The Gentle Art of Artist Management

Everyone wants to be Jerry Maquire, Ari Gold or E right? They want to be a mover-and shaker, a power broker, and needed by powerful entertainers. They need to ask themselves why? Please do not even consider managing someone's career until you can create a list of valid reasons for doing so. "I really like sports, music, or I go to the movies all the time" are not valid answers. "I want to make a lot of money, my cousin is a pretty good football player, and I am friends with the singer in a popular local band"are no reasons to quit your day job.

Please be certain that you are fully committed, knowledgeable, and prepared to work very hard before trying to run someone's career. If you are not you can have a devastating impact on their life and profession.

Some valid reasons are that
1) You are an excellent negotiator.
2) You are creative.
3) You are focused and hard-working.
4) You continually educate yourself on the business of the entertainment industry.
5) You believe in who you are considering managing.
6) I have strong business skills but more importantly I understand the dynamics of the entertainment industry.
7) I believe it is not what I can get out of my clients but how our relationship can be mutually beneficial.
8) I am honest, loyal, and dependable.
9) I will always provide my honest opinion to my client even if it is not one they want to hear.
10) I understand entertainment or sports law or I have experts in the field willing to represent our team.
11) I can handle stress and disappointment and have a support network.



If you feel confident that the profession is one you are truly passionate about and will pursue relentlessly here are some helpful tips that if followed will lead to your success.

1) Select your clients wisely. Don't sign everyone that wants to sign with you. You will find that even some clients that go on to have success are not worth the extra time, drama, and stress they create. Most won't be high-earners for you or ever generate a return worthy of the investment you had to place in them. Selecting clients you believe in, want to work hard for, control their stress and emotions, and have an acceptable amount of drama will enable you to be more successful and enjoy your work. There are agents out there with 50-100 clients but only a handful are consistent earners, even fewer high and consistent earners. The remainder are ones you are hoping will start earning but are mostly time, resources, and energy drains.

2) Make sure you have an excellent contract. Paying an entertainment attorney to create a specific deal for you business is wise and will save you money and time over the years. It will prevent you losing out on money that you have earned because a client has double-crossed you. You'll be able to use a standard agreement for most clients and an edited version of your main agreement for the rest.

3) If you are not an expert in the type of deals you are signing on behalf of your client make sure an attorney who is and has no conflicts (relationships with the other party) has provided feedback and approved any deal you are considering.

4) Have a media kit, booking information, rider, technical rider, stage-plot ready to go. It needs to be reviewed and updated (if necessary) every six months at least.

5) If you are introverted and don't like to network find another profession. You must be networking where ever you are. I don't mean being a phony person and trying to hand out business cards to everyone you cross paths with. Simply start a conversation and see if there is enough of a connection to exchange information, if there is potential to work with someone down-the-road. I have done business or received help from people that I sometimes met 8 years before. When we met there was no potential deals but life and work changes and people can become vital to your success. Have the long-term vision to realize this. Several times I made a contact and it wasn't anything they did for me except make the introduction that I needed later. It is so much easier to gain access and cooperation from someone who knows of you from a mutual connection(s). Most of my opportunities and clients have come this way. However, you have to operate professionally and have a good professional and personal reputation.

6) Never allow your clients emotions or crisis to become your crisis. When dealing with artist and athletes they often worry a lot. Multiple phone calls per day can be normal but they are time drains. Allowing this is a great way for everyone to be less successful. It is a clients right to be updated and having strong mutual communication will lead to success and a positive feeling of cooperation. Provide them updates at least once a week. It is important to maintain the relationship. You won't always have something to update them on. When you do not give them your short and long-term  goals for them, so they know you have a plan for them and are working on their behalf. It is important they have an opportunity to review it, agree, and provide feedback on it. When a client calls you stressing out, telling you they have to do this, are worried about that, or whatever, listen to them. It is best to be a calm and confident voice in the storm they created in their own mind. My experience tells me that is mostly what they are looking for to be reassured they are on the right path and their needs will be met. An artist or athlete can change their goals daily. You need to keep them focused and believing in the vision you created together.

