Sideman Audiobook By Mark Rivera, Mike Poncy - contributor, Ringo Starr - foreword cover art

Sideman

In Pursuit of the Next Gig

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Sideman

By: Mark Rivera, Mike Poncy - contributor, Ringo Starr - foreword
Narrated by: Mark Rivera
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While most successful sidemen are lucky to spend a decade in the music business, multi-instrumentalist Mark Rivera is working on his fifth.

Rivera has shared the stage with some of Rock 'n' Roll's greatest performers, including John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Simon & Garfunkel, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Tony Bennett, Sheila E., Joe Walsh, Hall & Oates, and Peter Gabriel.

How does he do it while avoiding the typical pitfalls—falling out of favor with the band, burnout, depression?

A devoted father and husband for nearly forty years, Rivera's recollections in Sideman demonstrate that while he struggled to balance the two worlds—a rock 'n' roller circling the globe and a regular guy worried about putting food on the table—his body's compulsion to always be playing music kept him in constant pursuit of "the next gig."

Full of optimism, humor, and candor, Rivera turns the spotlight on the sideman's life, revealing not only what it takes to climb the industry ladder (and stay there), but something more surprising: a bit of ourselves rocking out amongst all those superstars.

©2023 Mark Rivera (P)2023 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books Entertainment & Celebrities Celebrity Witty
Authentic Insider Perspective • Inspirational Career Journey • Thoughtful Musical Insights • Genuine Storytelling
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Personal stories, and all that he went through. His love for music really comes through.

Hearing the author

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Obviously Mark is talented. And I figured he would talk a lot about his personal life. I just wished there was more details about the big artists he worked with. He does touch on them briefly but not a ton of info on the bands. But not a lot of inside stories.

So if you are expecting that it isn’t here. If u wanna hear about his own personal life you’ll be pleased. I think I was just expecting more personal band stories in the book.

Good but could’ve been better

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Inspiring and educational! Loved it. I truly enjoyed this book. Highly recommend to any Musician , or even non musician.

A Book Every Hired Gun Should Read

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Mark told a great story in his own words. So very interesting. Great insight into the life of a working musician. Awesome storytelling.

Great story

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Loved hearing Mark’s story. Life is so much more than what we see on stage. Definitely worth the listen for all sidemen. Maybe some front men too so they can see what it takes to please them. Hopefully like Billy Joel, they will care.

Great Look Behind the Curtain of Fame

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A great picture of what a “sideman” can experience in the music world from a genuine source.

Thoughtful viewpoint of sideman in the world if touring.

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I felt like I was there. Loved it! And also loved those many performances I was privileged to witness.

The honesty of a life with music

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Great read and reminding that in life we are all Sidemen. Thank you very much sir!

We are all sidemen

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Mark Rivera is a true inspirational rock star! A must listen. An amazing life story on perseverance and always finding the next gig! Rock on Marcus✌️❤️

Spectacular!!! Enjoyed every second!

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Mark's story, his career as a Sideman, was everything unexpected from a "rock star." There was no ego, just the opposite. Laid bare, this sideman was a family man first, against all R&R odds. His delivery is one that is grounded, without fanfare, even one that touts how lucky he's been having worked with many of the greats - from Lennon, Joel, Jagger, Starr to many more. I truly didn't expect to stick with a story being a bit lucky myself in the music industry. Yet, Mark is instantly someone you want to be friends with, work with, rely upon and support. Kudos to a Sideman that can add author to his stellar career. To me, he's no longer a sideman, but a star in his own right - I'm hunting for his latest vinyl release as I submit this review. Looking forward to all that lies ahead...

Grounded, Authentic, Without Ego, Insightful

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