A book about the music business and the business of music from the life and times of “seasoned music business veteran and tech executive” Harvey Lee.

Published on 14th February 2024 by Definition Books.

While the likes of Seb Hunter (Hell Bent For Leather – confessions of a Metal addict) and Alan Stutz – in his Diary Of A Nearly Man – have managed to successfully record the passion of the music fan turned writer, Harvey Lee takes things one step further into the realms of the many self help manuals of how to succeed.

He mixes up his narrative with part autobiography, part tales from the music and tech world and part business motivational book, he starts much the the same way but his career path (not that his parents might call his early days as roadie, engineer, manager, music technologist etc) as a career plan. he even seems a man after my own heart. Within a few pages, we’ve bonded over the common themes of harsh discipline in our high schools (in the days before safeguarding was invented) and the redeeming power of Rock and Roll. He’s been slippered by a sadistic Music teacher but found redemption with a like-minded soul buddy and inspired by Back In Black and a visit to Manchester Apollo (yep – been there, done that) he finds his vocation.

The lad from Manchester leaves school at 15 with a poor report and few qualifications; a bleak future and little else other than a passion for Rock music, yet ends up as a business leader at such illustrious companies as Virgin and Microsoft. It’s quite some journey as he travels with Herman’s Hermits across America, farts loudly in front of Trevor Horn’s wife, manages a band (in whom he strongly believes) that ultimately ends in disappointment and skips from pillar to post as advances in technology require his product marketing skills.

Along the way – and at the close of each chapter – come Harvey’s key lessons in life and business. And there are a lot. Acquired over time, each ‘adventure’ and experience providing a glut of lessons from which to learn. “Maybe I land on my feet because I work hard at it,” he says. A man who refuses to give up and you have to admire his perseverance and acumen and sheer bloody mindedness and gall, adopting a ‘can do’ philosophy works wonders. While some of us remain firmly at the barrier, Harvey gets the backstage pass.

The recurring theme of “when you think of Harvey Lee – he gets shit done” (which might be a fitting tribute for his tombstone) is the key. Amidst all the bluster and bravado, the lows and highs, from the many lesson he’s learned, there may be just one that strikes home and provides the impetus for a personal moment of inspiration. Great stuff!

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