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Backstage Pass: A Business Book That's Far From Conventional Paperback – Feb. 14 2024
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It started with Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll and finished in a well-cut suit.
Ask anyone with a dream: The road to success can be akin to riding shotgun on the Highway to Hell, as Harvey Lee, rebel turned Vice President of Product Marketing will testify...
From modest beginnings in Northern England, to the promised land of the USA, Harvey recalls how he was forced to grab life by the horns, and embarked on a 40-year white-knuckle ride through the business world, establishing himself as an MBA-level trained and renowned product marketer.
But it wasn't always smooth sailing. Harvey shares how he survived and thrived in the cut-throat music industry before joining the corporate world and launching the original Xbox.
Part business book, part personal memoir, Backstage Pass is packed with hilarious tales spanning music, videogame, and technology industries. But behind the humour lay stories of grit and determination that'll leave you invigorated, inspired, and equipped to embark on an adventure of your own making.
Regardless of your past, present, or future aspirations, this tale of personal growth, born from a passion for music, will strike a chord with anyone pursuing a dream and leave you shouting, "Encore!"
- Print length284 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherDefinition Books
- Publication dateFeb. 14 2024
- Dimensions15.24 x 1.63 x 22.86 cm
- ISBN-101916580017
- ISBN-13978-1916580015
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Product description
Review
Can't recommend this funny, absorbing, pace-illy written - and, above all, unique - story enough. Shindig Magazine - Chris Twomey.
Manic blog of pop and business bigwig; Music and marketing veteran Harvey Lee cuts across time and reality with a wild-eyed wonder in this memoir. A frenetic, relentlessly funny tale. Record Collector - Nick Dalton.
This book is a wild ride that takes us from the analogue age to the highest peaks of the tech world, while rocking along to the catchy beat of AC/DC. Backstage Pass is a book that reads like a heavy metal album; it's fast-paced, dynamic and rumbustious read, and one you won't want to end. The Midlands Rocks.
It's not always a question of 'right time, right place'; it's a question of making the right time and place. Harvey Lee did both. Velvet Thunder - Laurence Todd.
By reading Backstage Pass, you may not only experience a rollercoaster ride of searing highs and crushing lows as Lee navigates his way through his life, but you read tales of hope and opportunity that could inspire and motivate you through your own musical career. Ramzine - Paul Birch
Embark on a wild odyssey with Harvey, the maestro of mayhem, as he conducts a symphony of chaos, self-discovery, and triumph in a world of rock and roll shenanigans. His anecdotes, infused with life lessons and wisdom, will have you laughing out loud and nodding in agreement. With a baton of street smarts and a heart full of humour, Harvey strikes a chord in every reader, inspiring us to seize opportunities, stay grounded, and treat others with kindness. This memoir is like an infectious melody you can't help but dance to, leaving you clamouring for an encore. Rich King - CEO & Founder PMA.
The years just melted away...as they will with old loved friends, regardless of how many years have passed or how long it has been since you saw either other. The book brought back so many memories and made me smile somewhere in every chapter...
Most of us in this business have stories to tell, and Harvey is no exception... He's lived a life! And one you can learn valuable lessons from. Baz Warne - The Stranglers.
Captivating, raw, and funny - a book for any music lover, or for anyone who is currently struggling in their career, or wanting to learn more about business. Harvey Lee breaks barriers and proves if you seize the opportunity, the rewards will come! Renae Bradley-McBride - Senior Product Marketing Manager.
Harvey Lee transports you vividly to periods and places you may not know or remember, but you'll feel like you are there with him. This is a rollicking rollercoaster ride, a shared, enjoyable journey of truths and insights that resonate. Justin Vaughan-Brown - Vice President of Marketing.
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Definition Books (Feb. 14 2024)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 284 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1916580017
- ISBN-13 : 978-1916580015
- Item weight : 417 g
- Dimensions : 15.24 x 1.63 x 22.86 cm
- Best Sellers Rank: #493,111 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #239 in Music Business (Books)
- #6,236 in Motivation (Books)
- #14,499 in Personal Transformation in Self-Help
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
During his 40-year mercurial career, Harvey Lee has established himself as one of the world's leading product marketers, with prominent companies, products, and bands reaping the benefits of his expertise.
Once a teen with a musical dream, Harvey’s pitted his wits against the establishment, challenged the status quo, and stared down the barrels of adversity - only to emerge unscathed as a bona fide mover and shaker in the uber-competitive business world.
Progressive, persistent, and pioneering, he’s helped generate billions in revenue, shattered records, and pioneered categories. He played a key role in launching the original Xbox, worked for global brand Virgin and helped rock giants AC/DC in their hour of need.
Driven by an unassailable appetite for success, Harvey’s propelled himself up the corporate ladder; his writing’s garnered millions of views and LinkedIn News Editor Choice status, while he’s frequently requested as a featured guest at esteemed events and institutions like the Kellogg School of Business.
A true master of his craft, Harvey nurtures the talent of tomorrow in his role as the Vice President of Product Marketing at Product Marketing Alliance, home to the largest global community of product marketers.
