On September 8, 2024, the popular podcast Uncharted: Crime and Mayhem in the Music Industry released its 23rd episode, titled "Beware of the Help: People Who Ripped Off Rock Stars." In this episode, host Alan Cross delves deep into the trust issues rock stars face when relying on their employees and contractors.
Being a successful musician involves not only creativity and performance but also a myriad of behind-the-scenes tasks that require assistance. Rock stars often juggle multiple properties that need management, bill payments, and the ongoing maintenance of their personal and professional lives. With this complexity comes the necessity of hiring lawyers, accountants, and financial advisors who handle sensitive information and critical financial data.
However, as Cross points out, the very people trusted to safeguard a rock star's wealth and well-being can sometimes exploit that trust. The episode highlights various cautionary tales of artists who were taken advantage of by those they employed. The deceptive behavior of these individuals often goes unnoticed until serious damage has been done, making this episode both a timely reminder and a compelling listen for anyone in the music business.
Listeners can catch this episode of Uncharted: Crime and Mayhem in the Music Industry wherever they access their favorite podcasts. The podcast is also broadcasted back-to-back with The Ongoing History of New Music on Corus news stations across Canada, including AM 640 in Toronto and 980 CKNW in Vancouver, among others. To learn more about Alan Cross and his projects, visit A Journal of Musical Things.