The Most Controversial Decisions The Music Industry Did

The music industry has a long history of harsh realities and unfortunate incidents. Some notable examples serve as reminders of the industry’s problematic side, with these stories serving as reminders of the darker side of the music industry, where talent is sometimes overlooked, exploitation occurs, and decisions have unintended consequences.

The Beatles: Rejected by a Major Label

One of the most astonishing tales is the rejection of The Beatles by Decca Records. Despite their growing fanbase and potential, the iconic band was turned down in favor of another group, Brian Poole & The Tremeloes. Even George Martin, The Beatles’ long-serving producer, admitted that he might have rejected them based on their initial sub-par performance. Fortunately, Martin changed his mind when he heard their recordings and the rest is history.

Jerry Lee Lewis: Controversy Surrounding His Underage Bride

Jerry Lee Lewis also faced a scandal that shook his career. When he arrived in the UK in 1958, it was revealed that he had married a young girl named Myra, who was only 14 years old at the time. The revelation caused public outrage, leading to Lewis being boycotted by radio stations and his record label withdrawing support. Myra, reflecting on her experience years later, acknowledged the burden of being a wife and mother at such a young age but believed it made her stronger.

Badfinger’s Financial Misfortune under Stan Polley

Badfinger, a band signed to The Beatles’ Apple record label, fell victim to a fraudster named Stan Polley. The band had a promising career, but Polley mismanaged their finances for personal gain, leaving them in a dire financial situation. Most of the members took their lives after.

Steve Van Zandt’s Dramatic Departure from Bruce Springsteen’s Band

In 1982, Steve Van Zandt, Bruce Springsteen’s guitarist and an integral part of the E Street Band, walked out on the group due to perceived exclusion from decision-making. Little did Van Zandt know that Springsteen was about to achieve immense success with the album “Born in the USA,” propelling the band to new heights.

The Rolling Stones and the Infamous Altamont Incident

The Rolling Stones, known for their edginess, played a significant role in deflating the peace and love bubble of the 1960s counterculture. Their decision to allow the Hells Angels, a notorious biker gang, to provide security at the Altamont Speedway Free Festival in 1969 backfired tragically. The Hells Angels clashed with the crowd, resulting in multiple casualties, including the stabbing death of a young man named Meredith Hunter. This event marked the end of an era.