What You Want Is in the Limo

What You Want Is in the Limo examines three landmark rock tours from 1973: Led Zeppelin, The Who, and Alice Cooper. Through extensive research and interviews, Walker reconstructs the backstage realities and cultural impact of these tours that helped define arena rock. The book tracks how these bands transformed rock concerts from modest theater shows into stadium-scale events with private jets, elaborate staging, and unprecedented excess. Walker documents the logistics, finances, and personalities involved in mounting these massive touring operations that would influence rock music for decades. The narrative follows the parallel stories of three distinct approaches to rock stardom in 1973, from Led Zeppelin's raw power to The Who's ambitious concept shows to Alice Cooper's theatrical shock rock. Against the backdrop of a changing music industry and American culture, Walker examines how each band navigated their moment of peak commercial and artistic success. The book ultimately explores themes of ambition, excess, and the price of reaching the pinnacle of rock stardom just as the music business entered a new era. Through these three tours, Walker captures a pivotal year when rock music's innocence gave way to a more calculated and commercial approach.

Readers found this rock history book focused too narrowly on just 1973 and three bands (Led Zeppelin, Alice Cooper, The Who), rather than providing the broader cultural analysis the subtitle suggests. What readers liked: - Behind-the-scenes details about the tour logistics - Technical information about early arena rock production - First-hand accounts from roadies and managers - Writing style makes complex music industry concepts clear What readers disliked: - Limited scope despite promising a full analysis of 70s rock culture - Too much focus on business/logistics vs music - Repetitive stories about hotel destruction and partying - Some historical inaccuracies noted by long-time fans Ratings: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (300+ ratings) Amazon: 4/5 (50+ reviews) Sample review: "Good for what it is - a detailed look at three 1973 tours. But the subtitle oversells it as some grand statement about rock culture." - Goodreads reviewer

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🎸 1973 was a pivotal year for rock music, with legendary tours by Led Zeppelin, Alice Cooper, and The Who - all three of which are central to the book's narrative. 🎭 Alice Cooper's "Billion Dollar Babies" tour, covered extensively in the book, was the most expensive rock production ever mounted at that time, featuring elaborate stage sets and theatrical elements. 🚐 The custom-built "Starship" airplane, featured in the book, was a converted Boeing 720 used by Led Zeppelin and other bands, complete with a bar, electronic organ, and bedroom suite. 📊 Author Michael Walker previously wrote the bestseller "Laurel Canyon," exploring the 1960s music scene in Los Angeles, making him particularly qualified to analyze this transformative period in rock history. 💰 The book's title refers to the growing trend of private limousines for rock stars in 1973, marking a shift from the communal touring vehicles of the 1960s to a more individualistic, business-focused approach to rock music.