, I took a second look. Maybe it was the first three words of the title - goodness knows I can identify with that phrase. Maybe it was the awards the book earned when it was published in 2013 (such as the 2014 IPPY Award for Best Personal Nonfiction Ebook). More probable, though, is the mention of rock-and-roll and names from a generation with which I'm intimately familiar. That - and the fact that I'd just shut the book on a very unsatisfying tome I wish I'd never opened - meant starting this one was accompanied by hopes for the best.
At about the halfway point, I turned to my husband Jack and said, "This reads a lot like a 322-page 'what I did on my summer vacation' essay, except that the vacation lasts for 25-or-so years."
More telling, however, is what I uttered next: "And guess what? I'm loving every single minute of it."
Let me be clear: I love music, especially the rock-and-roll I grew up with in the 1950s and early 1960s (although with the possible exception of disco, there's really no music genre I don't like at least a little bit). So when Weissberg starts around 1967 when he went to see Otis Redding in concert as a student at the University of Wisconsin - a concert that never happened because Redding and his band were killed in a plane crash - he had my attention. And as the names kept coming - they're sprinkled liberally throughout - that attention never wavered. Then, when he revealed that his favorite concert was by the late Roy Orbison (in 1987), I was totally hooked. Orbison is of my all-time favorite singer/songwriters, and to this day I'm grateful for the opportunity to see him live (on the revolving stage of the now-closed Front Row Theater in Highland Heights, Ohio) shortly before he died.
Weissberg begins with his early years as a radio personality, after which he takes readers through a long and varied career in the music entertainment business. Normally, I'm not fond of expose-type name-dropping - I consider that just a ploy to sell books - but it's done well here. The "good" guys and gals get mentioned (like B.B. King and Bonnie Rait) as well as the not so good, but at no time is there any flowery gushing over the good ones and slamming of the others that I personally find rather disgusting. When he added Dionne Warwick to the latter bunch, in fact, I was hoping for some real dirt; I don't recall what happened, but I do remember being glad we hadn't been able to attend when she came to nearby Youngstown, Ohio, a number of years back and totally alienated concert-goers with her unprofessional behavior.
In between are lots of familiar names and more than a few I've never even heard of (which is part of the point, since Weissberg's passion was introducing audiences to outstanding, but largely unknown, musicians). All in all, this is an interesting look at the music industry from one who's seen it from the inside.
At about the halfway point, I turned to my husband Jack and said, "This reads a lot like a 322-page 'what I did on my summer vacation' essay, except that the vacation lasts for 25-or-so years."
More telling, however, is what I uttered next: "And guess what? I'm loving every single minute of it."
Let me be clear: I love music, especially the rock-and-roll I grew up with in the 1950s and early 1960s (although with the possible exception of disco, there's really no music genre I don't like at least a little bit). So when Weissberg starts around 1967 when he went to see Otis Redding in concert as a student at the University of Wisconsin - a concert that never happened because Redding and his band were killed in a plane crash - he had my attention. And as the names kept coming - they're sprinkled liberally throughout - that attention never wavered. Then, when he revealed that his favorite concert was by the late Roy Orbison (in 1987), I was totally hooked. Orbison is of my all-time favorite singer/songwriters, and to this day I'm grateful for the opportunity to see him live (on the revolving stage of the now-closed Front Row Theater in Highland Heights, Ohio) shortly before he died.
Weissberg begins with his early years as a radio personality, after which he takes readers through a long and varied career in the music entertainment business. Normally, I'm not fond of expose-type name-dropping - I consider that just a ploy to sell books - but it's done well here. The "good" guys and gals get mentioned (like B.B. King and Bonnie Rait) as well as the not so good, but at no time is there any flowery gushing over the good ones and slamming of the others that I personally find rather disgusting. When he added Dionne Warwick to the latter bunch, in fact, I was hoping for some real dirt; I don't recall what happened, but I do remember being glad we hadn't been able to attend when she came to nearby Youngstown, Ohio, a number of years back and totally alienated concert-goers with her unprofessional behavior.
