The Evolving Position of Pop Stars in the Wider Economy

Strategic Insights -

Over the decades, pop stars have struggled to define their position within the wider economy, shifting between being capital-M musicians, employees of the music industry, skilled factory workers, and even quasi-unemployed individuals on the verge of a dole queue. This year, a High Court verdict in George Michael's case against Sony may signal another change in their position, with the pop star becoming a kind of asset manager.

Key Takeaways:

  • In the 1960s, rock 'n' rollers moved up the social scale, seeing themselves as artists with no E, comparable to wealthy multinational-company executives.
  • The suits moved back in after the Beatles' artistic control ended, and the stars created a new collective persona as the exploited 'victim' of an uncaring industry.
  • The heavy-metallers and 'progressive' bands portrayed themselves as skilled blue-collar workers, likening their work to 40 hours a week at a factory like Longbridge.
  • The early 1970s' economic downturn exposed the 'victim' claims of pop's self-indulgent millionaires, who were undercut by the punks and appeared quasi-unemployed, one gig away from the dole queue.
  • In the 1980s, pop stars seemed to return to being light entertainers, but the Michael case may signal a new shift, with the pop star becoming a kind of asset manager.
  • Names like David Bowie, the Beatles, and Slade in Flame films are mentioned as examples of the evolving pop star persona.

Statistics:

  • Unemployment climbed steeply from mid-decade onwards, highlighting the 'victim' claims of pop's self-indulgent millionaires.
  • The exact unemployment figures and time periods are not specified in the text.

Sources:

  • DAN ATKINSON, ONE treat in store this year is a verdict in the case of George Michael v Sony.
  • Hard Day's Night (redolent of run-down hotels and bullying managers)
  • Machine Head (an album by the heavy-metal band Deep Purple)
  • Stardust (the David Essex version)
  • Longbridge (a UK factory that produced Austin cars)
  • Hancock's Half-Hour (a British sitcom)