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About Me
A Life Behind the Curtain of Music History
Ask for the Wizard offers an insider’s perspective into the personalities, negotiations, triumphs, and unexpected moments that helped shape global music culture.
David Hockman spent over 50 years working at the highest levels of music publishing, collaborating with some of the most influential artists and executives in modern music history. From PolyGram and Sony/ATV to legendary names like Elton John, U2, ABBA, Bon Jovi, and The Beatles, his career unfolded behind the scenes of one of the industry’s most transformative eras.
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Happy Readers
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Awards Recognitions
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Literary Events
Support a Just Cause
All proceeds go towards Alzheimer's Research UK
Book Collection
Discover All My Book Collection You Were Looking For
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Historical Fiction
The Greates Adventure Trail To The Unknown
Science Fiction
Beyon The Cosmos Galatic Destiny
Romance
When The Moon Meet The Noon
Historical Fiction
The Alpine Odyssey Peaks Of Destiny
Science Fiction
The Petal Path Beneath The Blossoms
Science Fiction
The Metamorphosis Chronicles
Book Event
Exciting Event Schedule and Activities Await!
14
May, 2023
When The Moon Meet The Noon Book Signing
- 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM, May 14, 2023
- Mal Bali Galleria, Bali, Indonesia
10
Jun, 2023
Trail To The Unknown Launch and Reading
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Jun 10, 2023
- Living World Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
04
Jul, 2023
Writing Workshop and Book Discussion
- 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM, Jul 04, 2023
- Beachwalk Shopping Center, Bali, Indonesia
Music Industry Memoir
Ask for the Wizard
★★★★★ Rated 4.5 out of 5
(25 Reviews)
Ask for the Wizard is a candid memoir from music publishing executive David Hockman, whose career spanned more than five decades at the highest levels of the global entertainment industry. Through personal stories, behind-the-scenes encounters, and reflections on the evolution of music publishing, the book offers readers a rare insider’s perspective into the people and moments that helped shape modern music history.
From PolyGram and Sony/ATV to collaborations with artists including Elton John, U2, ABBA, Bon Jovi, and The Beatles, David Hockman’s journey reveals the personalities, negotiations, triumphs, and unexpected realities behind one of the industry’s most transformative eras.
Author: David Hockman
Genre: Memoir / Music Industry
Publisher: BookVault Publishing
Language: English
Published Date: 2026-06-10
ISBN: 9781837092369
Dimensions: 22.9 x 15.2 x 1.4 cm
Page Count: 208
Reviews
From ABBA to Elton: New Memoir Reveals The Deals Behind Pop History’s Biggest Hits
★★★★★ Rated 4.5 out of 5
4.5 Review from our book reader
Tim Rice
Lyricist
“I will read this, and in one sitting, because odds are that if David Hockman didn’t know an artist, they weren’t worth knowing.”
Paul Gambaccini
Presenter/Author
“David’s chapter on ABBA brings back an old question that still haunts me: Why did Benny and I think the band was finished and soon to be forgotten? It's hard now to imagine my mindset at the end of the 80s. The truth is simple, almost a rule: an artist with our track record is bound for a revival. But in hindsight, the way things turned out was probably for the best. You could say my shortsightedness gave way to David's foresight. His strategy and its execution were impeccable, and I'm forever grateful to him for being such a knowledgeable and sensible caretaker of our music.”
Björn Ulvaeus
Songwriter/Artist
“David Hockman's name never made the headlines, but many headlines wouldn't have been made without him.”
Don Black
Lyricist
“This is a must read for anyone interested in an insider’s stories and views of the most prolific and important periods in the history of British Pop Music and the Music Industry”
Roger Greenaway
Songwriter
“A refreshing overview of the heyday machinations of the international music companies and their artistes told by the man who was at the centre of it all. I read it in one sitting.”
John Reid
Former manager, Elton John
“David wasn’t involved in the songwriting itself, but he represented my work over many years with such care and creativity that he made it a truly rewarding experience.”
Joan Armatrading
Singer/songwriter
"He said 'Stop shouting. Ok.' Film crew, all day, delivered next day. David made the now famous footage of that day in Sarm Studios when we made 'Do They Know It's Christmas' and started that thunderous ball rolling. We all owe him."
Singer/songwriter, political activist
Ask for the Wizard
Part memoir. Part industry history. Part backstage pass.
From ABBA to Elton: New Memoir Reveals The Deals Behind Pop History’s Biggest Hits
This memoir takes readers behind the scenes of the international music business during one of its most explosive periods of growth. Through candid stories, sharp observations, and personal encounters, David Hockman reveals the people and moments behind the headlines.
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“David Hockman has been a major figure in music, particularly in publishing, during my time in the entertainment business. He combines wisdom with humour and enthusiasm and is always a huge asset to any writer’s project or song. I hope his memoirs and memories help to make a valuable contribution to causes that fight and research the Alzheimer condition.”