7) Unless disaster has struck and you are in emergency mode there is never a good reason to deviate from your long-term plan. Doing so will lead only to failure, aggravation, and mistrust. You'll be pushed hard to do so. Say you are working the phones for your clients on day, your assistant notifies you they are on the phone and have been emailing you and what to know why you haven't responded to them in the past 30 minutes. You stop working on their behalf to speak with them. They inform you that someone has contacted them and offered them shows, or wants to collaborate, or something else. They are a ball of nervous energy. Make it happen! What should I do? I know we all agreed but change all the work you have been doing so we can accommodate this (even if we will lost money, you can rebook it, and make sure you don't lose any money). Be calm, be confident, refocus them on the big picture. Once you have researched this opportunity(and verified it is legitimate) and see when and if it makes sense to work it into the schedule.

8) Build a personal relationship with your client. Learn about them, their daily life, and who surrounds them. You don't have to have a Vince and E relationship but it is vital that you actually do have an interest and concern for your client. You'll be better able to help them and it will help you retain them as a client longer.

9) Be sincere in all of your dealings. Make as much as you can but never take advantage of anyone. This isn't a garage sale it is a profession. If you burn someone everyone else will know about it and it can limit your opportunities in the future.

10) The best advertisement you can have for your services is to do high-quality work, be honest, and be loyal. If you are your clients will sell your services better then you can. An endorsement from one artist/athlete to another goes further then your sales pitch.

11) Have fun and enjoy yourself! We often want to work around those we admire and activities we love but if not handled the right way you'll lose your love and passion for those things and it isn't worth it.

The Sound of Saber

Composer, Musician and Producer Danny Saber has shown his unique and exceptional talents with artist like The Rolling Stones, U2, Joe Strummer, David Bowie, Ozzy Osbourne, Madonna, Seal,  KORN, Marilyn Manson, Busta Rhymes, Public Enemy, Jadakiss, Black Grape, Agent Provocateur to name just a few. Danny co-produced and performed on Alice Cooper's Along Came a Spider album, and has songwriting credits on all but three of the 11 songs on the album. He has also scored and/or contributed music to a wide range studio and independent films (Blade II, Moulin Rouge, S.W.A.T, Dallas 362, The Limey, Played) and the CBS show "The Defenders". You can get a sample of Danny's fantastic playing, producing and writing on this track with the immortal Joe Strummer.

Danny Saber (L) and Traci Guns (R)

I had a chance to catch up with Danny recently and wanted to share our conversation and immensely valuable insight that grew from our discussion. You can see from the brief bio I included above that Saber is one of the most sought after and respected professionals in the entertainment industry. It is too rare that we get to learn from someone of his caliber, most of the people writing the industry books have not achieved his level of success, so please take these lessons to heart and apply them to your own career.

A motto that was passed down through the generations in Danny's family is "One man cannot cheat an honest man because an honest man isn't looking for something from nothing." The phrase tells you a lot about the soul of Saber. He is one of the gems in the entertainment business in terms of both skill and character. He tries to always create a win-win situation, provide the best possible results for all involved, work hard, be genuine, honest, and a friend to all. He'll quip that he "learned more about negotiation working in a tuxedo store then he did in the entertainment industry" before explaining that is was that experience at a young age that began his study of business and the lessons apply to every project he has been involved with since.

We discussed how the entertainment business seems to attract a few more of the types of people who desire the benefits from the industry but aren't willing to put in the work. These are the ones who "act to take advantage of you, while quality professionals are working hard to strike a fair deal". He stresses that it is vital to control negative emotions that may arise during a negotiation. His technique for this that comes so easily from his personality is to try to view the negotiation and the situation from the other side. I often see recurring patterns based on the personality types of those involved or the type of negotiation I am involved in. I often spend a small amount of time thinking through a negotiation before it happens but try to go into it as open minded as possible."

We both agreed that there are equal positive and negatives in creating deals with people you know vs. strangers and that it is probably easier to deal with people you do not know. When deciding to accept a job Danny has 3 questions he always asked himself during the planning stage:

1) How much do I like these people,
2) How much do I like their material or project (Movie/TV/Live Performance/Video Game etc.)?
3) How much does it pay?

