What do you think?
Rate this book
Onstage, Offstage: The Official Illustrated Memoir
Michael Buble is the most successful male artist in the world at the moment. Born in British Columbia to a family of Italian fishermen, music is in the family blood and it was Michael's grandfather who first introduced him to the kind of music he would later make his own. This book tells Michael's story."
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 12, 2020
Michael Bublé is one of my favourite singers. His voice is unique and soulful. I enjoyed this book. At 1st I didn’t like the fact that over half the book was full of photos but having read the book I liked this idea. It is very unique
January 13, 2012
Christmas gift from my little brother!
There's nothing special about Buble's writing style, but it's fun to read about his childhood and early career in his own words.
I found it especially cute when he admits his Star Wars obsession and talks about how his room was all decked out with Star Wars gear as a kid. Apparently he slips random Star Wars references into his interviews just to see if any of the reporters ever notice. Will have to look out for these now...
Also really like how he says the moment he discovered Harry Connick, Jr. was the moment when he was first inspired to become a singer...
Overall, though, I feel hearing Buble recount his life story in his own voice made him appear less charming, rather than more. He talks about being a bratty child, then a somewhat "difficult" young star to work with... and it was hard to discern exactly when he crossed the line into being a decent and agreeable individual. And his writing always sounds a bit defensive, constantly referring to his songs as "huge hits" and his wife as a "major star" in Argentina. He's preaching to the choir when trying to prove his fame to someone who's decided to pick up a book entirely about HIM -- and the effect is a little off-putting.
The best part of this book is the array of Buble photos, both portraits and behind-the-scenes types, which accompany his brief autobiography. It's sort of funny for a man who claims to absolutely hate having his photo taken to put out a book like this, but the included images are really great, and I can see why Dean Freeman has become Buble's trusted go-to photographer.
There's nothing special about Buble's writing style, but it's fun to read about his childhood and early career in his own words.
I found it especially cute when he admits his Star Wars obsession and talks about how his room was all decked out with Star Wars gear as a kid. Apparently he slips random Star Wars references into his interviews just to see if any of the reporters ever notice. Will have to look out for these now...
Also really like how he says the moment he discovered Harry Connick, Jr. was the moment when he was first inspired to become a singer...
Overall, though, I feel hearing Buble recount his life story in his own voice made him appear less charming, rather than more. He talks about being a bratty child, then a somewhat "difficult" young star to work with... and it was hard to discern exactly when he crossed the line into being a decent and agreeable individual. And his writing always sounds a bit defensive, constantly referring to his songs as "huge hits" and his wife as a "major star" in Argentina. He's preaching to the choir when trying to prove his fame to someone who's decided to pick up a book entirely about HIM -- and the effect is a little off-putting.
The best part of this book is the array of Buble photos, both portraits and behind-the-scenes types, which accompany his brief autobiography. It's sort of funny for a man who claims to absolutely hate having his photo taken to put out a book like this, but the included images are really great, and I can see why Dean Freeman has become Buble's trusted go-to photographer.
January 23, 2012
I think the reason I felt slightly disappointed was because I thought this was a memoir of sorts. (It's not.)
This pretty much sums up the four pillars of the book: he's (1) Italian, (2) insecure, (3) learned a lot from working on his dad's fishing boat, and (4) thinks of himself "as a real guy's guy who somehow ended up wearing a suit and singing love ballads". Everything else in the book expands upon those major focal points; he's super repetitive about his Italian family heritage, the constant overthinking and guilt regarding how he's handled things, and the battles he has fought in trying to give the ballads and standards that he sings his own signature sound. And yet.
He's Michael Buble, arguably one of the best entertainers in the business, and he is an undeniably charming and hard-working individual. A memoir this is not, but it's still pleasant reading for a rainy weekend afternoon.
This pretty much sums up the four pillars of the book: he's (1) Italian, (2) insecure, (3) learned a lot from working on his dad's fishing boat, and (4) thinks of himself "as a real guy's guy who somehow ended up wearing a suit and singing love ballads". Everything else in the book expands upon those major focal points; he's super repetitive about his Italian family heritage, the constant overthinking and guilt regarding how he's handled things, and the battles he has fought in trying to give the ballads and standards that he sings his own signature sound. And yet.
