I just finished a great and honest music-life-on-the road book (2023) by Mark Rivera called “SIDEMAN: In Pursuit of the Next Gig”. Foreword by none other than Ringo Starr.
Mark Rivera (1953) is a gifted and passionate saxophonist has played with Billy Joel, John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Ringo Starr, Simon and Garfunkel, Hall and Oates, Peter Gabriel, Foreigner, Joe Walsh, Peter Frampton, Sam and Dave, and many other famous singers and bands.
Although I’ve been backstage hundreds of times, observing the stars, their backup bands (sessionists), tour crew tour do their magic to deliver a great show to their ticket-paying fans, what Mark Rivera reveals to his readers are great amusing anecdotes and honest insights.
At the end of the day, there are ups and downs in a music sessionist’s journey, living from paycheck to the next paycheck. You are never permanently in a band, you know you’ll never be a member of the principals (original band members).
You bring your best A-Game in playing your instrument(s) of choice, smile incessantly (don’t be an asshole), be encouraging all the time with constructive advice and hope you’ll be there for the next tour or recording session.
Meanwhile your wife and family are at home, thousands of miles away, doing what they’re doing. And you miss them tremendously (misses wedding anniversaries, kid(s)’s birth, important events etc.), while in your hotel room, as the minibar beckons you with miniature whisky or vodka plastic bottles. Or other “goodies” offered to you by your band buddies in nearby hotel rooms.
Not every musician can become a Beatle, Bob Dylan, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Billie Eilish, Tori Amos, Ronnie Wood, Joe Satriani, Leland Sklar, Dominic Miller, Jim Keltner, Ray Cooper and T-Bone Wolks of the world. But when Your dream is real, you’re able to taste it and within reach – Go For It! The previous names I listed did take the leap of faith and the rest is history and herstory.
Even for Mark Rivera who has the chops – great at the saxophone, talented multi-instrumentalist, good at being a music director, knows the jig-saws that goes nto staging a great concert, being a nice guy etc, he still has to constantly think about putting food on the table.
I applaud Mark Rivera’s tenacity and honesty in the book. He shares many amusing backstage anecdotes. A fascinating “can’t-put-book-down” read. Check it out.
This book is essential reading for those who wish to pursue a musical career and the uphill steps, perpetual dusting the dirt off your shirt and keep going, and deep-pocket passion one needs to have to be successful in one’s chosen patch.
You may be a rock star, author, painter, accountant, teacher, archeologist, CEO, golfer, gym instructor, influencer, barista, chef, banker, bohemian dreamer etc. – at the end of the day, you have to “Put Food On The Table”. Every Day. For Yourself and especially for Your Family