He calls this his "Money to Grief Ratio". This is a fantastic lesson! If you take little else from this article remember to create your own "Money to Grief Ratio". To do this create 3-10 questions that apply to your career. This is a lesson I learned the hard way. I am a very helpful person by nature and want to see others succeed. I also have an intense work ethic and in the past had a very hard time turning down work even when I had more then enough of it at the time. For years I was constantly taking on work and having to put in 16-20 hour days to complete it all. I had less time for my fitness, family, loved ones, and for myself. It made me begin to resent the work and those offering it. Learning to filter out what work was most beneficial to me and what work I would enjoy doing the most enabled me to create a much better life for myself. Danny stated simply "If I like it I'll do it!" That is how you find yourself operating at peak levels of performance in your life and career. When you reach the point where you no longer need to do projects that you don't like for the money you will have achieved much. If you have bills to pay and you have work offered then accept the work as joyfully as you can and be grateful for it. At a certain point, you need to have enough faith in yourself to know that if you turn down a project that is not right for you one that is right for you will come along quickly. One of the best pieces of advise that I ever received is "to know that no matter what happens in your life or career you can handle it". When you take that message to heart by reflecting on your life and knowing that it is true, it provides you with a proper level of confidence, a sense that everything will work itself out if you do what you need to, and it creates a sense of calm inside you that does not go away with the latest headlines.

There is a Golden Rule between a producer and artist(s): "Never talk money in the creative environment". If possible those matters should be handled by competent representation to never muddy the relationship. "Mick Jagger is the greatest business man I've ever seen in the biz. He develops a clear vision of what he wants, calls the shots, and hires quality people to execute his plans. He runs it like a CEO would run his boardroom. He never relinguishes control and is detail orientated but he hires quality people and trust them to perform their duties". If you do just a little bit of research you'll find Danny is correct about Jagger. He's had success on the charts, on the stage, and in the bank but he learned from very expensive lessons. The key is he studied his situation, understood his own strengths and weaknesses, and consistently works his plan. Perhaps Maroon 5's new song "Moves like Jagger" is referring to his business moves and not his dance moves?

For artist and producers reading this he offered a few quick tips:

1) TV contracts are budgeted and fairly rigid in their compensation and structure. They are not overly complicated. There is some flexibility to increase compensation and other benefits but you better have leverage to get it.

2) Deals between producers and record companies are simple and easy. What will change it is the amount of cash that is paid to the producer in advance vs. points on the back end. The more cash at the start the less on the back-end. This makes it vital for the producer to properly access who he/she is agreeing to work with, what are their chances of success and is their record, distribution, and other backers committed to their success.

3) You must protect your rights to all of your work now and in perpetuety. If 20 years from now they release an album you did in a new format that no one ever thought of, you need to be compensated. Many artist contracts are so specific to their compensation (for Record, Tape, or CD) that when a new format like MP3's or DVD came out the artist earned no compensation for it other then increased exposure.

4) Choose wisely in who you decide to work with. Friction is often created by those who cannot understand the value of your work because they lack expertise. In the entertainment business people that know little-to-nothing start record or production companies because they can financially afford to do so and have ideas of what working in "the biz" will be like. "You have to overcome people who don't understand music. If you didn't know anything about plumbing you don't start a plumbing business but people do it all the time in music and film." This can create a less then ideal work environment when a producer or artist is creating a valuable work and someone who is tone-depth but in a position of power is telling them what it should sound like and how to do their jobs. No one enjoys being micro-managed but if you do not structure your entertainment deals properly understand that you will. I spoke with Michael Uslan who has been a producer on all of the Batman films made since the 80's. He explained how it took him so long to even have the first one made but not for any logical reason. He told the story of one meeting where a head of one of the major studios he was pitching it to explained "but Michael there just isn't a market for it right now. We just did Robin and Maryann and it didn't do so well." He left confused and the only explanation he's been able to come  up with in the decades since is that the executive thought that Robin Hood was the same Robin as in Batman and Robin! Imagine trying to explain your vision to have someone believe in it so it can become reality and having to deal with people who don't understand creating unnecessary stress and roadblocks. Michael went on to talk about laughing his head off for 30 straight minutes on the phone when Director Tim Burton was explaining why Michael Keaton would be perfect to play Batman, seriously thinking Burton was joking around. He said the only thing he really got that he wanted from the first couple films was the set designer. Even when they started making Batman movies they were not making the ones he envisioned and worked so hard for. He told me that it was not until Christopher Nolan created Batman Begins and the Dark Knight that his goals for the Batman franchise were reached.

