Maggie Blackbird

I love my rock ‘n’ roll biographies, so when Gary Shea’s autobiography came up for review, I jumped at the chance to read No Bass No Party: Sketches of My Life in Music. Check out my review. And don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway.

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Title: No Bass No Party
Series: N/A
Author(s): Gary Shea, J.D. Shipton
Genre: Rock ‘n’ Roll, memoir, autobiography, non-fiction
Length: 172 pages
Release Date: April 1, 2025

Blurb: An outstanding account of the music business, A riveting story of determination and focus, Musical teenage dream come true, Against all odds musical ups and downs, Defying logic following your heart, Climbing the musical ladder of success, Fearless journey on the road to stardom, (You won’t read about the heads of chickens being bitten off or mounds of drugs being snorted from the naked bodies of sweaty groupies. No, what you will read about on these pages is the deep and intense journey into the very heart of rock and roll and what it takes to come out the other side. Gary Shea took that ride and has survived to tell his thrilling tale and there is no need for embellishment nor hyperbole—the truth is more unbelievable than fiction.

“Gary is the bassist and co-founder of New England and Alcatrazz, two bands that burned very brightly during the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Along the way, Shea walked amongst giants including Steve Vai, Paul Stanley, Todd Rundgren, Yngwie Malmsteen and a slew of others. He guides us through the machinations, madness and magic of the music world, beginning with his early fascination for bass players and rock and running all the way through to standing on big stages in big arenas in front of big crowds. For every step forward, the industry took two bites of his soul but owing to perseverance, passion and no little amount of pigheadedness, he endured and now reveals all his secrets. No Bass, No Sketches of My Life in Music are masterfully told stories of what lies in the corners and ‘neath the bright lights of the music business. A rock and roll memoir you must read.” —Steven Rosen, Music Journalist for Guitar Player Magazine and author of eight biographies, including Tonechaser- Understanding My 26-Year Journey with Edward Van Halen.

“Gary Shea has lived the wild west days of the music industry, on both sides of the Atlantic, and is still here to tell the story. No Bass, No Party gives us a career-spanning backstage pass to everything from a Knights of Columbus hall in 1967, to some of the greatest stadiums all over the world. We get to see the highs and lows of all aspects of the music world from the eyes of the man behind the bass guitar, playing for and with some of the most influential bands of the past four decades.” —Editorial Review, by JD Shipton

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The great bass player Jaco Pastorious had just released his solo album that set the bass playing world on its ear with his amazing technique. Greg, more than anyone else I knew, truly flipped-out and decided that he had to have a bass player that played in this new, jazzy, funky style. I’ll be the first to admit that ain’t me. This added to Greg’s frustrations, and it continues to this day in his endless search for new musicians. I knew that although we were, and still remain good friends, I was not destined for Greg’s creativity.

I was new in town and getting used to seeing people like Dick Van Dyke at the gas station pumping his own gas. It was time to branch out and seek new opportunities in Los Angeles. Other than my East Coast friends I had a hard time finding a local heavy rock band to join that played the music I heard in my heart. Most of the music was more laid back, and in a more acoustic guitar vein like Poco or The Eagles. At The Starwood I watched Quiet Riot. They were doing very well for themselves with Randy Rhodes on guitar. Van Halen had yet to be discovered and sign a record deal. It was very frustrating trying to find the kind of music I had made with Target in the land of the sun, surf, and beach boys. I saw my good friend Ted McKenna play at The Starwood. He had left the Alex Harvey band and was on tour playing drums with the great Rory Gallagher.

A few of my friends from the band Angel and I went to lunch one day at the trendy Hamburger Hamlet in Century City. It was located on Century Park East among the towers of movie and music business offices and was a great place for lunch. We were sitting in the lobby waiting for a table and someone sat down next to me. I was mildly surprised that it was Sally Struthers from the television show, All In The Family. We sat and watched the parade of people go by. An attractive blonde woman in a white business suit, carrying a briefcase, came up to me. She told me I looked interesting to her and introduced herself as the editor of Playgirl Magazine. My friends couldn’t believe it. Neither could I. She said she would like to put me in the magazine and explained the different payments for the three features. The full spread would pay the rent for a long time. To say I wasn’t flattered wouldn’t be true. The best part was that my friends’ egos were on the floor. She gave me her card telling me to send in some nude photos of myself and that selection was done by a panel of Playgirl Magazine executives. In the world of today’s mores I would be considered a hero, but back then the world was much more conservative. I didn’t want to jeopardize any future musical situations, and most of all I didn’t want my mother to endure any repercussions. I thought about it for a week and decided to decline the offer. I still have the white embossed business card she gave me.

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I enjoy reading autobiographies, biographies, and memoirs about figures in rock ‘n’ roll and golf.  So when this book came up for review, I said yes, because I remember the band Alcatrazz as a teenager.  The name Gary Shea also rang a familiar bell.

Just as the sub-title states, “sketches of my life in music,” Gary sticks to this quote.  He takes us on his musical journey, steering clear of relationships, personal life, and family.  It’s all about the music, something I really enjoyed.  Especially since the names of the many players were people I’ve heard of.  Then again, as the famous DJ Eddie Trunk likes to call himself, I too, am a music nerd.  Yes, I always read the liner notes in the CD jewel case when CDs existed.  And read everything that had to do with music and the industry.

The author starts by growing up in many houses and apartments while trying to find his place in life as a youngster in New England. I am not familiar with New England, but I enjoyed the trips through Boston and other places that gave me a peek into the USA’s northeast, since I’ve heard of places such as Berklee School of Music.

He takes us on a journey of finding the perfect band to put together that would make his dreams come true.  This results in a trip across the pond to London.  Again, more names I’ve heard of popped up, which I greatly enjoyed.

His prose is Gary addressing an audience while he sits on a stool, sharing his tale.  Something very enjoyable since this man loves the stage and entertaining.  This comes across in his memoir.  He shares about the many basses he owns, which one was the perfect fit and why.  He also goes into record labels, lawyers, and how the music biz runs.

Do we get to know Gary?  In some ways we do, and in some ways we don’t.  As I said, he sticks strictly to music.  But based on his career path, you walk away feeling as if he’s a determined guy, committed to whatever endeavour he pursues, whether music, life, or family.  He comes across as a loyal friend and bandmate.  And also humble with the many props he gives to others who help him along the way.

It’s an easy read with some pictures, too.  If you enjoy reading about the goings-on in the music industry and like hearing about others’ journeys to capture their dream, this book is for you.  Don’t expect him to tattle or gossip about the lives of the many famous people he knows.  Or shares stories about groupies and drugs.  He focuses strictly on the music, something you sense he’s always done as you read his book.

Do yourself a favour and get a copy.

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Gary is the bassist and co-founder of New England and Alcatrazz, two bands that burned very brightly during the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Along the way, Shea walked amongst giants including Steve Vai, Paul Stanley, Todd Rundgren, Yngwie Malmsteen and a slew of others. He guides us through the machinations, madness and magic of the music world, beginning with his early fascination for bass players and rock and running all the way through to standing on big stages in big arenas in front of big crowds. For every step forward, the industry took two bites of his soul but owing to perseverance, passion and no little amount of pigheadedness, he endured and now reveals all his secrets.

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