Interview with Harvey Lee, Author of Backstage Pass

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Backstage Pass: A Business Book That’s Far From Conventional?

I’ve had tons of funny war stories from my long music and video games career, and when I worked in corporate companies, I used to tell them at the water cooler, coffee house, or over lunch. The reaction would always be the same:

“You did what?”

“You worked with who?”

“You went where?”

It wasn’t until quite a few years later that a few people I know well suggested I write some of these stories down. After all, I’m not getting any younger!

My inspiration came from the fact that in 1984, my careers teacher told me I’d amount to nothing. Since then, I have been motivated by the challenge of proving people wrong. Especially my career teacher!

So, when the book went to #1 on Amazon, I quietly gave him the birdie!

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Backstage Pass: A Business Book That’s Far From Conventional, what would they be?

As this is a book of career and life lessons wrapped around a true Rock and Roll story, each chapter in the book is named after a famous song!

Tracklist (and chapter titles):

1. Bat Out of Hell (Meatloaf)
2. Don’t Dream It’s Over (Crowded House)
3. Thank You For The Music (ABBA)
4. Feels Like Heaven (Ariel Pink)
5. (We Are) The Roadcrew (Motorhead)
6. Take on Me (A-ha)
7. New York New York (Frank Sinatra)
8. Won’t Get Fooled Again (The Who)
9. The Show Must Go On (Queen)
10. Route 66 (Chuck Berry)
11. Leap of Faith (Bruce Springsteen)
12. Taking Care of Business (Bachman Turner Overdrive)
13. The Long and Winding Road (The Beatles)
14. London Calling (The Clash)
15. Chelsea Dagger (The Fratellis)
16. Shot Down In Flames (AC/DC)
17. Wind of Change (The Scorpions)
18. Like a Virgin (Madonna)
19. Billion Dollar Babies (Alice Cooper)
20. Heart Shaped (X)box (Nirvana)
21. I Can See Clearly Now (Jimmy Cliff)
22. Video Killed The Radio Star (Buggles)

Grab the album for free here:

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What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love reading rock and roll books like Lives of Brian by Brian Johnson or Loud by Tana Douglas for pleasure. For personal and career advancement I read mostly marketing-related books.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

1. Feel-Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal
2. Growth Levers and How to Find Them by Matt Lerner
3. How Brands Blow by Ryan Wallman, Giles Edwards

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There’s a scene in the book called “The Turkey Run” that’s had people in stitches laughing. I don’t want to spoil it so you’ll have to buy the book!

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Not really; you might be surprised to hear that. I can write anywhere, but my number 1 prerequisite is that I need solitude and a clear calendar, apart from the appointment with myself to write.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Keep on rockin’! After all, the tagline for my book is 50% Rock and Roll, 50% Business, 100% true!

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

How they laughed, learned, and got inspired at the same time. Is that three? 😉 Can I have three?

Harvey Lee is the author of the new book Backstage Pass: A Business Book That’s Far From Conventional

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