Carl Miller

 Compiled by Carl Miller, Backstage Chronicles recounts hilarious, and sometimes harrowing stories from a whole host of the business’s biggest stars and greatest characters, including Stevie Wonder, The Sex Pistols, Led Zeppelin, John Lennon, George Ringo, Tom Cruise, Ginger Baker, Carole King and more. We asked him some questions:

What was the first gig that you attended as an audience member?

The first gig If I recall was Rory Storm & The Hurricanes featuring Ringo Starr on drums. At Butlins holiday camp Skegness.

How did your journey into the world of tour management begin?

Started out by going around with a band called the in-betweens who then morphed into Slade

You have your new book ‘Backstage Chronicles’ out now. What made you want to write and release this book now?

In short as a kind of tribute to some great friends and colleagues who, sadly are no longer with us.

Did you have a specific research process for the writing of the book? Did you learn anything new about yourself during it?

Not really. But looking back I could have done some things differently

I do not want to spoil the book for people of course, but in reading the press material it mentioned a time when Stevie Wonder was driving the tour bus! Could you tell me about that situation please?

On a tour with Stevie Wonder the Foundations and the girl group the Flirtations. Everyone went on a tour bus. Stevie had the rep of being quite mischievous. So it was decided to play a trick on him. when he boarded the bus they ushered him into the driver’s seat with the engine running … he then started to rev it, they quickly removed him. He thought it was great fun.

Did you have a favourite venue when you were working on tours?

Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Madison Square Gardens.

Do you have any plans for any book signings/in conversation with type events?

I believe the publishers are arranging this.

What two pieces of advice do you have for a novice tour manager?

Learn every aspect from the bottom up, from making the tea etc. it’s important to have a working knowledge of everything sound, lighting, logistics etc.

Was it a difficult book to write?

No the main problem was rounding everyone up.

What music do you enjoy listening to? Do you have any recommendations?

Folk rock, classical, I’m pretty eclectic.

What makes Carl Miller happy and what makes you unhappy?

Waking up in the morning (it means I’m still alive) The damage we’re doing to the environment.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Lisa Davies Promotions

Carl Miller’s Backstage Chronicles is out now released by Astral Horizon Press.

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spinal-Tales-Carl-Miller/dp/1739663020

Also available from other bookstores.