Danny told me that "the studios didn't want Godfather to be released because they said it was too dark, they didn't understand it, and no one would like the music." The creative forces behind Godfather knew what they were doing and the public has understood it for decades now but a few people at the studio had no clue. Luckily they made lots of money from it despite their ignorance but it highlights a potential pitfall of the entertainment industry.

Choose wisely who you partner with, set yourself up in the best possible position to win and try to surround yourself with good people who will build bridges for you rather then create roadblocks to success.










@ All Photos Copyright Danny Saber.

NEGOTIATION

This week I interviewed two of the top professionals in their fields on the topic of negotiation. One from the music & entertainment industry and one from the sports industry.

The one thing every one must admire about Jason P. Rothberg is almost every venture he's been involved with has had a charitable component. Jason is trying to help make the world a better place through his career.

The first thing I wanted Jason to tell me was how he learned the art of negotiation. "I was lucky to have great advisers and legal teams willing to back me in my early years.  I would soak up as much knowledge as these wise men would share or display while negotiating on my behalf. I read every contact I could get my hands on and read the trades to know what industry standards I could expect.   Mostly I wanted to work and to get a job one must learn the art of negotiation."

Jason stated that "Every deal is as different as the people your negotiating with.  Be sure to know as much as possible about the person you're dealing with and what his/her or their end game is.  Knowing your own needs and wants is equally as important.  Knowing when to walk away could save everyone a lot of time and energy in the long run.  Not every deal is meant to happen."Every deal is not meant to happen and sometimes the only way you can discover that is from negotiating. Most of us enjoying the feeling of accomplishment or winning but it is vital to not be caught up in those things and forcing a deal to closing that isn't the right deal.

What is his tactic for a difficult negotiation? "TAKE A BREAK! When you are emotional your heart starts to pump faster, your focus is restricted and your mind closes off to possible opportunities.  Try to have a fresh head and a positive outlook, if possible.  Sometimes a short trip to the restroom and a splash of water on your face can make a world of difference. Emotion, be it fear of loosing the deal or anxieties from an outside experience. As soon as the opposing side feels weakness the negotiation is over. In addition to being prepared and confident that you are the best person for the job, I practice meditation which allows me to remain calm and focused.

When I asked Jason about negotiating on behalf of his celebrity clients he had this to say "Its all about celebrity for most brands... this is how a company can assure awareness.  Again, as long as you're not asking for more then what you're offering, deals can be struck.  If you're representing talent, know what their draw is., fan base is the guide rule  As it's the impressions your celeb can offer the brand which will equal the amount they will be willing to pay."

"The biggest mistake is to come off over eager. It makes you look like you have nothing else going on and need this deal to live, its a big no no! As a manager its your job to calm and reassure the artists of the path he/she is on, giving them the confidence in themselves as well as in you. Trusting that you have the knowledge and ability to make this deal happen. If you are unable to talk your talent through dark moments its time to find a new gig."

Chip Howard is a key member of the University of Florida Athletic Association (UAA). Under the superb direction of Athletic Director Jeremy Foley Chip and the rest of the UAA team has laid the foundation for numerous National Championships, SEC Titles, and various other awards in several sports. The Athletic Association constructed some of our nation's top athletic facilities. While a student at UF, I earned my first real professional experience under Chip's guidance. It was a fantastic experience to gain knowledge, learn how to be a professional, and key lessons in business gained from the Athletic Association. Chip is currently the Senior Associate Athletics Director in charge of Internal Affairs and offered these thoughts on negotiation.