Customer reviews
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Top reviews from Canada
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- Reviewed in Canada on April 26, 2024Verified PurchaseI preordered Harvey's book because he said I would be thanked at the end, without really much thoughts except the fact that I knew he was a product marketing powerhouse.
Well, when I sat down with my kindle, I read 85% of it in one sitting and was amazed by the quality of the story, the transparency of his life experience, and especially the crisp and actionable learnings at the end of each chapters.
This book is applicate to many, and while I'm not a rock & roll fan at heart, I very much enjoyed this one, from the early adventure as a t-shirt salesman, up to the ins-&-outs when he was working for Xbox.
If you want a business book that is actionable, but want to read about a lifetime of experience of why these learning matters and how you should apply them, that's the book for ya!
- Reviewed in Canada on March 17, 2024Exceeded my expectations. Despite not knowing much about the music industry (especially the British music industry), Backstage Pass was an enjoyable read that I found myself invested in and anxious to see what happened next.
Harvey Lee does a great job of weaving in business lessons throughout the story, leaving you with actionable takeaways after you’re done enjoying the ride.
- Reviewed in Canada on February 14, 2024Having first encountered Harvey as a product marketer, I anticipated Backstage Pass to be a typical success story / business book. But it exceeded my expectations. It felt like I had a literal backstage pass to the UK rock scene in the '80s.
This book does a fantastic job of blending together two different genres. It combines the wild tales of the music industry with practical career tips, making it both entertaining and full of life lessons.
Whether you're a music enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or looking to advance your career, "Backstage Pass" is a must-read.
Top reviews from other countries
- Zach RobertsReviewed in the United States on May 10, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars If you have a non-traditional PMM background
Verified PurchaseMore reason to read this book.
I've known Harvey for a few years via PMA (Product Marketing Alliance). At least I thought I did.
His written words are a subtle reminder of how much our personal story shapes who we become. I'm proud to even know Harvey more, because of this book.
I broke into product marketing from sales back in 2020. Never would I imagine making that same pivot, rucking in a band van with Herman's Hermit. You feel the highs and lows in every word you read.
Harvey was very intentional in what he put down on paper, and it showed.
From his struggles in primary school to being laid off without the next job in hand, a lot of what he said was very healing for my own personal experiences. I was born mute as a kid, so to be in this profession and see someone like Harvey, who's leagues ahead of me is more fuel for me to keep going.
If you're looking for a "how to", this book is not for you because Harvey is a rockstar storyteller who brings you in and then later breaks it down, as to how this might relate to both on a personal and professional level.
I can't wait for your next book to come out, Shek. It was a pleasure to read your story, and one I couldn't honestly put down, once I first picked it up.
Smashing job!
-
Riccardo de R.Reviewed in Italy on June 4, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Irriverente, divertente, serio. Merita
Verified PurchaseNon sapevo cosa aspettarmi: business o rock. Ho trovato il meglio delle due cose. La carriera dell'autore, dalle rock band degli anni 80 alle tournee al seguito dei grandi nomi, dall'avventura nel mondo della discrografia ai videogiochi, alle console. Tutto in una carriera. Diversi spunti di riflessione e una scrittura sempre piacevole e coinvolgente. Poi, per un fan del rock anche tanti ricordi!
- KellyReviewed in the United Kingdom on February 14, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant, funny and insightfully motivating!
Verified PurchaseThis book is brilliant, funny and insightfully motivating! Harvey takes you through his life's personal and professional journey and the experiences he encounters along the way starting from leaving school early with no qualifications, to music industry jobs, him being a manger, playing on tour with some famous bands and the ending up at Microsoft as head of Marketing for XBox! It's really interesting reading about what goes on behind the scenes of the industries he takes us through!
Seeing Harvey's personality come through the words is really compelling - I can imagine how he conducted himself through the scenarios as he describes them like a movie. I had a laugh too, makes for some captivating reading.
One of the things I like most about this book is how he summarises key learning points after each chapter with key takeaways anyone can implement into their loves. I also think it's great how each chapter is named after a song title - and there's a Spotify playlist to go with the book!
I really recommend this book...I'm going to order more as presents. As Harvey says 'Rock on!'.
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United States on March 21, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read regardless of your profession
Verified PurchaseOh how I wish this existed when I was still a student! This book serves not only as a guide but as a companion for those venturing into or already embroiled in the chaos of their careers. Harvey relates his story with a level of sincerity and openness that resonates deeply. It's rare to encounter a book that makes you feel as understood and seen as this one does, particularly for those of us who are new to the business world or stuck in a "I don't know what the hell I'm doing with my life" kind of panic. Harvey's candor shows that the path to success is not linear. It's loaded with challenges, but each one is an opportunity to learn, grow, and eventually succeed.
- Jack FarrowReviewed in the United Kingdom on July 5, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Not your average business book
Verified PurchaseGot more than I bargained for with this book. Not only do you get plenty of practical advice for Product Marketing (+ business in general), you get an all access pass to Harvey's story, a bunch of good life lessons, and lots of laughs along the way.
Recommended for all PMMs, marketers in general, entrepreneurs - and anyone with an interest in rock music!