Paperback: 378 pages Publisher: Restless Artists (October 27, 2011) Language: English ISBN-10: 0984685901 ISBN-13: 978-0984685905	Order book here:
		Order E-book here:

Synopsis:

On October 20, 1977 a Convair plane traveling from Greenville SC to Baton Rouge, LA crashed. On board were the members of legendary Southern Rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines, Assistant Road Manager Dean Kilpatrick, and lead Singer Ronnie Van Zant. Ron Eckerman was with the band that day and details his time spent with the band in Turn it Up.

Review:

This was an incredible look into the history of Rock & Roll. There have been many rumors over the year, so it’s good to hear from a man on the inside about what that life was like. The stories are often humorous with some of the bands drunken escapades. Then there are the sad times as well. Mr. Eckerman covers it all though, the good and the bad. Listening to the story, told in his own words was a deep experience for me. Growing up in WV and hanging out in bars and pool halls, you couldn’t get by without listening to Lynyrd Skynyrd, it was a part of my youth.

However, despite that youth, just like most other fans I was distanced. In 1977 I was 10 years old. I don’t remember the crash, and while on an intellectual level I can feel the loss that Ronnie’s death meant to music, I can’t feel the same emotion as if I’d known them. But Mr. Eckerman did know them. They were sometimes a thorn in his side, but most of all they were his friends, his partners, and his brothers, and with that loss I can understand what he felt relating his story.

If you are a fan of southern rock, or the 1970s music scene, or Lynyrd Skynyrd, you must pick up this audiobook. It is definitely a must have item for your library.

Author Bio:

Ron Eckerman, born in Houston, Tx, was an early pioneer in the rock concert industry. In 1973 he began staging concerts and created one of the early concert lighting/touring production companies. Soon afterwards he became tour manager for Lynyrd Skynyrd and began a two year stint with the group, witnessing and participating in their meteoric rise to fame and world-wide acclaim. After the tragic plane crash that ended the original band, Mr. Eckerman has produced in film, television, and stage, and has taught theater and artist management at Santa Monica College. Mr. Eckerman writes technical manuals and financial articles and has just completed his first non-fiction book.

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out to Ron for an audiobook copy of the book. It in no way influenced my review. You can discuss it here or join my facebook page and discuss it there.

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