Chip how did you learn to negotiate? Did the Athletic Association provide you with training?

"I have not received any direct training from the UAA. However my work experiences over 23 years has allowed me to take part in many negotiations.  I am also an avid reader and often the topics of my books will be negotiation techniques as well as improving my communication skills."

Do you do you practice game theory prior to a negotiation?

"I always try and rehearse how the negotiation should go but keeping in mind that you need to be willing to move in either direction on a moments notice to successfully win a negotiation." Game Theory should provide a blueprint of possible scenarios that may arise and your tactic(s) when each is presented. Game Theory can help to provide confidence by being prepared for a negotiation.

How do you deal with negative emotions when they arise during a negotiation?

"I usually try to put the person at ease either through humor or through having a conversation relating to a common interest like family."

What is the biggest challenge you have ever faced in a negotiation? How did you resolve it (if so)?

The feeling that who I was negotiating with had no interest in reaching a compromise.  I resolved by focusing on other matters first and having a conversation that was neutral to both of our negotiating goals.  From there I slowly moved the conversation towards the subject of the negotiation.  We both had a better sense of trust and at the end met halfway to accomplish the goal.

Chips two responses above are clear indications of how important it is to build Affiliation during and even before a negotiation. His response below is a indication of how important Status can be in a negotiation.

Do you believe that negotiating on behalf of UAA sometimes provides an advantage because companies want to be associated with UF & UAA?

"Yes I do believe that companies would like to associate themselves with our brand.  I have experienced firsthand the power of the University of Florida during many negotiations." This is a key example of how building your brand and status can help make negotiations more smooth and successful.

FEEDING MY DVR!

I resisted subscribing to DVR service for a longtime. I only caved in last fall but immediately noticed the improvement in my Television experience. I tend to resist new technology formats. I was very happy with tapes for music and video until I finally embraced CD's & DVD's. I resisted MP3's for a while too. I still prefer to hold the CD of my favorite artist in my hand and explore the art work but for artist I am less enthused about and only want one or a few of their songs the MP3 is fantastic, I can always burn it to a CD if I choose (I still do not own an MP3 player other then my phone). The DVR is easy to program, I can set permanent reminders to record shows based on the title and channel of the show. I can also program it to record first run only or first run and repeats of shows. When I view my shows it is easy to fast forward and rewind them. When I no longer wish to store them on my DVR, the deletion is easy and it frees up additional recording space. Unlike a VHS tape it does not lose quality with multiple recordings and I never have to worry about the tape getting stuck.

I thought this would be a good opportunity to highlight some quality Television programs that I am currently interested in. I have been enthralled with the Starz series Spartacus. It is getting ready to begin its third installment Spartacus: Vengeance

 

Spartacus: Vengeance begins where the story concluded but Liam McIntyre assumes the role of Spartacus from Andy Whitfield. Andy was excellent in the role! He was not replaced because he pulled some Hollywood temper-tantrum and wanted more money but because Andy is battling cancer. I hate cancer! I offer my full prayers and support to Andy and his family. Andy had already been diagnosed with cancer while filming Spartacus and when you see his conditioning, acting, and athleticism you cannot help form being impressed and respecting the man! I lost my dog Dakota who was the best-friend I have ever had to lymphoma, so I am praying for Andy to beat the disease and a cure to be found so no one else has to suffer from it. The above trailer is impressive, its a bit challenging for me watching Liam play Spartacus because I am conditioned to watching Mr. Whitfield in the role but I am sure Liam will do a great job. If you have not watch the series it is worth investing in on Starz or DVD rental. 

TNT pulled off a victory in relaunching the Dallas brand on their network. You'll see in this promotional video that the look, feel, and main characters appear to remain in tact. It has potential but my hope is that the for main characters appearing in this are featured and not secondary performers. The scripts need to be original rather then having JR's and Bobby's sons rehash the same plot lines as their Daddy's. JR Ewing is one of the finest and most interesting and iconic characters in the history of TV. It is worth giving the show a chance just for JR.

