“Christ’s mission on earth, however, reached far beyond considerations of national independence or servitude – to the roots of power itself, and the fearful passion men have to dominate other men.” – Malcomb Muggeridge
I was asked recently if I thought that the music industry had the same degree of problems that the film industry had, In the light of the waves of accusations against Harvey Weinstein of sexual impropriety. My answer was “absolutely, but I was sure it was equally present in politics, business, and any other high profile institutions.”
I am glad that women are standing up and making a big deal of it, it has been swept under the carpet for too long.
I had the good fortune of being a tour manager for some of the most popular artists in the entertainment industry. A large majority of them had very high standards for their entourage and immorality was not an issue. Sure, I have worked for a couple of “dogs”, but those artists were usually on a fast track of self-destruction. As soon as I saw hints of that, I was on to another tour and got off the sinking ship. It’s not that I am a saint, I just don’t like hanging with “losers” who’s ship is full of holes…
Tom Jones has said sexual abuse is widespread in the music industry, and talked about the harassment he faced in the early days of his career. Jones was discussing the Harvey Weinstein allegations with a reporter from BBC 5 Live’s Afternoon Edition when he mentioned an incident from early in his career, which he said made him feel terrible.
During the interview, program reporter Colin Paterson asked if the singer thought allegations similar to those against Weinstein could surface in the music industry. “Things have always happened in the music industry as well,” said Jones. “There’s been people complaining about publicists and different things that they’ve been expected to do to get a record contract, just like they’d do to get a film contract.”
Asked whether he had ever “had anyone try it on him”, Jones said: “At the beginning, yes, there were a few things like that. “What’s tried on women is tried on men as well.” When asked whether he was able to tell anyone, the veteran singer said: “Yeah, but it wasn’t bad […] Somebody tried to pull it on me. It was a question, and I said no thank you.” “There’s always been that element there that people with power sometimes abuse it, but they don’t all abuse it – there are good people.”