Before joining Rosebud, he managed Columbia recording artists Wire Train and other local San Francisco groups. During that time he worked street promotions for legendary promoter Bill Graham, was an usher and box office rep, and did freelance sound engineering and studio production. As a teen, he played in a band.

Why did you decide to leave Rosebud after so many years?

Leaving Rosebud was a difficult decision. However, after 16 years I felt that I needed a new challenge, and starting my own company certainly provided that. Rosebud has a strong history, reputation and recognition within the industry. While I was happy to work within that framework for many years, ultimately I felt that I needed to establish my own separate identity.

What was the immediate impact of Sept. 11 on your domestic/international bookings? Now?

At that time I had no international tours underway, only here in the U.S. In general, shows catering to an older demo suffered, while shows catering to a younger audience saw little impact. I don’t see any negative impact now, thankfully.

First industry job

I've mainly worked in the live side of the music business now for the last 20 years or so and in that time I did a little of everything - musician, loader, sound engineer, promoter, publicity & graphic arts work, box office worker, manager, producer - agent.

I played in bands in grade school and through high school and got a taste of the business initially as a struggling local musician in the San Francisco Bay Area playing clubs like the Mabuhay Gardens, Keystone Berkeley, The Stone, etc. This was the era of the Sex Pistols, Clash, Buzzcocks, Gang of Four, XTC, the Jam and the emerging West Coast punk and new wave scene with bands like X, Avengers and the GoGo's.

In those days Bill Graham Presents (BGP) had yet to really take interest in this underground music. I was having a great time working for local promoter Ken Friedman doing what ever I could to get free tickets for me and my friends to see all the cool bands of the day. Ken kept promising that my band could open for the Jam whenever they came to town, and when you're 17 and in a new wave pop band, that was real motivation. Well the Jam never did make it back to SF.

While I was working for Ken, I got a job working in the mailroom for Bill Graham Presents through Harry Duncan. Harry was producing blues, jazz and eclectic type shows in the Bay Area mainly with BGP at the time. I was into punk rock and new wave bands and never heard of these bands he was doing like Ornette Coleman, Albert Collins and King Sunny Ade. These shows were really quite a musical learning experience. Harry was (and is...) a great believer in street promotion, and I learned a lot from him. He hired me to do postering for $5 per hour rain or shine, and I swear that guy knew every laundry mat and telephone pole in the Bay Area with a place to put up a flyer. Somehow he seemed to know every time if I missed even one.

Career highlight

I've had a number of “moments” or experiences over the years that have been important - big shows, making successful deals, artists reaching higher and higher goals, developing great relationships, etc. But overall, my career highlight is a combination of all those things that has enabled me to open my own agency. Being able to work for myself with great artists that inspire me and be fortunate enough to make a good living from that is a real gift.

Career disappointment / Greatest challenge

I've signed and worked with some great artists over the years. While a number have achieved success, it's the ones that the public has yet to catch on to that represent a personal disappointment and for the most part have represented my greatest challenge.

Best business decision

That's an everyday type thing. Simply following my instincts, using common sense and not getting caught up in the hype.

Worst business decision

I suppose it would be a short list of all the artists I chose not to work with over the years that went on to do very well.

Best advice you received

Do what makes you happy and you'll be successful.

Best advice to offer

Keep an open mind, do your homework and follow your instincts. Good agents should be career builders. Think long term.

Most memorable industry/concert experience

When I was a teenager, my friends and I went to tons of shows. It was the dawn of punk rock and new wave in those days, and there were a lot of exciting bands playing small clubs that later went on to be huge bands (The Clash, Blondie, Ramones, Gang of Four, U2, The Jam etc...). There were too many to mention really, but that era, and being a teenager witnessing that musical explosion was magical. It made me want to get into the business.

What friends would be surprised to learn about you

Probably that I was a reasonably good guitar player back in the day....

Office paraphernalia

We've got a new space with a modern-meets-mid-century-furniture sensibility. My wife is in the interior design business so I can take little credit on the furnishings however. The stereo sounds great in here, and there is an espresso maker nearby. The best thing about our current location are the windows that open wide, the green trees, fresh air and sunshine just outside!

Industry pet peeve

No time for pet peeves. It's either a problem worth talking about or it's not really a problem....

Tom can be reached at 415-924-5188; e-mail: tom@PartisanArts.com

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