Entourage just started its final season, the first episode was alright. It was a catch-up the viewer episode on what has happened to the characters since we last saw them. I wasn't overly impressed, it could have been much better but episode 2 is on my DVR to view on command. Reports have surfaced that a script for an Entourage movie already exist and that Producer Mark Wahlberg may finance it himself (why wouldn't he he'll make a killing with it?). The other HBO show that plays on the same night as Entourage that I watch is, Curb Your Enthusiasm. I didn't like episode one at all but episode two was very funny! I wonder if that chicken place actually exist? HBO is also airing one of my favorite shows of all-time in Game of Thrones. It is as well written and produced as HBO's Rome which was prematurely folded despite high-ratings and strong fan base. Game of Thrones will be discussed in greater detail in a future blog.

The movie I am waiting for in 2012 is The Dark Knight Rises! This is the third installment of the Christopher Nolan series. Speculation is that Nolan will only be involved in these three Batman movies but I think he would be a fool to end his involvement. Perhaps he won't direct future Batman films but his role in shaping the story and producing is vital. Nolan has been involved in great films like American Psycho, The Prestige, etc. but his best work comes from the Batman series. He'll never run out of story lines, the studio will continue to give him complete control, and he earns a massive fortune every few years that enables him to do any other type of film project he desires. The main villains appear to be Bane and Catwoman in this film but there are numerous other actors assigned to the project that have yet to be linked to characters, so it will be interesting to see who else crops up in this. The story appears to at least follow the Batman novel/series Knightfall. I will see it twice on opening day just like I have done with Batman Begins and The Dark Knight.

My DVD player faithfully records the show Sons of Guns for me. I did not believe I would like this show but its fantastic! It features a cast of characters from Southern Louisiana that are expert gun builders. They create, repair, and modify weapons like few can. They have invented a few specialties of their own. This show sucks you in. Discovery Channel has another show entitled Dual Survival that has the same effect of making you watch it after you started. Two very different survival experts, Cody Lundin and Dave Canterbury demonstrate survival techniques in some of the planet's most unforgiving terrains. Why won't Cody wear shoes & long pants anywhere?

I have recently been watching Lion Country. I love this show and I want David Youldon's job! The work they are doing is reminiscent of George Adamson and Tony Fitzjohn's work. They are teaching captive bread lions to be wild but doing it very gradually and in totally fenced in large natural habitats. The descendants of the lions being introduced to these safe but wild places will be released into the wild. I cannot wait to volunteer at Antelope Park one day and get to work with these lions! A similar show and program with the same purpose is Cheetah Kingdom. The Cheetahs and Lions face the same issues for their survival, poaching and loss of habitat. The programs are very similar and run by people with great hearts. These shows are so inspiring. I wish they would have has shows like this when George Adamson was alive and working with lions and other big cats. Perhaps it would have helped fund their efforts and provided the lions and staff alike some protection from the locals that would end up murdering many animals and humans alike.

Spartacus and Batman are two projects I'd love to act in and one day I will!

HOW THE DEATH OF AMY WINEHOUSE REFLECTS ON THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

It was announced on July 23, 2011 that British singer Amy Winehouse died in her London home. It has created a buzz all around the world but not because it happened but that it finally happened. The world has been expecting Amy's death for several years. Amy was a talented singer and could have had a secure and profitable career for decades to come. She could have done things in her life time with ease that most people dream of doing. She has critical acclaim heaped onto her, she won 5 Grammy Awards,  she won a Brit Award for Best British Female Artist; and she was a three time winner of the Ivor Novello Award. It simply wasn't good enough for her. It wasn't going to make her happy or fulfilled. Amy had dark, dark demons inside of her. She has battled drug & alcohol abuse and several health issues associated with that abuse. What was she hoping to get out of them? Was she trying to mask some pain? Why did Amy begin using drug and alcohol in the first place? Did she do it to fit in or because she was modeling the behavior of famous performers she admired? Was she abusing herself to try to avoid dealing with deep-seeded emotional issues? I do not know and perhaps few others do. I do wonder about those people around Amy who continued to help her use drugs. I know her parents (God Bless them) tried to save her and get her off drugs but there had to be many friends and business associates around her that enabled her. A junkie is much easier to manipulate and control then a person who's mind, body, and soul are sober. I believe some people had an interest in keeping her a drug addict. Could a clean and sober Amy continue to sing her hit Rehab? Did the marketing department help seal her image as Amy the talented druggie who sings Rehab? If you recall how much fame and praise this song earned Amy you'll see that it may have helped seal her identity, self-image, and ultimately her fate. Much of the world's media cheered on Amy's drug addiction and her defiance of a sober life. Perhaps if they had condemned her she would have had more incentive to become clean and sober? How many more artist will fall into the trap of the abuse, manipulation, and exploitation of those in and around the entertainment business?

