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Various Artists

A Hart Life – The Life Story of Deep Purple and Rainbow's Tour Manager written by Colin Hart and Dick Allix

Review by Larry Toering

This is the first book to be written by one of Deep Purple and Rainbow's entourage, and a most interesting story it is, told by Colin Hart, their long running tour manager. Hart started with Deep Purple in 1971 and went on to Rainbow when Ritchie Blackmore left in 1975. He ultimately wound up with Deep Purple again in 1984 when they reunited, and lasted all the way up until 2001. Inside there are heartfelt tales of successes, failures and even tragedies told, as he moves through the years without seeming to miss much. As a fan of both bands, I can say this also has plenty for the general rock fan looking for a well told story that covers over three decades of life in the music business, with forewords by Roger Glover and Hart's nephew Paul Mann.

This way of telling his story is edited by Jerry Bloom and authored with the help of Dick Allix. It covers some of the most important times in the history of both bands, pointing out personal relationships with many rock stars both of the upper and lower spotlights of the industry. The list is massive, from Rod Stewart and Jimi Hendrix to Led Zeppelin and the Scorpions, as well as every single artist who passed through the ranks of Deep Purple and Rainbow over the years. The photos of Cozy Powell, as well as the many other personal photos in the standard issue alone is worth the price and then some, as there are rare pictures of everyone from Ronnie James Dio to Joe Satriani.

Originally released in Japan, the book is now available in hard back and special editions, and an essential resource for any rock fan is the result, even for the fans who are not rabid Deep Purple or Rainbow collectors. This autobiography of sorts is a must read that will fill even the biggest fans heads full of the actual goods from the man who was there the whole time and saw it all. Not for one second is the reader bored or lost here, as he goes deep into the legacy of both bands, and the rock and roll lifestyle in general, That makes it a well rounded book for any rock fan interested in one of the most exciting perspectives on offer. Hart doesn't pull any punches, nor does he throw any either, as he pays careful attention to detail and makes sure not to step on any toes in the process of revealing some rather important facts in the history of the bands. He tells his story very well.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2011  Volume 6 at lulu.com/strangesound.

 
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