Origins of management

It was much better for music when artists were ripped off and managers were crooks! Everything was clearer. Live music was part of a diverse bill that included strippers, comics and a variety of other performers. The ‘hoods’ ran the clubs, the girls, the drink and drug rackets; ripping off the punters and performers alike. All aspects were stitched up by these colourful characters, who inevitably became the first promoters and managers. ‘The Management’ had the job of making money out of their musician charges. This involved extorting money, threatening people, breaking and twisting the arms of the media; specialist activities which came to them naturally. Most musicians were dedicated and talented artists who had proven themselves to be resiliant live performers in front of a critical and intolerant audience. Ah.... the good old days!