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Liar, Alleged: A Tell-All: Celebrities, Sex, and All the Rest
In the 50s, gays took on stereotypical roles David Vass did not embrace. “I wasn’t a top, bottom, butch or fem - I scared the shit out of all the homos I met!” Entertaining, humorous, and shocking, he reveals secrets of the record labels (how he became a mafia money runner), juicy, never-before-told anecdotes about legendary celebrities - Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, Golden Globe and Tony award winners that he technical directed. Over 100 World Class difficult personalities were kept in line by Vass. Many shared their secrets with him.
“At seven, I stopped talking for two years because of a speech impediment and started writing. Diaries were the first of my addictions. I wrote down everything that happened to me for seven decades. These outrageous experiences are the bones of my book; I hope none of the mobsters I knew will leave a horse’s head in my bed!”
David’s story is still relevant, given today’s political backpedaling of our civil liberties. His life is raunchy, hilarious, twisted, and brutally honest. A laugh-out-loud gay little boy of the 50s, stumbles into the dangerous world of strip clubs in the 60s where he learned his talent as a technical director. Working the hottest clubs and iconic theatres, record labels lined up to contract him for his ‘celebrity-whisperer’ talents and his connections to the mob in the 70s.
The fun he had in prison; “best sex of my life”, thrills with pills, robbing his mother in drag thinking she wouldn’t recognize him. She did. His salacious adventures in a pre-AIDs world. A homo-hobo, Vass’s mash-up is brutally honest and a cautionary tale laced with inspiration.
“At seven, I stopped talking for two years because of a speech impediment and started writing. Diaries were the first of my addictions. I wrote down everything that happened to me for seven decades. These outrageous experiences are the bones of my book; I hope none of the mobsters I knew will leave a horse’s head in my bed!”
David’s story is still relevant, given today’s political backpedaling of our civil liberties. His life is raunchy, hilarious, twisted, and brutally honest. A laugh-out-loud gay little boy of the 50s, stumbles into the dangerous world of strip clubs in the 60s where he learned his talent as a technical director. Working the hottest clubs and iconic theatres, record labels lined up to contract him for his ‘celebrity-whisperer’ talents and his connections to the mob in the 70s.
The fun he had in prison; “best sex of my life”, thrills with pills, robbing his mother in drag thinking she wouldn’t recognize him. She did. His salacious adventures in a pre-AIDs world. A homo-hobo, Vass’s mash-up is brutally honest and a cautionary tale laced with inspiration.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2023
30 people are currently reading
4279 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 30, 2024
This a hard book to review.
There are a lot of interesting stories about Mr. Vass's life. Growing up was no walk in the park for him. He seemed to know early that he was gay and he could hardly wait for his first sexual encounter.
To support himself as a teenager, Mr. Vass worked the lights at a mafia-run strip club. He became very good at his job and soon the demand for his services was soaring.
He became a roadie for some big signing stars and did everything for them.
At the end of the book, there are stories, taken from his diary about some of the singers he worked for. These stories are interesting and sometimes sad to see the other side of a star.
Now, the reason for the three-star rating.
I just became tired of reading about his trolling in a bathhouse, gay bars, etc...
He said he was looking for Mr. Right but early it seemed to be Mr. Right Now.
His affairs were very graphic and would stop some readers from finishing the book.
I encourage anyone reading the book to the end to see how Mr. Vass has overcome so much to become the talented person he is today.
There are a lot of interesting stories about Mr. Vass's life. Growing up was no walk in the park for him. He seemed to know early that he was gay and he could hardly wait for his first sexual encounter.
To support himself as a teenager, Mr. Vass worked the lights at a mafia-run strip club. He became very good at his job and soon the demand for his services was soaring.
He became a roadie for some big signing stars and did everything for them.
At the end of the book, there are stories, taken from his diary about some of the singers he worked for. These stories are interesting and sometimes sad to see the other side of a star.
Now, the reason for the three-star rating.
I just became tired of reading about his trolling in a bathhouse, gay bars, etc...
He said he was looking for Mr. Right but early it seemed to be Mr. Right Now.
His affairs were very graphic and would stop some readers from finishing the book.
