Mike Harris's Blog

Go and see the Jersey Boys at the Prince Edward in Old Compton Street.

"The Crowd Goes Wild" was the headline in the New York Times when it opened and it's an understatement.
When you walk out of the Jersey Boys you will feel better than when you walked in - even if you were feeling great when you walked in.

It is simply stunning.
The music which I had barely noticed in the 60s , seems to have grown in power over the years and is attracting us ageing boomers and the youngsters alike.

Not only that but this story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons will give you a few glimpses into what it's like creating a new business - if you know what you are looking for.

Here are just a few quotes from the show that will resonate with anyone who has read my book :

"You guys will get nowhere until you decide what you stand for and find yourself a name people can relate to" - Producer talking to the band when they were struggling to get a first record launched (See Chapter 7 to read about how brand is really about what you stand for)

"It's like a f****** roller coaster" Frankie Valli , talking about the ups and downs of becoming and remaining successful. (See Chapter 2 - to read about the roller coaster ride of putting a new idea into the world) )

"That Gaudio- he's got his head so far in the future he can't see what's happening under his feet " : Band realist Nick Massi talking about the band strategist, song writer and visionery Bob Gaudio (see chapter 9 - to read why visionery leadership can sometimes slip into delusion about today) .

"That is not going to work" - all the industry experts telling Gaudio to forget about what what turned out to be his greatest song and the one that cemented the band's financial success ("Can't take my eyes off you"). ( See Chapter 3 to read why many big ideas get that reaction from experts)

I also noticed that the band really took off when it passed from being led by Tommy de Vito to becoming a partnership between Valli and Gaudio. (Chapter 5 - why VCs invest in entrepreneurs who come in pairs)

As the boys sing memorably a few times in the show: