Book Review: Derek Shulman – Giant Steps

I’ve known for a very long time that Derek Shulman is a remarkable musical force. His work co-leading Gentle Giant represents an exemplar of what we like to call progressive rock. Gentle Giant existed (for most of its years) well outside of and apart from the commercial forces that dictated with music “should sound like,” and the band was better for it.

I also have known for many years that Shulman has been an important force in the music industry. You (or I) may not like Slipknot, Pantera or Bon Jovi even the tiniest bit – and in candor, I for one do not – but there’s no denying their success. And much of that success is owed to Derek Shulman’s work.

Moreover, I knew he was a great interview subject. I first interviewed Shulman way back in 2009 when the band made a sizable part of its back catalog available digitally. Shulman was candid, funny, articulate, self-aware and a fascinating conversationalist. He even shared some Syd Barrett anecdotes that found their way into my first book.

I interviewed Shulman again in 2024 in connection with my new book, What’s the Big Idea: 30 Great Concept Albums. One of the book’s chapters focuses on Three Friends, an album from the early years of Gentle Giant. Shulman patiently accompanied me as I traveled down memory lane to discuss the ideas behind and inside of an album he created with his band mates way back in 1972.

What I didn’t know through most of that was that Derek Shulman has the skills of a deft storyteller, and that he would apply those talents in service of an autobiography. (He didn’t mention it during our interview for my book.) Giant Steps: My Improbable Journey from Stage Lights to Executive Heights chronicles in lively (and occasionally acerbic) detail Shulman’s life and careers. His childhood, family life and pre-Gentle Giant adventures – notably Simon Dupree and the Big Sound, and the Moles) are every bit as fascinating and engaging story-wise as his more high-profile years with Gentle Giant.

And Shulman’s post-GG career is remarkable on its face: few artists have made the transition from performer/recording artist to the business side of things. Shulman has done it, done it exceedingly well, and done it with style and integrity.

In places, Shulman – a no-nonsense guy if there’s ever been one – settles a few scores. He’s unafraid to paint some of those he has encountered as, well, assholes, and some of those figures he covers are familiar names that might surprise readers. But it’s all done with wit and style. Giant Steps balances historical recollections with insight, and just the right amount of you’ve-never-heard-this-one-before material to make it essential.

Progressive rock is, perhaps by definition, a specialist’s taste. But one need not be a fan of Gentle Giant (which I very much am) nor of the bands whose careers Shulman fostered to appreciate his account of postwar life, rock star exploits and industry insider tales. Highly recommended.