In between are lots of familiar names and more than a few I've never even heard of (which is part of the point, since Weissberg's passion was introducing audiences to outstanding, but largely unknown, musicians). All in all, this is an interesting look at the music industry from one who's seen it from the inside.
February 17, 2014
Love music? Crave a peek behind the scenes of concert promotion? "Off My Rocker" is a compelling look at the career of longtime radio host and promoter Kenny Weissberg, founder of the renowned "Music Without Boundaries" broadcast. This curiously subdued memoir is by turns entrancing and stodgy, but ultimately endearing.
Make no bones about it: Weissberg's life is run by music. From his early days as rabid fan and aspiring DJ to the final musings of a biz sentinel, it's music that keeps Kenny going. The book is filled with lovingly recalled memories of famous talents such as B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, and Joan Baez. Setlists from shows decades old are recited with as much excitement as the day they were played. Given the editorial leeway it seems likely that Weissberg could wax rhapsodic for hundreds of pages over just a handful of the performers mentioned.
His love for the art--nearly all of it, as there is nary a criticism or be found save for the most general terms--is infectious. Kenny loves music. He makes you want to love it too. By the end of the book I had collected a short list of bands to research, all on his recommendation. The pure admiration for music ultimately becomes the buoy that lifts the book through murkier passages.
There are some of those, of course. Like any first-person retelling of a successful career, "Off My Rocker" becomes tediously self-centered at points (namely during yet another "clash with the man" at one more independent-radio-station-gone-corporate debacle). The narrative style has the unusual talent of making even a cocaine addiction seem boring when stripped to its barest facts. At some points, Weissberg's casual handling of a highly successful life ("Oh, this old thing?") can seem flippant. Sometimes you're hard-pressed to like the guy. But he is ultimately so genuine, so certain of his intentions, that it's hard to write him off.
On the surface, "Off My Rocker" is a memoir. But more than that, it's a love song to the music that shaped Weissberg, and it's this quality which elevates it to a respectably fun read.
**I received this book for free through a GoodReads giveaway.**
Make no bones about it: Weissberg's life is run by music. From his early days as rabid fan and aspiring DJ to the final musings of a biz sentinel, it's music that keeps Kenny going. The book is filled with lovingly recalled memories of famous talents such as B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, and Joan Baez. Setlists from shows decades old are recited with as much excitement as the day they were played. Given the editorial leeway it seems likely that Weissberg could wax rhapsodic for hundreds of pages over just a handful of the performers mentioned.
His love for the art--nearly all of it, as there is nary a criticism or be found save for the most general terms--is infectious. Kenny loves music. He makes you want to love it too. By the end of the book I had collected a short list of bands to research, all on his recommendation. The pure admiration for music ultimately becomes the buoy that lifts the book through murkier passages.
There are some of those, of course. Like any first-person retelling of a successful career, "Off My Rocker" becomes tediously self-centered at points (namely during yet another "clash with the man" at one more independent-radio-station-gone-corporate debacle). The narrative style has the unusual talent of making even a cocaine addiction seem boring when stripped to its barest facts. At some points, Weissberg's casual handling of a highly successful life ("Oh, this old thing?") can seem flippant. Sometimes you're hard-pressed to like the guy. But he is ultimately so genuine, so certain of his intentions, that it's hard to write him off.
On the surface, "Off My Rocker" is a memoir. But more than that, it's a love song to the music that shaped Weissberg, and it's this quality which elevates it to a respectably fun read.
