Book Review: No Secrets by Graham 'Buzz' Bidstrup

In his new memoir, No Secrets, legendary Australian musician, songwriter and producer Graham "Buzz" Bidstrup pulls back the curtain on the vibrant, often chaotic, world of 1970s and 80s Aussie pub rock. For anyone who grew up with the sounds of The Angels, GANGgajang, The Party Boys and the myriad of a time in Australia’s music history when Aussie rock ruled supreme. This book is a must-read. No Secrets offers a candid and insightful look at the life of a musician from woe to go,  who was at the very heart of that cultural phenomenon.

Bidstrup, a powerhouse drummer, starts his story from the beginning, recounting his journey from his first drum kit to becoming a core member of some of Australia's most iconic bands. He goes beyond just the musical hits, sharing personal anecdotes about band dynamics, life on the road, and the complex relationships that define a career in music. Readers are given a front-row seat to the electrifying atmosphere of packed pubs, an environment famously captured by Doc Neeson's quip, "I know you're out there. I can smell you!"

The memoir is filled with fascinating stories and revelations. Bidstrup recounts his youth growing up in Adelaide and early encounters with music icons.. He also shares a pivotal moment in Australian music history, revealing how he fought to keep the line "This is Australia" in the GANGgajang classic, "Sounds of Then," a decision that helped cement the song as a national anthem.

Beyond the stage, No Secrets delves into the business side of the music industry, the royalty disputes, the challenges of artist management, and the often harsh realities of the drug culture. Bidstrup's narrative is honest and unvarnished, touching on the struggles with ego and personal challenges that can accompany the pursuit of stardom.

For a book that promises no secrets, it certainly delivers, offering an intimate perspective on what it was truly like to be a rock survivor. While fans of Australian rock will find the most to love, anyone interested in music history, biography, or the raw truths of life in a band will find Bidstrup's memoir both engaging and memorable. It’s a book that not only chronicles a life,

5 Stars lso captures the spirit of an era.