This book was one of the five selected for the Canada Reads 2012 short-list. This year the contest focused on non-fiction books for the first time. Each book had its Champion, the person who would argue their book’s merits and defend it against the other contenders. After each day’s debate, one book was voted off by the Champions. Moderated (at times refereed) by Jian Ghomeshi, it was “must listen” radio for the four days of the debate.

It was through listening to this broadcast that I first became aware of the book, and then, through the passionate description from its Champion, model Stacey McKenzie, became interested in reading it.

Ostensibly, it tells the story of Dave Bidini’s band, The Rheostatics, during their cross-Canada tour with The Tragically Hip. In fact, that is only used as framework for the many anecdotes of the road and touring life told by various members of the Canadian music scene. These anecdotes are grouped by themes; they seem to be answering a specific question, such as: What was your first performance in front of a paying audience? What was your worst experience on the road? etcetera. These blocks of anecdotes are interspersed with Bidini’s own experiences growing up wanting to be a musician, then realizing that dream as a touring band.

The stories related by the various musicians (e.g., Kim Mitchell, Randy Bachmann, Ken Tobias, Rik Emmett) and others deep in the music scene (e.g., Peter Goddard, Alan Niester, Richard Flohil) were very interesting and enjoyable. It gives an unvarnished insight into the true nature of the land and people of this country. For those of us who grew up exclusively in big cities, this alone is a revelation.

Many of these bands were part of my teen/early 20s: The Guess Who, April Wine, Max Webster, Downchild, Trooper, The Stampeders) and that brought an additional layer of nostalgia to the anecdotes.

The book is a true love letter to music, musicianship, and the necessary ritual of touring across Canada with your band.

At several points, the interviewees speak about the lack of a “star system” that would scout and nurture young artists, grooming them for musical stardom. Shortly after reading this book the CBC did a piece on the Can-con subsidies in radio. Established in 1971, it was largely responsible for the additional exposure of many Canadian musical acts that might not otherwise gained a wider audience, including those featured in this book.

This is a quintessentially Canadian book. It speaks to the grit, the passion, the drive that is necessary to live your dream to play in front of a live audience. However, if you are not familiar with the groups, or that time in Canada, or your musical preferences do not include classic rock and roll, this may not be the book for you. ( )

Canada

I did enjoy this book, but it took me a while to find and feel comfortable with the rhythm of the writing - anecdotes from dates of the Rheostatics cross- Canada tour with the Tragically Hip, interspersed with related and relevant anecdotes from a large group of Canadian musicians. Some of the musicians I recognized, some I had to be reminded of, some were unknown to me. I was continually going back to the list of names/groups to try to place the speaker and the era to which they were referring. That was annoying!

Bidini is a very, very good writer, his descriptions were so sharp and beautiful. You feel the cold, smell that bus....If you are/were a fan of this band, this is a must read. If you ever wondered what it would be like to tour, not with private jets or luxury buses, but old-school rock touring, this will give you the full picture. If you have a kid who wants this life, this book might change their mind...

( )

On a Cold Road is partly an autobiography of Dave Bidini's life as part of the Rheostatics and partly a history of Canada's rock scene. Not being a rock fan, I didn't recognise many of the artists quoted in the book, so I enjoyed the author's personal story best. However, I found the book thoroughly entertaining on both counts.

Dave Bidini gives us a glimpse into a world that is unknown to most of us. His writing style is very engaging. As he talks about his early experiences as a teen, he conveys the sense of wonder and excitement a young person experiences. As he talks about some of the challenges on the road, he conveys a more mature perspective on the life he's chosen.

Mr. Bidini has supplemented his autobiography with quotes from other Canadian artists about their own experiences -- the first big break, playing in isolated areas, not getting paid, etc. This provides the reader with a short history of the development of some of Canada's rock stars and the Canadian music industry.

Easy to read, engaging, interesting....worth a look even if you aren't a rock fan. ( )