Music is not only a form of art; it is also a significant business entity. For those who have immersed themselves in the music industry, it becomes evident that an artist’s responsibilities extend far beyond merely writing, recording, performing, and touring. There are complex financial aspects to consider, including payroll management, tax obligations, and the distribution of royalties. While the world of rock ‘n’ roll can indeed be financially rewarding, the presence of money often invites conflict and complications.
In a perfect world, artists and their managers work collaboratively and maintain a shared understanding regarding all financial and business matters. However, this ideal is not always the reality musicians face in the industry.
Such discrepancies, particularly those involving high-profile artists, capture significant attention and become major news stories in both the music and legal spheres.
In a notable case, “Mick Jagger appeared in court yesterday to try to stop his former manager from releasing unfinished Rolling Stones material from the 1960s because, he stated, it is ‘rubbish’ and potentially damaging to the band’s reputation,” reported The New York Times in 1984. The former manager in question was Allen Klein. “A key issue is whether Mr. Klein has the legal right to license the rock group’s music and films, including lucrative video cassettes and disks, and whether the Stones are owed back royalties. The Stones are pursuing a ‘commercial divorce’ from Mr. Klein and his companies, along with seeking back-payment of royalties they claim he owes the band.”
This instance serves as just one of many examples where a rock act has found themselves in a legal battle against a former manager. In the gallery below, we will explore 10 Rock Artists Who Sued Their Managers.
Discover 10 Famous Rock Artists Who Took Legal Action Against Their Managers
The music business can be ruthless, especially when significant wealth is at stake.
Gallery Credit: Allison Rapp
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