**I received this book for free through a GoodReads giveaway.**
March 15, 2014
I found this for free on Amazon and liked the idea of taking a peek behind the scenes of radio and concert promotions so I picked it up. There are some "draggy" parts but overall this is a very good book. Especially for someone who likes music from all genres. Kenny has lived one wild and long life. He gets into situations that are dangerous and you have to wonder if he knows how lucky he is to still be alive. He describes his drug years factually, not as something glorious to draw you into that lifestyle, but as the dark truth. My favorite sections of the book were the stories about different artists. Kenny tells us which ones were good to work with and which ones were divas. It turns out that Gallagher is a big diva although I don't know why. I remember when Gallagher was big time and everyone wanted to see him live, there was a TV special of his show and a friend let me come over and watch it. It wasn't that funny. I remember wondering what all of the hype was about a man who could hit something with a hammer. While reading Kenny's section on Gallagher, I was hoping Kenny would end the section with, "...so I punched Gallagher in the face." Spoiler alert...It doesn't work out that way. I also like B.B. King so I was glad to read what a nice guy he is in real life.
One of the better things about this book is that it introduces you to all kinds of bands and songs you have probably never heard of. Even some of the mainstream artists that you know only by what you have heard on the radio have a large selection of songs that could have been number one on the charts if they had been released. Kenny gives you copies of his set lists, different photos and really good stories. This is a really good book and I enjoyed the history that went along with the music. If you grew up listening for you favorite hits on the radio you need to read this book so you can see why they were or were not played. Once again, this was a very good book. Probably a 4.5 star earner.
One of the better things about this book is that it introduces you to all kinds of bands and songs you have probably never heard of. Even some of the mainstream artists that you know only by what you have heard on the radio have a large selection of songs that could have been number one on the charts if they had been released. Kenny gives you copies of his set lists, different photos and really good stories. This is a really good book and I enjoyed the history that went along with the music. If you grew up listening for you favorite hits on the radio you need to read this book so you can see why they were or were not played. Once again, this was a very good book. Probably a 4.5 star earner.
October 27, 2014
After reading Off My Rocker the main message received is that Kenny Weissberg's three favorite things in the world are himself, music, and, for at least much of his life, drugs. Apparently for the past few years he's eliminated his passion for drugs and consequently been able to transfer that much more idolatry to himself.
It's pretty easy to tell near the beginning of most chapters whether it's an all-Kenny chapter or also involves people you've heard of. Unless you're from an area where you've already known of Weissberg and you have a specific interest in him my advice is to skip the all-Kenny chapters entirely. The circumstances change, and yet all those chapters are pretty much the same: 1) people advise Weissberg to do differently than he has been or wants to; 2) Weissberg does what he wants to anyway; and 3a) everyone sees his brilliance and comes around to his way of thinking or 3b) Weissberg gets fired. Be prepared for plenty of self-agrandizement and descriptions of his amazing tolerance for drugs. Think of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, but without the interesting parts.
In the non-Kenny chapters there are quite a few interesting tales of his interactions with some big time celebrities, though many of them made me wince at behind the scenes personalities and behavior of people whose music and comedy I've enjoyed for so long. The descriptions of how the business of radio and concert touring/promotion is carried out were not unexpected, considering how much money is involved. Still, I can't forget the image of Aretha Franklin insisting on counting out her $50,000 cash payment on her hotel bed before she'd go on stage. One thing this book makes clear is that a lot of people have been screwing a lot of other people out of a lot of cash ever since the music business got started, and the victims and thieves come from both the promoters and the performers.
It's pretty easy to tell near the beginning of most chapters whether it's an all-Kenny chapter or also involves people you've heard of. Unless you're from an area where you've already known of Weissberg and you have a specific interest in him my advice is to skip the all-Kenny chapters entirely. The circumstances change, and yet all those chapters are pretty much the same: 1) people advise Weissberg to do differently than he has been or wants to; 2) Weissberg does what he wants to anyway; and 3a) everyone sees his brilliance and comes around to his way of thinking or 3b) Weissberg gets fired. Be prepared for plenty of self-agrandizement and descriptions of his amazing tolerance for drugs. Think of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, but without the interesting parts.
In the non-Kenny chapters there are quite a few interesting tales of his interactions with some big time celebrities, though many of them made me wince at behind the scenes personalities and behavior of people whose music and comedy I've enjoyed for so long. The descriptions of how the business of radio and concert touring/promotion is carried out were not unexpected, considering how much money is involved. Still, I can't forget the image of Aretha Franklin insisting on counting out her $50,000 cash payment on her hotel bed before she'd go on stage. One thing this book makes clear is that a lot of people have been screwing a lot of other people out of a lot of cash ever since the music business got started, and the victims and thieves come from both the promoters and the performers.