He's Michael Buble, arguably one of the best entertainers in the business, and he is an undeniably charming and hard-working individual. A memoir this is not, but it's still pleasant reading for a rainy weekend afternoon.
September 25, 2014
Let me first say that Michael is my favorite singer and I was very intrigued with this behind-the-scenes look at his life and claim to fame. However, this book was disappointing for many reasons. It wasn't really a memoir. The writing was poor, fragmented, and really short. The picture section was way longer than the autobiography, despite Michael saying he hates having pictures taken of him. He wrote about being a brat, a bully, and a jerk. It was unflattering at times and then over-the-top flattery at other times talking about the fame and stardom he achieved. He was fame-hungry from the start and desperate to prove he had talent. He also talked about his anger problems and short temper. He is certainly insecure and aware of all his flaws--especially his stubbornness--which keep him from becoming a better person. I love his music and was really interested in reading his autobiography, but I think this was a little too uncensored. I still respect him for being honest and straightforward about his personality and life.
January 8, 2012
The first half of the book is a short history on Michael and where he came from and his roots and gives us a glimpse into where he started from and how hard he had to work to get out there in the music industry. And where he is in his life now with his music, writing and with beautiful wife, Lu. The second half of the book are pictures take by reowned photographer - love the pic with Michael and his stuffed pig. He seems like a down-to-earth kind of guy with strong family values and a real passion and pazzaz for music. Enjoy reading and checking out his photos - great coffee table book.
January 1, 2012
This is a particularly good book as it was written by Michael himself. It was like getting a real glimpse into his thoughts and feelings regarding his life in pursuit of his dreams. There are points where he tends to be a bit repetitive and his train of thought meanders but as a fan, I loved it all the same. The photos are great and it was a relatively quick read given his text accounted for around 72 of the book's 300+ pages. If you're a fan this is definitely a must read.
November 25, 2011
As a huge fan of Michael Buble's music and personality, this book really gives insight into his background and all the external and internal hurdles that he overcame to get to where he is now. It is a fantastic and honest read and my respect and admiration for him not only as an artist, but as a person just shot up by tenfold. A must read for all Buble fans <3
December 21, 2011
Kind of simplistic, but it taught me more about his personality. Also, the pictures were spectacular! :)
March 25, 2012
Made me rethink my love for his music, be it because of his horrendous lack of writing skills or because he just comes across as a bit of a dick.
January 31, 2012
An easy read book, we all need one of those on the go! The book made me love Mr Buble even more x
January 6, 2012
Meh....He's a better singer than writer.
October 21, 2017
On a lark, I picked this book up from the library and found it to be a very excellent one and one that gave me a very personal and honest view of Michael Bublè as a person, and not only as a massively popular adult contemporary singer. Having written at least somewhat about the author before [1], I did not know the author's background nor have I ever seen him live. Yet in reading this book I have a great deal more interest in the author's music, seeing as he openly admits to having been an awkward and dorky kid and someone who still feels uncool and feels it necessary to try hard and who is honest about both the positive and negative aspects of fame. It is a hard thing for people as wealthy and successful as Bublè is to feel approachable, not when he is married to an Argentinian star (who happens to be gorgeous) and has sold more than 35 million albums over the course of a long and successful career. Yet the author manages that difficult tack by taking the approach to stardom that emphasizes the difficulty of making a break and the sometimes adversarial relationship that singers can have with other people in the music business or journalists looking for a story.
