Harvey Lisberg | Interview | Releases New Book Detailing Life With 10cc, Herman’s Hermits and Many More
Harvey Lisberg is a legendary English Rock Manager, best known for discovering Herman’s Hermits in 1963.
When 22-year-old accountant Harvey Lisberg heard the Beatles’ ‘Please Please Me,’ he had an epiphany: he could be Manchester’s answer to Brian Epstein. He had a musical ear, a knack for numbers and a gambler’s instinct for taking a punt. Within a year he had taken local group, Herman’s Hermits, to number one with ‘I’m Into Something Good’.
Soon, Hermania was a global phenomenon. Harvey had found his vocation. In this uproarious, frank and moving autobiography, he reveals the excesses of life on the road with Herman’s Hermits; the frustration of championing unknowns Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber; the highs and lows of managing the brilliant 10cc; the utter madness of looking after snooker bad boys Alex “Hurricane” Higgins and Jimmy “Whirlwind” White and much, much more. Many other artists benefited from Harvey’s guidance during this time, including Tony Christie, Barclay James Harvest, Sad Café and the Chameleons.
I’m Into Something Good is his account of a life that started in Salford and ended up in Palm Springs; a life in which he travelled the world, met heroes and villains, fulfilled his dreams, spent a fortune on good living, family and friends, and never took himself or his achievements too seriously.
It’s really fantastic to have a new book about rock music out. How long did you work on it?
I started writing up my website in 2013. After Covid hit in 2020, I decided to use this information as the basis of my memoir/autobiography and asked Charlie Thomas, who I had worked with on the 10cc documentary to co-write it with me. It took just five days to record my stories, and Charlie then took about two months to write it.
Was it difficult to remember all the details from the past?
It was difficult to remember it all, but my selective memory helped me recall the big stories!
Did it bring any (almost) forgotten memories?
Absolutely. Especially reconnecting with people from the 60’s onwards and learning different versions of the same story.
What else will our readers find in your latest book?
An account of the euphoria of my life in the glorious 60’s and Britain’s invasion of America.
Was there a certain moment when managing Herman’s Hermits that you knew this will stay with your life forever?
‘I’m Into Something Good,’ going to Number One in the United Kingdom.
Do you feel that times changed from the early 60’s to 70’s when you were managing 10cc?
Very much so. Celebrity is now the thing; the music was in the 60’s and 70’s.
What are the most interesting stories readers will be able to learn about from the book?
They might be interested in my joint attempt with Peter Grant (manager of Led Zeppelin) to acquire the management of Queen when the band was looking for new management. Also meeting Elvis Presley for the first time in Hawaii at a time when hardly anyone from the U.K. had met him since he kept very much to himself and never ventured outside the U.S. to Europe.
How do you see the music industry today?
In a flux of change anticipating AI (artificial intelligence) and all its consequences.
Would it be possible to draw some parallels to the past? What do you think the future holds for musicians and labels?
The music industry has previously been challenged by new technology queering its established business model and next up is AI. Good music by good musicians is embedded in our collective conscience so the future remains bright.
What else currently occupies your life?
Doing interviews like this one, and developing copyrights.
Klemen Breznikar
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Harvey Lisberg Official Website
