Book review: Gary Shea “No Bass, No Party”
Alcatrazz and New England bassist Gary Shea shares stories and reflections, the highs and lows of his journey in the music industry, in a new autobiography.
American bassist Gary Shea is best known for being a founding member of the bands New England and Alcatrazz. I have been fortunate enough to see Gary perform live in concert with both bands and interviewed him several times. He is as solid a person as he is a bass player. If Gary’s music has touched you, chances are this book, which is full of anecdotes and reflections of what is behind the music, will be of interest.
“No Bass No Party – Sketches of My Life in Music” is a personal story about the ups and downs, the highs and lows of making a living in the music industry. Gary writes about learning to play the guitar in the 1960s and subsequently becoming a bassist. We get to hear about his move to London in the early 70s, where he auditioned for Trapeze with Glenn Hughes and eventually ended up in a band with future Scorpions drummer Herman Rarebell. Immigration problems in the UK made Gary move back to the US and onto stardom with first New England and then Alcatrazz.
He shares stories about unexpectedly losing band members to KISS and David Lee Roth, working with producers such as Paul Stanley, Todd Rundgren and Eddie Kramer and over-the-top guitarists like Vinnie Vincent, Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai and Joe Stump. He explains how New England and Alcatrazz got their names. Central to much of Gary’s career is his long-lasting musical partnership with keyboardist, composer and arranger Jimmy Waldo.
While Gary remains involved in Alcatrazz, he no longer tours with the band and has retired to Florida. This book is your chance to hear more about what went on backstage, on the tour bus and in the studio. Gary’s story is told in a relaxed, natural way. It’s written like someone talking to a friend over a drink. It’s a fascinating story. It is not one of those scandalous tell-all biographies filled with sex, drugs and rock’n’roll. It is one man’s reflections on his career filled with dedication, hard work and a desire to succeed. It is a good and fascinating story.
Gary Shea’s “No Bass, No Party” is out now via BWL Publishing.
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