Amy is already more popular in the hours after her death then she was during her life. Sales of Winehouse's albums increased 37 times between Friday and Saturday, while track sales were up by 23 times according to The Official Charts Co. They are expecting a number one for her shortly. The people purchasing the album now are not fans or lovers of her music, they are those who enjoy the freak show, the rubberneckers slowing down to visit the car wreck, and the Jerry Springer watchers. I often refer to this segment of society as "the sheep". They listen to what the media tells them is good and they embrace it, not because they have made the decision for themselves but because they are going where the largest crowd is. They are often the ones led to slaughter. I remember several people telling me when Britney Spears released her first single they thought it was terrible but they kept hearing it on the radio and seeing the video on TV and eventually thought it was good. It got jammed down their throats enough times by the manipulators in the entertainment business and they accepted it. How sad is it that people are skyrocketing sales of her album after her death when they didn't value it enough to purchase it when she was alive? Amy isn't around to enjoy the increased sales and exposure. I am hoping the money goes to her family but make no mistake, her record company, publishing company, and numerous others are going to profit off of her big time!

Pete Townshend once said that he eventually realized Rock-N-Roll was fueled by bodies. It is true, many musicians die young and most of them do it to themselves. I remember reading other musicians saying they tried various drugs, got a house somewhere, got a certain guitar or car because a musician they admired did so. How stupid and immature is that? However, it fits the emotional profile of many who enter the entertainment business. They want the acceptance and don't realize how expensive the cost is. The musicians I grew up admiring were like De mi-gods to me but the only time they ever looked pathetic in my eyes was when they were talking about drug use. I learned never to use drugs because of the price I observed them paying. Topper Headon was the best drummer in the world until he began abusing heroin. Producer Sandy Pearlman had Topper play the drum tracks once the normal way and then once backwards on every track of The Clash's "Give 'Em Enough Rope".  He could play any style of music expertly, he was a seasoned performer, and was nick-named the "Human Drum Machine". Even when abusing drugs Topper was a great musician, Topper is one of the main writers of Rock The Casbah. The other members of the Clash could no longer tolerate his drug abuse and they fired him from one of the biggest bands in the world. Sadly this was one of the events that led to the premature end of the Clash. This cost all of them in money, fame, emotion, success etc. and it cost their fans dearly. Thankfully after many years of struggle, attempts at rehab and even time in prison for providing the heroin that killed a friend Topper has been clean and sober for many years and still drumming incredibly even if he isn't in a major band. This is what I would have hoped for Amy but I believe Topper had better people around him that put him ahead of money or their own self interest.

I wonder what impact it would have on the world if athletes, artist, entertainers, and politicians actually had to pay severe consequences for their actions? Too often they get away with a slap on the wrist compared to the consequences the average citizen would pay. What message would it send to the next generation that if you do something wrong you pay a severe price? Amy Winehouse paid with her life but the media, those who will profit off her, and others will glorify Amy show much that the only message people will get from it is that Amy's behavior is great and there is a lot of benefits from acting as she did. Amy's body has been tossed onto the fire that is Rock-N-Roll it will help fuel an industry that profits too much of these types of events.

@ All Photos, video, and media rights belong to the owner of those rights.