The contents of this book are divided into two sections. The first 80 pages of the book are a memoir written by adult contemporary singer Michael Bublè about his life from birth in a fairly normal Canadian family with strong Italian roots to his marriage and successful career circa 2011. In this section the reader learns about the long road to stardom that Bublè had, his attitude and sarcasm and pugnacity, his struggle to cross genres and be accepted not only as a brilliant song interpreter but also as a songwriter in his own right. The sales and awards given to him demonstrate that so far at least he has been successful in balancing the concerns even if his sales are not at the level they once were. Still, he is a successful singer and likely has a career in singing standards with the occasional original track and charting on adult contemporary radio as long as he wants one. The rest of the book is made up of photographs of the author's life, showing him in the studio working on recordings, on tour, and making music videos. The photos are classy and show a man who is anxious and eager to please others while also being true to himself.
Over and over again, the author demonstrates that he is a man with a considerable amount of fight. It is remarkable that a singer known for singing such smooth arrangements and being an adult contemporary singer should choose to emphasize his rough edges. While a certain amount of this book is designed to appeal to the ladies--the author sensibly emphasizes his humble background as well as his sensitivity, what is striking is that the author admits to having been a bully to his younger sisters as well as a brat and someone who struggles with a sense of entitlement as well as a fierce temper. Few singers of the stature and genre of the author would be likely to write such a warts and all presentation of themselves, but the honesty of the author is certainly appealing and in owning up to who he is and how he sees himself, the author frees himself from false expectations as well as hero worship. One sees the author as a person of honesty and integrity, and that allows one to buy the persona of the artist and make his music more appealing because of the genuineness of the author's framing of his life and career. This is definitely a musical memoir to appreciate.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
The contents of this book are divided into two sections. The first 80 pages of the book are a memoir written by adult contemporary singer Michael Bublè about his life from birth in a fairly normal Canadian family with strong Italian roots to his marriage and successful career circa 2011. In this section the reader learns about the long road to stardom that Bublè had, his attitude and sarcasm and pugnacity, his struggle to cross genres and be accepted not only as a brilliant song interpreter but also as a songwriter in his own right. The sales and awards given to him demonstrate that so far at least he has been successful in balancing the concerns even if his sales are not at the level they once were. Still, he is a successful singer and likely has a career in singing standards with the occasional original track and charting on adult contemporary radio as long as he wants one. The rest of the book is made up of photographs of the author's life, showing him in the studio working on recordings, on tour, and making music videos. The photos are classy and show a man who is anxious and eager to please others while also being true to himself.
Over and over again, the author demonstrates that he is a man with a considerable amount of fight. It is remarkable that a singer known for singing such smooth arrangements and being an adult contemporary singer should choose to emphasize his rough edges. While a certain amount of this book is designed to appeal to the ladies--the author sensibly emphasizes his humble background as well as his sensitivity, what is striking is that the author admits to having been a bully to his younger sisters as well as a brat and someone who struggles with a sense of entitlement as well as a fierce temper. Few singers of the stature and genre of the author would be likely to write such a warts and all presentation of themselves, but the honesty of the author is certainly appealing and in owning up to who he is and how he sees himself, the author frees himself from false expectations as well as hero worship. One sees the author as a person of honesty and integrity, and that allows one to buy the persona of the artist and make his music more appealing because of the genuineness of the author's framing of his life and career. This is definitely a musical memoir to appreciate.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
April 15, 2020
Since my Michael Buble' concert got postponed due to the virus, I thought I could at least read about this artist who has captured my musical heart. I had already read an autobiography about Michael but the thing I really liked about this one was all the photographs. There were 81 pages of text and the rest of the book was pictures. It fit what I wanted perfectly since I already was familiar with his life-story. Hopefully, the next step will be the concert!
August 23, 2021
I like Michael Buble as a singer, but not as an author. It was interesting to read about his family and life before and after he was famous but I was irritated with the writing style. The words didn’t seem to flow, the story was fragmented, and there was too much repetition for my liking. However, I still admire him as a performer, probably more now that I learned how hard he worked to become successful.
November 27, 2024
I like Michael Bublé, and this book was gifted to me, so I read it. The photography was fun. I liked seeing all the hustle and work and time it took to finally get a record label. I also appreciated how he seemed pretty honest about it all, like "I can be a total jerk" etc. The book only covers up to like his third album, so there are a lot of years missing between then and now, but for the snapshot it was, I liked it.
