At first glance Loud: A Life in Rock’n’roll by the world’s first female roadie by Tana Douglas is a scintillating look behind the scenes of some of the biggest rock bands. There’s sex and drugs to go with the rock’n’roll as Douglas unloads juicy moments with every load out. From a well-stocked trailer parked on the lawn at Windsor Gardens to a dog getting into a stash at an Australian after-party, there’s something for everyone. Douglas also rubs shoulders with the likes of Paul McCartney, Iggy Pop, Ozzy Osbourne, and Neil Diamond. But behind the star-studded cast is the history of the modern road crew from the 1970s to the 1990s.
After starting out in behind-the-times Australia, Douglas jumps from one mega show to the next where the cutting edge of stage shows dazzle audiences around the world. The stories chronicle how stage lighting becomes an attraction that threatens to overshadow the bands themselves. Through the blood and sweat of the road crews, the productions increase in size and complexity. Sound, lighting, and rigging mature as industries and require teams and trucks. Douglas includes the grittiness and pain of long nights and safety playing catch up to daring feats. The drugs, and recklessness take their toll, but still, the show goes on.
How much could be packed in 350 pages? One might be forgiven for thinking this book glorifies the roadie life from a summary. However, Tana Douglas never forgets she is a woman in a “man’s world.” Where Douglas bares her vulnerabilities is where this book really shines. Her isolation, her difficulties as a child, a partner, and as a parent hits hard. I found myself wishing happy endings for Douglas, but knowing that her truth is more common. Loud is the perfect snapshot of the life of the roadie with all the highs and all the lows. I recommend reading about the rock’n’roll life of Tana Douglas to anyone interested in touring shows. Bring your earplugs.
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