I encourage anyone reading the book to the end to see how Mr. Vass has overcome so much to become the talented person he is today.
January 3, 2024
Note: I won this off Goodreads giveaway. The author did state in the introduction it would be a bit of an 'adult' book.
I made it through 13% of the book. While I don't run away from 'adult' material, at the point where I stopped I was so over all the crotch-watching, cocks and balls. By the time I made it through Chapter 2, I was over it. I could care less about any celebrities he was involved with.
The book, in my opinion, would have been much better if all the 'adult' language had been used less and more of the story told. And when he grew pubic hair is not something anyone needed to know (also my opinion).
I made it through 13% of the book. While I don't run away from 'adult' material, at the point where I stopped I was so over all the crotch-watching, cocks and balls. By the time I made it through Chapter 2, I was over it. I could care less about any celebrities he was involved with.
The book, in my opinion, would have been much better if all the 'adult' language had been used less and more of the story told. And when he grew pubic hair is not something anyone needed to know (also my opinion).
November 17, 2023
This is not just a memoir, but more to the point, an inspiration of love, self-discovery, addition redemption, and surpassing the stereotypes of society to make a change for the better. Sure, there are many big time celebrities mentioned, but the story of David and his struggles evolves so well throughout this gripping narrative, that you even forget those famous faces as you laugh, cry, and feel for everything happening to David. In a time of limited or no true LGBTQ+ representation for equal rights, you see David, despite the train wreak life throws his way from childhood, rise above and help start one of the grassroots movements that would change the world.
You don't just read about David's life, you feel as if you've lived it, and in the end, that where this book captures the reader's attention. This book cannot be put down and may be adult in language and content, but is the uncensored reality of the times and life of David, which makes it all the more perfect. Even if his story fails to capture your attention (it won't), the celerity bonus chapter will certainly give you insights unknown into may of the great singers and performers of the time. This one is a must get and a must read.
You don't just read about David's life, you feel as if you've lived it, and in the end, that where this book captures the reader's attention. This book cannot be put down and may be adult in language and content, but is the uncensored reality of the times and life of David, which makes it all the more perfect. Even if his story fails to capture your attention (it won't), the celerity bonus chapter will certainly give you insights unknown into may of the great singers and performers of the time. This one is a must get and a must read.
October 13, 2023
Wow, where do I start? This book has been an excellent read, a real page-turner! . The author does an exceptional job engrossing his reader with vivid details and a powerful account of his life experiences starting with acknowledging and embracing his sexuality as a young boy growing up in a very poor, dysfunctional family in Baltimore, Maryland. This book is powerful, poignant, and brutally honest capturing his life journey and desires for discovery, acceptance, peace, love, accomplishment, truths and ultimately fulfillment. Very good read! Inspiring, entertaining, deep, and raw at times allowing the reader to feel his sadness, despair, conflict, challenges, resilience and determination as he walks you through the many chapters of his life emphasizing his gut wrenching life encounters, struggles and passions! Hope there’s a sequel!
(I am a 60 year old, Catholic, nurse, mother & grandmother who couldn’t put this book down!)
(I am a 60 year old, Catholic, nurse, mother & grandmother who couldn’t put this book down!)
October 21, 2023
A wild, boldly honest, self revelatory romp though the life of an amazing raconteur.
With the gift of knowledge that he is gay at an age when most young males are still crashing their Tonka trucks into one another he sets forth to understand what this actually means, and how does one go about....being gay. To imagine being young, that self aware and self confidently and defiantly gay in the 1950's anywhere in America is awe inspiring.
Parlaying this gift of self-confidence coupled with intelligence and talent he embarks on an astonishing career in lighting design. From the crazy beginnings in strip clubs in Baltimore, while still in high school, to gigs with top song stylists in prominent venues across the country, we ogle a peek under the tent of this wild world. Stories of sex, drugs, money, mafia control, egos (both frayed and out of control) keep the reader, mouth agape, continuously entertained.
With the gift of knowledge that he is gay at an age when most young males are still crashing their Tonka trucks into one another he sets forth to understand what this actually means, and how does one go about....being gay. To imagine being young, that self aware and self confidently and defiantly gay in the 1950's anywhere in America is awe inspiring.
