HARVEY LISBERG WITH CHARLIE THOMAS – I’M INTO SOMETHING GOOD: MY LIFE MANAGING 10CC, HERMAN’S HERMITS AND MANY MORE!
OMNIBUS PRESS
BOOK REVIEW BY AARON BADGLEY
Harvey Lisberg is one fascinating person. The list of musicians and sports figures he has managed and helped turn into stars is quite staggering. Herman’s Hermits, 10cc, Tony Christie, and in the sports world, Alex Higgins and Jimmy Whyte, to name a few. As co-owner of Kennedy Street Enterprises in Manchester, he also helped Freddie And The Dreamers, Wayne Fontana and The Mindbenders, The Chameleons, and so many more. His life touched so many other artists. In this book, Lisberg tells his story, and it is a fascinating read from beginning to end. It is the kind of book that one does not want to put down.
Everything seemed to connect for Lisberg. He moved from one thing to another. He was able to adapt, and he demonstrated that he had incredible intuition. His move from being an accountant to a manager is great to read and it is easy to see how it seemed to be an easy transition. He also acknowledges the support he had along the way. He also faced doubters, especially when it came to Herman’s Hermits. But the beautiful thing about Lisberg is that he does not bear grudges. He is honest but there is no trace of bitterness in this book.
Lisberg places everything into the context of the times, his life, and everything going on around him. He does not exist in a vacuum, and it is interesting to see how all this influences his plans and decisions. And it is all done with a sense of humour and wonder. Lisberg knows that he had it good and he appreciates everything he has experienced. Even when things got difficult, such as the break-ups of marriages and bands, he remained steadfast and helped others get through it all.
He is also a great storyteller. The craziness of Godley and Creme’s first solo project (Consequences) must be read to be believed. Throw Peter Cook into the mix and the stories are riveting. The same can be said for 10cc’s last performance as the original four at Glastonbury. Again, no spoiling a good story, it is almost unbelievable. He even has an interesting story about The Beatles.
I’m Into Something Good: My Life Managing 10cc, Herman’s Hermits and Many More! is one of those rare books that is informative and very entertaining. Lisberg does not have an axe to grind, he just tells a great story. It is a thrilling ride through many decades of music, sports, entertainment, and so much more. This is one of the best memoirs I have read. It is straightforward and fun to read. The reader gets to go behind the scenes of so many iconic rock stars (Queen, Springsteen, The Who, The Rolling Stones), and it is all beautifully written about in this great book.