March 6, 2018
It was a very good read and lots of good photos
August 3, 2019
Even though it is a little dated, I really enjoyed the biography and the photography. It was interesting to see how Michael Bible came to be.
February 2, 2022
So inspiring :)
October 21, 2023
I throughly enjoyed this book for Michaels’ honest and open account of his childhood and attempts at stardom
The huge amount of quality photos that make up the second half would also make this a big hit for fans of his.
The huge amount of quality photos that make up the second half would also make this a big hit for fans of his.
October 27, 2012
Onstage Offstage is a book that many Michael Bublé fans, music artists and singers will treasure.
Michael Bublé is a familiar sight onstage performing to thousands of fans in an arena or on tour, and as a consequence it is wonderful to now have a book that features the singer backstage going behind the scenes. This book complete with interesting narrative and stunning photographs will be for many a delight to behold, as it explores all angles of the very successful career of a much adored singer. I was captivated by his story and Michael’s personal thoughts on his own career that in the past few years has really shot up to fame, after many years of hard work and dedication along a path that was not always discernible. The opening few lines had me spellbound as I began reading the most interesting personal account of an artist who has quite literally captured the nations hearts with his singing, good looks and warmth. “In near darkness, I am standing backstage…they tell me that I have sold 27 million records worldwide, and I was among the top five biggest grossing North American touring acts in 2010”. His story is both astonishing and as remarkable as any great artist, who has finally proved his worth and shared his love and passion for music with the world. The road to the top is not always easy and as readers will discover that Michael Bublé is not dissimilar to many other singers, who also have trodden down the rocky path that may or may not come to a positive or spectacular end.
He talks of his singing career that began with a single dream and branched out into something that many can only fantasize about and aim to aspire to, that was without doubt full of many ups and downs. He also talks of his own personal life and his family, who naturally are very important to him as they are the backbone of any person being your roots. He then talks of those people such as singers, songwriters and musicians along with other people who have inspired him and empowered him when times have got rough. It is just so nice to be able to read an honest, candid and frank account that speaks right from the heart, with truth and poignancy as to make one really think about the man behind the fame. Bublé was not always recognized or appreciated for his singing nor the effort and thought behind it, and so I am sure that for everyone there comes a moment in time when it is right to be able to step back and bask in your own glory (without being too conceited).
A truly enjoyable, interesting and engaging read that many fans will love including some splendid images to treasure.
Michael Bublé is a familiar sight onstage performing to thousands of fans in an arena or on tour, and as a consequence it is wonderful to now have a book that features the singer backstage going behind the scenes. This book complete with interesting narrative and stunning photographs will be for many a delight to behold, as it explores all angles of the very successful career of a much adored singer. I was captivated by his story and Michael’s personal thoughts on his own career that in the past few years has really shot up to fame, after many years of hard work and dedication along a path that was not always discernible. The opening few lines had me spellbound as I began reading the most interesting personal account of an artist who has quite literally captured the nations hearts with his singing, good looks and warmth. “In near darkness, I am standing backstage…they tell me that I have sold 27 million records worldwide, and I was among the top five biggest grossing North American touring acts in 2010”. His story is both astonishing and as remarkable as any great artist, who has finally proved his worth and shared his love and passion for music with the world. The road to the top is not always easy and as readers will discover that Michael Bublé is not dissimilar to many other singers, who also have trodden down the rocky path that may or may not come to a positive or spectacular end.
He talks of his singing career that began with a single dream and branched out into something that many can only fantasize about and aim to aspire to, that was without doubt full of many ups and downs. He also talks of his own personal life and his family, who naturally are very important to him as they are the backbone of any person being your roots. He then talks of those people such as singers, songwriters and musicians along with other people who have inspired him and empowered him when times have got rough. It is just so nice to be able to read an honest, candid and frank account that speaks right from the heart, with truth and poignancy as to make one really think about the man behind the fame. Bublé was not always recognized or appreciated for his singing nor the effort and thought behind it, and so I am sure that for everyone there comes a moment in time when it is right to be able to step back and bask in your own glory (without being too conceited).