Parlaying this gift of self-confidence coupled with intelligence and talent he embarks on an astonishing career in lighting design. From the crazy beginnings in strip clubs in Baltimore, while still in high school, to gigs with top song stylists in prominent venues across the country, we ogle a peek under the tent of this wild world. Stories of sex, drugs, money, mafia control, egos (both frayed and out of control) keep the reader, mouth agape, continuously entertained.
November 8, 2023
Vass gives us two memoirs in one, really. There is coming of age as a homosexual man and finding his way through life in Baltimore and NYC with both joyous promiscuity and ardent activism. Then there is the lighting technician/stage manager etc. where he becomes very dishy describing the good and bad character attributes of performers he worked with in an industry touched by organized crime. He is pals with Anita O'Day and a boon supporter to Jane Olivor as he recounts the label pressures exasperating her state fright. No lover of hard rock and instead celebrate the Great American Songbook and the artists that keep it alive. He dishes on Frank Sinatra (way rude), Nina Simone (wanted to be a pianist only), Barbra Streisand (her popular bathhouse concerts impinged on the regular customers).
This edition has extensive bonus material focused on inside tales of performers, ostensibly from a forthcoming tell-all.
This edition has extensive bonus material focused on inside tales of performers, ostensibly from a forthcoming tell-all.
January 14, 2024
This memoir was hilarious, moving, and at times even profound. Vass has had a hell of a life and shares it all in this book. He was raised in what can only be described as a dysfunctional home and rose above that to find himself and live his best life. Along the way he just happened to rub elbows with some big names in the music business, and boy does he have tales to tell. Thanks, David, for writing this and for the free Kindle edition for me to review.
January 27, 2024
From the moment I started reading the first chapter, I knew on was I was on this roller coaster of a ride that I could not and would not want to get off. David is a master storyteller, who keeps you engaged from the first page to the last page. Brutally honest, straightforward, and funny, I laughed my ass off. The stories about certain are priceless, and give you a honest account about his time with them. I highly recommend and Will remember this book for a long time.
October 8, 2023
Captivating
I simply couldn't put this book down, I read it from cover to cover in one sitting. I found myself alternating between tears and laughing out loud. The book is an honest and enjoyable glimpse into the world of show business, music and gay angst. Well done!
I simply couldn't put this book down, I read it from cover to cover in one sitting. I found myself alternating between tears and laughing out loud. The book is an honest and enjoyable glimpse into the world of show business, music and gay angst. Well done!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2023
Could not stop reading.
David really delivers with this book. Thanks for sharing this very intimate (and public at times) part of your life.
David really delivers with this book. Thanks for sharing this very intimate (and public at times) part of your life.
October 13, 2023
An excellent read, I highly recommend it! Honest life portrayal of gay life in the 60's and 70's told with heart and humor....
November 11, 2023
It's me, the author! Is it weird to want to be the first one to review your own book? Oh well, them's the breaks. This mash-up of a tell-all and a memoir, taking a year to write, is exactly what I had hoped it would be: honest, candid, funny, unsettling, shocking: a narrative that covers GLBTQ+ history from the 50's thru the 80's, (breaking the stereotypes and demanding our rights) my dukeing it out with endless addictions, a horrible speech impediment as a kid and having to overcome that, which lead to a lack of self worth that shadowed me for nearly two decades. Mustn't leave out my excellent prison sex (political prisoner)and the masterful times I had with celebrities, and also the occasional heartbreak around a few and their battles with ego and drugs. Oh, and my time as a mafia money mule - that was a trip!
I so hope you enjoy(ed) my book! And as a self-published writer, I stress the importance of letting your friends and family know if you enjoyed this read. We self-published authors depend on you to support us, by stars and reviews. You can get more info on me by going to my personal and book websites. Google 'davidvass' and you'll find me! Now, not to be pushy, but GO spread the word! Thanks.
I so hope you enjoy(ed) my book! And as a self-published writer, I stress the importance of letting your friends and family know if you enjoyed this read. We self-published authors depend on you to support us, by stars and reviews. You can get more info on me by going to my personal and book websites. Google 'davidvass' and you'll find me! Now, not to be pushy, but GO spread the word! Thanks.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews