On the Road: Recording the Stars in a Golden Era of Live Music

I just got done reading "On The Road" by David Hewitt. Mr. Hewitt worked at Record Plant , running their mobile recording unit, and later had his own remote recording service. The seemingly endless list of projects that this man worked on is simply jaw dropping. Although I wish it had a section devoted to more technical matters, the book is well worth the read. An incredible career! HIGHLY recommended!

Chances are that you own or have heard one or more of the live concert albums or videos that audio engineer Dave Hewitt has had a hand in recording. During the many years that he headed up the NYC Record Plant Studios' remote recording unit, and later with his own company, Location Recording Services, Hewitt has recorded just about everyone and everything you can think of. Aerosmith, Billy Joel, The Rolling Stones, Live Aid, -the list goes on and on. Hewitt tells the fascinating behind the scenes stories of many of the literally thousands of concerts and events that he recorded or provided audio services for over the course of over 40 years, starting in the early 1970s. In those days location audio recording required putting entire studio control rooms into trucks that could then be driven wherever those services were needed. But it's just about the gear or the logistical and technical problems that crop up during each gig, -along the way we meet an ever changing cast of characters including not only the artists and musicians, but their managers, stage crews, record producers, other audio engineers, video and film directors, and venue staff. Most of all, it's about the music, and Hewitt provides lists of the recordings and videos for suggested listening and viewing. All of these things combine to provide a unique view of what it was like to record the stars "On the Road".

Like some of the other reviewers I was there for many of these gigs. David Hewitt has written perhaps the only comprehensive history of live recording of this era, history that would be lost otherwise. If you are a music fan and want to know the history of live recording this is probably the only singular place to find that history. If nothing else buy it to learn about your favorite artists and their gigs.

David Hewitt's book is all about what it means to Rock & Roll all night, but not party all day. Follow David and his crew as they develop the art of remote recording. These insights into the "Blood, Sweat & Tears" of a behind the scenes production life will amaze you. From the very beginning of recorded music very few individuals have been at so many milestone moments as Mr. Hewitt.I recommend you dive in and find out just how incredible his life "On The Road" was.

I was privileged to work with Dave several times back in the day, when we shot video for people like MTV and HBO, and he was undoubtedly the greatest at capturing the audio live. Wonderful pro to work with and a nice guy. Loved the book!