January 13, 2014
The author is a self-avowed 'music junkie' and has made a career and a name for himself in many aspects of the music business including stints as a radio host, musician, and promoter. The latter provides the meat of the story and provided the most entertaining parts of the book for me.
I found the author's behind the scenes look at what it takes to promote a show, in his case at an outdoor San Diego venue, quite fascinating. Weissbeg goes into detail how a performer or band is contacted, the contracts, the characters, the Divas, the crowd, and much more. He isn't afraid to give his frank opinion of who the jerks are in the business and which performers are nice to work with. He also tells how much each performer charged for their shows which was also an eye-opener. I had no idea that some of the blasts from the past - the mouldy golds that really sold - could bring in substantial paycheques for a two hour show when they are so far from their prime. You will have to read the book yourself to see what I mean.
The rest of the story is an seemingly honest account of how one person turned his passion into a career. Weissberg doesn't sugarcoat the long hours or the financial risks that he had to take but in the end provides some inspiration for following your dream and doing what you love.
Recommended for anyone considering a musical career, particularly as a performer and also for those of us who just wonder what it would be like to call up and hire a musical legend.
I found the author's behind the scenes look at what it takes to promote a show, in his case at an outdoor San Diego venue, quite fascinating. Weissbeg goes into detail how a performer or band is contacted, the contracts, the characters, the Divas, the crowd, and much more. He isn't afraid to give his frank opinion of who the jerks are in the business and which performers are nice to work with. He also tells how much each performer charged for their shows which was also an eye-opener. I had no idea that some of the blasts from the past - the mouldy golds that really sold - could bring in substantial paycheques for a two hour show when they are so far from their prime. You will have to read the book yourself to see what I mean.
The rest of the story is an seemingly honest account of how one person turned his passion into a career. Weissberg doesn't sugarcoat the long hours or the financial risks that he had to take but in the end provides some inspiration for following your dream and doing what you love.
Recommended for anyone considering a musical career, particularly as a performer and also for those of us who just wonder what it would be like to call up and hire a musical legend.
October 27, 2013
Really enjoyed reading this book by and about someone I've known and liked for a long time. I was especially entertained by the part where Kenny met Helen, that description of his first glimpse of her gardening in short shorts. I'm also in admiration of how early on and how clearly Kenny knew his passion in life and how boldly, how assiduously, with what determination and grit he worked to keep it at the center of his universe. The story is well and quite modestly told, which must have been something of a challenge given the number of very famous musicians parading through its pages. I confess to some shock at the amount of drugs consumed in the early years, but it really was like that back when, wasn't it? Glad there was no crashing and burning involved. Just a bright, talented, very hard-working man putting himself at the service of his deep joy in life: music. Spreading that joy, spreading the love, making a good, good life for himself and everyone around him. Kudos!
May 7, 2016
Starting with Boulder scene around Firefall, etc. Weissberg enjoys as a fan, exults in music journalism and leading his band Kenny & the Kritix, and falls into freeform radio. This exciting and unpredictable format bookends the concert booker/promoter career that is the meet of the book, but made me wistful and nostalgic for my own past year on WXOU, Internet etc. with my own program Outsight Radio Hours. Kenny's recollection of booking Humphrey's San Diego concert venue is a revealing insider’s look at the concert industry with fascinating backstage interactions with various icons, including a Fats Domino livid when his requested limousine did not appear to drive him a distance of barely one block, extortion from Chuck Berry Style, an avuncular B.B. King, and Joan Baez of a distracted and stage-managed artistry. Kenny seems to hold ion the highest esteem an adored Bonnie Raitt and Roy Orbison. Good stuff here for any music fan.
