From Bay City Rollers to Bowie: A Backstage Journey Through Rock History

It's Only Rock n Roll with hosts Phil Blizzard & Russell Mason

Step backstage with Phil Blizzard & Russell Mason in this the debut episode of It's Only Rock n Roll into the chaotic, exhilarating world of rock and roll touring. Special guests are industry veterans Jake Duncan and Steve Martin and together they pull back the curtain on nearly a century of combined experience managing tours for some of music's biggest legends.
From accidental beginnings to career-defining moments, these production wizards recount their journeys with refreshing honesty. Jake stumbled into the industry in 1972 after spontaneously offering to help the Bay City Rollers' crew, while Steve's passion for Nine Below Zero led him from devoted fan to trusted crew member. Both admit to "bluffing it" early on – learning technical skills through necessity rather than training, with Steve confessing to being "the worst guitar tech in the world" despite working with extraordinary musicians.
The conversation takes us through pivotal moments in rock history, including exclusive behind-the-scenes accounts of Live Aid in 1985. Steve provides a unique dual perspective, having worked both for Nick Kershaw and promoter Harvey Goldsmith during the iconic event. Their insights reveal how Queen strategically stole the show with their legendary performance, while Paul McCartney faced technical difficulties despite being the artist everyone backstage was most excited to see.
Perhaps most fascinating are their candid revelations about working with mercurial personalities. From Shirley Bassey's dressing room color requirements to Elton John's dramatic pre-show tantrums, these stories humanize the stars while highlighting the diplomatic skills required in tour management. One particularly amusing anecdote involves David Bowie being turned away from Japan's final UK show because the doorman didn't recognize him!
Whether you're a music industry professional, an aspiring tour manager, or simply a fan curious about what happens behind the scenes, this episode offers invaluable insight into the machinery that powers the magic of live music. Subscribe now and join us for more unfiltered conversations with the unsung heroes who've kept the show on the road for decades.

It's Only Rock and Roll is a Phil Blizzard Radio Production - for your production email [email protected]

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1. Introductions and Early Career Beginnings (00:00:00)

2. From Bluffing to Big Shows: Learning on the Job (00:15:04)

3. Live Aid Memories and Historical Moments (00:29:52)

4. Working with Icons: McCartney, Bowie and Beyond (00:45:18)

5. Impossible Riders and Difficult Artists (00:59:48)

6. Evolution of Touring and Production (01:13:22)

7. Proudest Moments and Hilarious Road Stories (01:25:38)