By Aaron Cordy
TAKE a backstage pass on a crazy rock adventure at the Shepparton Library Thursday, May 9, when local rock legend Joe Matera launches his second book, Louder Than Words.
The book follows on from Joe’s first book Backstage Pass: The Grit and the Glamour, and traces his childhood influences and the musicians who changed his life, from heroes such as Janne Schaffer, who played on ABBA’s studio albums, to Gerry Rafferty and international superstar Bryan Adams who provided the forward for the book.
“I’ve always been into music. When I was four years old I heard the sound of the Beach Boys and straight away my love of music was developed. I picked up the guitar at the age of 15 and taught myself how to play the guitar. I played in local bands and taught guitar lessons, and I’ve always loved music and one of the subjects in school I really excelled in was English writing, I’ve always loved writing, so that sort of combined,” said Joe.
Joe has seen life on the road from both sides of the stage, as a performer and journalist and shares insights into his extraordinary life.
“A lot of things that happened for me in my life have sort of just fell into place by following my passion really. Half the time it’s not something that is planned out and I do it. I see something and say, ‘Oh yeah, I’m going to have a go at that.’ And here I am today, all the way from Kyabram to the world stage.”
Join Joe at the Shepparton Library on Thursday, May 9, at 7.00pm. To book, call 1300 374 765 or email shepparton@gvlibraries.com.au. Book online at www.gvlibraries.com.au. Books will be available to purchase at the event and Joe will follow the session with a book signing.