August 23, 2016
This book delivers. Kenny relays his lifelong love of music and his forays into music related careers as a disc jockey, performance artist/musician, and concert promoter. He has the opportunity to meet many legends and up and coming artists. It’s always interesting to hear how celebrities really are as people. He also tells the story of how he met his wife and shares a bit more personal information. I would’ve liked a little more of this. He mentions that his wife is an artist but gives no details. He also admits partying heavily, and I can’t imagine how this affected his marriage. I found Kenny’s story highly entertaining. He’s a baby boomer and was in the thick of some interesting times. I attended a concert at Humphrey’s years ago, and it was fascinating to read what went on behind the scenes. It was a great venue. I highly recommend this book. Rock on, Kenny!
August 11, 2014
i'm not sure why i wanted to read a biography of someone i'd never heard of, but it was fairly interesting. the author was involved in music and the music industry over the decades when they held my interest most. from his college days, which included a trip to the woodstock music festival, to his days booking acts for a venue in san diego california. along the way he takes side trips as a disk jockey, music critic and rock star. the book is pretty self-indulgent, but what biography isn't? his passing encounters with many of the stars of the last half of the 20th century make the book interesting. if you're of baby boomer age and were a little obsessed by the music you grew up with, this might be a book for you.
June 3, 2015
A surprisingly great read, and gets better and better as we 'grow up' alongside Kenny Weissberg and meet many fruity characters along the way. Holding nothing back, this is a colourful look into the backstage world of music, and all that happens behind the scenes to bring music, both live and on radio, to our ears. At first I expected not to enjoy the book as it started in typical 'drink drugs women' talk, but once we started meeting musician after musician the book came to life, and truly blossomed at the end with a reflective look at his own life and the state of the music world. Honest and personal, yet not cynical, the overriding feeling is one of hope and joy as despite all the cons, the music is what truly matters.
January 5, 2016
This is the music memoir I've been dreaming about. I vaguely remember listening to Kenny Weissberg on the radio in San Diego in the 90's but I had no idea what an incredible life he lived. Starting out in radio and music journalism in Boulder in the 70's, Kenny moved to San Diego in the 80's and became the promoter for the famous Humphrey's Concerts By The Bay series. I attended a few of these shows. Amazing venue. Kenny is an open book and has some amazing stories to tell. As a guy who dabbled in concert promotion and various other music stuff earlier in life, I could really relate to his tales of glory, chaos, and woe. If you are fan of music, of a better time in the radio and concert world, of life in general, this is a must read. Here's hoping Kenny writes another one!
May 23, 2015
As a DJ Kenny Weissberg had the enviable job for years of playing his favourite tunes by great artists every day without today's playlists. As the radio industry became more corporate he moved into concert promotion (via some entertaining interludes) and proceeded to meet many of his heroes.
Warning - his tales of precious and often greedy artists may put you off many of your favourites. I think it's common knowledge that Chuck Berry can be difficult but Aretha Franklin and Dionne Warwick! Who knew? It's certainly put me off buying any more of Tom Waits' music. I'm very pleased to say that Leonard Cohen comes over as a real gentleman though as does the late B B King (unlike Mr Waits).
Warning - his tales of precious and often greedy artists may put you off many of your favourites. I think it's common knowledge that Chuck Berry can be difficult but Aretha Franklin and Dionne Warwick! Who knew? It's certainly put me off buying any more of Tom Waits' music. I'm very pleased to say that Leonard Cohen comes over as a real gentleman though as does the late B B King (unlike Mr Waits).
May 30, 2016
Weissberg gives you a behind the scenes look at the world of music from the viewpoint of a DJ and a music producer. I liked hearing which stars were easy to deal with and which provided plenty of fodder for the "a-hole" section of this book. I know the part about the crazy demands of the various performers had some truth in it since our friends produce concerts locally and have to do some intense shopping before the bands get there. I was not interested in the obscure bands that were beyond my interest (which goes from grind core to folk) or in the station politics, but I'm sure there are many people that would be. (I received this in a goodreads giveaway.)
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