Honorable Mention Los Angeles Book Festival Best Memoir
Honorable Mention London Book Festival Best Memoir
A lifelong pursuit for rock and roll stardom filled with advice, success, disappointment, betrayal, and encounters with top industry executives and celebrities, including a revealing 17-year close friendship with one of the world’s biggest rock superstars.
What People Say
I remember Wayne Olivieri and his band the Rock Kids. I was managing Club Xanadu in Asbury Park at the time in 1982 when I was introduced to Wayne . He had a lot of energy, a great sound, and was a great performer. Outside of being a good guy and lots of fun, Wayne was an integral part of the Asbury Park Music scene. It was an amazing time and we had a lot of fun together.—DDP, Diamond Dallas Page, DDPY Fitness Guru, Dallas Page is an American yoga instructor, retired professional wrestler and actor
I’ve known Wayne his entire career as a songwriter, book writer, and frontman on a rock n roll stage, and he is still rockin’ and rollin’ with the best of them! The book will tell it all. —Craig Goetsch | VP Production, Livenation -Music-NY, Northeast Regional
“Whether it’s with the New Bardots or anything he’s done solo and otherwise, Oliveri has always been innovative, aggressive, and an underlying force in the Jersey music scene. His art and contributions go above and beyond the normal realm of creativity; he truly has never had boundaries or a ceiling in his career.” —Danny Coleman, “Danny Coleman’s Rock On Radio”
I first met Wayne at the Fast Lane in Asbury Park through a friend. He has a fantastic stage presence and a great rock and roll voice. Over the years, getting to know Wayne and working with him on several projects. I saw a talented songwriter and performer with an unstoppable drive and energy to succeed. I consider Wayne to be a great friend and colleague. — Bill Quinn, Director/Producer, Bill Quinn Productions
I first met Wayne in 1973 when he knocked on my door and asked me to start a band with him. I’ve been in and out of bands and trouble with him all these years. Wayne doesn’t take no for an answer. He’s talked me into many crazy ideas somehow, even when I said it was impossible, like setting up a band on a flatbed truck and driving from New Jersey through the Lincoln Tunnel to play on the streets of NYC. We have written over a hundred songs together and have come inches to the big time on a number of occasions. Our mantra has always been, “This is the year.” After all these years, we still have a good time playing that ole Rock & Roll. We know more about each other than any two people should, but we are still Rock & Roll brothers and best friends. Looking forward to and a little scared about what you said in the book, but I can tell you it all really happened.—Gar Francis aka Gary Vennitelli
“I’ve been a fan of Wayne Olivieri’s music/talent since The Rock Kids and Oliver Twist era. Wayne’s voice, showmanship, and music have always been a cut above the rest of the bands out there. And his new band; The New Bardots are no exception. He’s continuing to bring his passion and talent (& amazing videos as well) to new and old fans alike!”—Robin Thompson, President, OMNI MEDIA Group, LLC
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers’ Favorite –
Wayne B. Olivieri shares his career in the entertainment industry spanned music, acting, and writing in his memoir, The Undiscovered Showman. He formed and reformed bands like The Rockids and Olivier’s Twist, performing at key venues and recording demos, but despite some recognition and opportunities, commercial success remained elusive. Olivieri’s work included collaborations with industry figures, a close relationship with Jon Bon Jovi, and involvement with various music projects. After facing setbacks in his music career, including a failed record deal, he briefly left the industry for stability. He returned to music in 2014, joining Chubb Funk and later The NEW Bardots, achieving airplay and recognition. Alongside his music, Olivieri pursued acting roles and contributed to indie film soundtracks. His solo work received acclaim, but financial success was limited. Despite the challenges, Olivieri remains dedicated to his craft, finding fulfillment in performing and recording.
Wayne B. Olivieri bares his music soul in The Undiscovered Showman: A True Story of Being Almost Famous, gifting readers with a supremely candid and comprehensive look at his years spent on the cusp of fame in the music industry. Olivieri’s style of writing is conversational, and the result of this is the feeling that you’re sitting down for a chat with a friend over reading the memoir of a stranger. As someone unfamiliar with the machinations of the industry, I enjoyed the glimpse Olivieri makes possible into the inner workings of the music world and the personal sacrifices made along the way. His deep passion for music and his genuine sense of loyalty to friends and collaborators shine through. Despite the setbacks, Olivieri’s resilience stands out. The book is a raw, honest exploration of ambition, perseverance, and the often overlooked individuals who help shape the music industry. It’s a must-read for fans of rock and those intrigued by the personal stories behind the music. Recommended.