Thu 6/18 @ 7PM
Cleveland-based music manager David Spero seemed destined for the career he’s had. When he was just 13, he started working on the set of Cleveland’s legendary syndicated TV show The Upbeat Show, which featured virtually every major rock, folk, R&B, pop and blues act of the era during its 1964-1971 run. That was due to his father, Herman Spero, being producer of the show. But it gave his son the opportunity to learn the music business from the ground up, starting with holding cue cards and eventually working directly with the performers. He later became a noted radio personality, helping to establish WMMS as an influential force in the market. And he was the Michael Stanley Band’s first manager before he left music to work in the film distribution industry for more than a decade.
He returned to music as a manager in the 1990, working with artists such as Joe Walsh, Harry Nillson and Ian Hunter. After a stint as head of programing and education at the Rock Hall, he returned to management with artists including Bad Company, Dickey Betts, Cat Stevens and Don Felder.
When Spero appears at the Music Box Supper Club this week as part of its Cleveland Stories series, he’ll be focusing on sharing some of his recollections of the world-class artists who appeared on The Upbeat Show. Maybe he’ll throw in a few stories about his post-Upbeat career if you’re polite!
It’s free and open to all; doors open at 5 for dinner with the program starting at 7. Make a reservation here.