Journalist Christie Eliezer has documented the stories behind the business minds of seven Australian music industry identities in his new book 'High Voltage Rock 'n' Roll'.
The book puts a magnifying glass over the careers of Michael Gudinski, Denis Handlin, Ian "Molly" Meldrum, John Woodruff, John Watson, Shane Simpson and Glen Wheatley.One of the more humorous stories came from manager, promoter and former rock star Glenn Wheatley who tells of how the former Australian Prime Minister John Howard once tried to recruit him into politics.
Here is an extract from the book about the Wheatley story:
"I can honestly say I can open almost any door" recalls Wheatley. "There was a time our current prime minister [John Howard] wanted me to run for politics. He came around to our house to convince Gaynor to be the wife of a politician".
"Wheatley was initially drawn in, but he learned quickly how politics worked. He wanted to run for the seat of Higgins, but that had been earmarked for a Liberal Party favourite. They suggested another seat, which Wheatley had no association with. He lost interest."
"In any case, I didn't want to spend each week in Canberra, hanging around with all the guys who would be my colleagues at midnight in the corridors. I woke up in a sweat one morning and thought, "I don't think I can do this, it's being away from my family and being lonely and miserable." The promise of an Arts or Communication portfolio was not enough to bring me around so I walked away".
Undercover will bring you another segment from the book again this week.
'High Voltage Rock and Roll' by Christie Eliezer is in stores now.
