Episode 41 Shep Gordon: The Greatest Manager of Our Time & Creating History
Shep Gordon is an icon in the music and film industry and a marketing mastermind for his clients. Some of his notable clients include Alice Cooper, Teddy Pendegrass, Luther Vandross, Kenny Loggins, Anne Murray, Emeril Lagasse, Roger Verge, Wolfgang Puck, Nobu Matsuhisa, and Groucho Marx. He’s also produced films like Kiss Of The Spiderwoman and Stop Making Sense.
Shep has an autobiography called They Call Me Supermensch: A Backstage Pass ot the Amazing Worlds of Film, Food, and Rock ‘n Roll. And Mike Myers produced a documentary about him called Supermensch.
Shep’s ideas and marketing antics are well-known and helped bring fame and notoriety to many of his clients, most notably Alice Cooper. This isn’t just another interview. Andy is digging deep into Shep’s thoughts on his long and storied career.
For instance, his entire outlook on his career took shape after one amazing college prank. After taking some “black beauties” with his friends, they came up with an elaborate prank announcing the arrival of a supposed foreign dignitary. Soon the papers picked up the story when one of his friends was dressing up as this esteemed person. It was then that Shep learned that we have the ability to write history. It’s all in the delivery of the information.
That one prank led to a long list of marketing stunts specifically designed to elevate and lengthen the careers of his clients, including Alice Cooper. Listen as Shep shares stories from his past and how they’ve informed his present. Not only has he come through Covid and all that it entails, but he’s also a brand new dad. To say that he’s had some huge shifts in perspective lately would certainly be an understatement.
Though he’s been interviewed many times before, this is one Shep Gordon exclusive you won’t want to miss.
Show Highlights:
[00:10] Shep Gordon is the greatest manager of all time. Period. Learn more!
[01:36] Welcome Shep to the show and learn what drew him to Maui.
[04:02] He shares what he learned from Roger Verge about food, marketing, life, and business.
[07:18] How Mr. Verge’s views on service and compassion impacted Shep’s career.
[10:15] Why a college prank completely changed the trajectory of his career.
[13:40] Are there any major marketing stunts that stick out in his memory?
[17:22] Hear the story behind a huge balloon of Alice Cooper coming down the Thames.
[20:04] What’s a good recent epiphany he’s had to boost Alice’s presence?
[22:10] Has he ever had any periods of doubt in his music and film career?
[23:52] Shep shares one of his worst ideas ever.
[27:16] Which led to his second worst idea ever.
[31:00] Does he listen to music these days?
[32:39] How has Covid affected him and his work?
[34:26] Has he made any huge changes due to Covid?
[36:44] His advice for managers looking to reach that top level.
[38:42] Why gratitude is so important and what he’s looking forward to as Covid lets up.
Shep Gordon:
Purchase or rent Shep's Supermensch Documentary: https://www.amazon.com/Supermensch-Shep-Gordon/dp/B00MYJHUGC/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=supermensch&qid=1615923010&sr=8-1
Purchase the audiobook for Supermensch: https://www.amazon.com/They-Call-Me-Supermensch-audiobook/dp/B01IA7MVLK/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=supermensch+book&qid=1615923090&sr=8-1
Shep on Instagram
Alice Cooper’s Website - alicecooper.com
The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday
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The Music Makers podcast theme song was written and produced by Andy Kushner with help from the rhythm section and horn players of the band, SoundConnection.
Sponsor: Kushner Entertainment
Check out Andy's Other Podcast: The Wedding Biz