A truly enjoyable, interesting and engaging read that many fans will love including some splendid images to treasure.
November 11, 2014
This book jumped out at me at the library because I love Michael Buble's music! It was fascinating to hear about his regular childhood and his not-so-regular childhood. How many 5 year olds listen to Frank Sinatra and the likes with his grandfather and starts to sing those famous standards? He spent several summers working on his father's fishing boat, learning lessons which would serve him well later on. His success did not come overnight. He worked extremely hard, he struggled, he persevered although he came close to quitting, he stuck to his guns, he believed in himself. He comments he was glad success came at 31 when he was more mature to handle it, rather than at 21 (shades of fellow Canuck Justin Bieber, ahem...) It was great to hear how close he is to his family, inviting them to come to the studio at times when he's recording. He is still close to his 80+ year old grandfather, who will fly internationally to be with him. Michael is still a down to earth guy, whose close family keeps him grounded. He also married someone who is equally close to her family. Overall, this is a very good and quick read with loads of pictures at the end!
March 16, 2012
Not a bad read, some elements seemed a bit uneccessarily drawn out and pointless but some aspects I particularly enjoyed. Would have liked to have read more about Michael's life before fame and experiences shared with his family. He seemed to begin talking about this side of his life but abandoned it too soon for my my liking so wasn't really the true autobiographical account that I enjoy reading but was nonetheless a pleasant insight into the man and musician I admire! Oh yes - and lots of glossy pics to drool over too!
January 5, 2012
I really enjoyed this book because readers discover a very different side to Michael. As one of his biggest fans, I knew how aloof he was always been, but loved finding out about his introspective side was interesting. I completely agree that writing a diary helps you make sense of life.
And who knew that his personal assistant was Australian? I wish he had asked me first to tour with him ;).
And who knew that his personal assistant was Australian? I wish he had asked me first to tour with him ;).
May 14, 2012
This was a nice peek into the life of Michael Bublé. Not an in-depth look, but a peek at where he came from to where he is now.
I like his singing, I love when he is a co-host on Live! With Kelly, and especially enjoy when he is on Saturday Night Live. I'm looking forward to the possibility of him branching out into acting or comedy. And of course more music.
Most of this book is of photos of him (only about 75 pages of actual reading), but it was still interesting to me.
I like his singing, I love when he is a co-host on Live! With Kelly, and especially enjoy when he is on Saturday Night Live. I'm looking forward to the possibility of him branching out into acting or comedy. And of course more music.
Most of this book is of photos of him (only about 75 pages of actual reading), but it was still interesting to me.
September 13, 2014
This is a great short read of some of Michael's short story memoirs. I enjoyed his to-the-point personal writing style. Some people mentioned his lack-of-writing style but I thought it was unique, easy to read yet not so simple that I felt dumb after reading it - basically I actually thought it was charming and heartfelt just like he seems. He has an open and honest side I appreciate. I'm also jealous of his family life. Great groups make great individuals :).
February 4, 2017
Loved it! Good to see what the true personality is like and loved all the photos!!
April 10, 2014
I've been a fan of Michael Buble for years but have never really had a chance to learn much about him, so this was a really interesting read for me. The book is a quick read, and very well-written. I've always been intrigued by the behind the scenes aspect of the music industry and there's a great deal of that here. The photos are a nice bonus as well. This book was a great find!
December 12, 2011
I am a fan. I love the photographs & the writing definitely sounds like MB to me. I have seen him in concert twice & he is funny and seems genuine. The book held true to what I picture him to be like. I may be biased in giving this book 5 stars, but it is a keeper!
January 2, 2015
A fun insight to Michael Buble and his journey to get up to where he is currently. Seems like an awesome, down-to-earth guy that doesn't over-inflate his image of himself. I really enjoyed it for the genre (I don't typically do biographies/autobiographies)
December 19, 2011
I'm a huge Buble fan, so I know I'm biased, but I really enjoyed reading his story in his words and getting this peek into his life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews