I once had a discussion with some accountants about the music industry, and we came to the conclusion that it makes financial sense once a rebellious artist has produced enough back catalogue, to then push them to the point of mental illness or even suicide/overdose…
the sudden downfall fits in with the demands of the market (car crash media) and angst-ridden teenagers (emo’s etc), the publicity increases record sales, and whilst the artists mind is fucked over the accountants can move in and rinse all their money
artists are expendable as there’s always a new one barking at the heels of the current stars wanting to take their place (thats how a lot of them get stitched up to the media!) – just look at all those star struck youths what go on x-factor etc..
think about how much Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Presley, Sid Vicious or Kurt Cobain is worth to a record company, probably way more than had they been alive today..