The Bottom Line

The Bottom Line on Big Audio Dynamite Live at the Roseland Ballroom New York City!

As I entered the Roseland Ballroom in Manhattan I thought that one night many years ago my Father approached my Mother and politely asked for a dance. This was their first meeting and if it had not gone as well as it did I would never have existed. I saw the stairs my Mother had described to me and then my thoughts were quickly interrupted by friends from around the world approaching. It was great to see them again and to finally meet friends that I'd spoken with over the phone or Internet.

 I entered the ballroom and was impressed by it's size and aesthetics. Fantastic looking venue with great acoustics. I quickly bumped into Big Audio Dynamite Gerry Harrington. He is a sharped dress man and a character in his own right. We chatted about the band, the city, and the show. I spoke with a few more friends on the way to the VIP section and was thrilled to see I had the first seat in it. The VIP section is on an elevated side stage to the right of the main stage. The view was not perfect because I couldn't see drummer Greg Roberts and could only see keyboardist Dan Donovans knee caps but I could see Mick Jones, Leo Williams, and Don Letts perfectly.

The show started two hours late or right on time by New York standards. New York is one of the cities that has a notoriously late arriving audience, perhaps they just wised up to the bands or the bands wised up to the crowd but that is how it works there. I recalled watching the Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros special on HBO that was recorded at the venue years earlier. It made me wonder if Mick was thinking about Joe that night or Gerry his former manager. The great thing about concerts in New York is there are always lots of characters. I was not sitting with the friends that I came with but I could see them on the main floor. I was able to strike up conversations with fans and celebrities alike before the show. Seated in my section was Fred Armisen and other members of the Saturday Night Live cast, Mike Demint the bass player from Green Day, members of Talking Heads, famed photographers Bob Gruen, Josh Cheuse, and others. Matt Dillion was buzzing around, executives from Sony, and various other entertainment giants.

Big Audio Dynamite brought their own DJ from London to pump up the crowd. He was appreciated by the sold out audience but the fans could not wait for BAD to take the stage. I spoke with Greg Roberts' drum tech Loki Dread before the show, he is an awesome person with a fantastic Mohawk. Finally I could see the band gathering to the side of the stage ready to take the city by storm. When they rushed on stage it was an explosion of love from the audience.

Mick Jones and BAD have built the most loyal fan base in music because going back to Mick days with the Clash they always put their fans first while pumping out some of the most vital and ground breaking music in history. There is a long history of giving fans jobs, hotels, sneaking them into shows, always taking time with fans, and fighting the record company to sell the albums at a fair price.

Medicine Show was the first song of the night and Rush was the last. It is stunning how amazing this band sounds live! How do they get that sound? They are all veteran performers and it showed. This is a band in top form even having been only recently reunited and performing a handful of dates prior to this. It is stunning to think it will only get better. I am so excited for the next shows and albums. Mick Jones is just comfortable on stage and well in command of the stage and audience. He's one of the greatest guitar players of all time from the most influential band of all time, from one of the top three greatest songwriting duos of all time (Strummer/Jones), and a member of the Rock-N-Roll Hall-of-Fame.

This is the original Big Audio Dynamite lineup. They did the first four albums before the other four members split from Mick Jones. Mick replaced the entire band and I was lucky enough to see them three times on the MTV 120 Minutes Tour, The U2 Zoo Tour, and then in Orlando, FL with the band LIVE. I would manage guitarist Nick Hawkins from that line up of Big Audio Dynamite. Nick passed away in 2005 and I was devastated. He had left Big Audio Dynamite a few years before and Mick Jones decided to take time off. Nick was in great spirits on the day he passed, I could tell from the email he sent me that morning. We often spoke of a Big Audio Dynamite reunion and I wonder if Nick would have been included with this? I think he would have been the only non-original member to be included because he was the only other guitarist other then Mick Jones to ever play in the band. I could almost feel him there beside me. Rush is the only song performed that was not written and recorded by the original line up but it is Big Audio Dynamite's biggest hit-to-date. You can see me to the right of the stage at top of the screen during Rush around 4:10 of this Youtube clip.

The after party took place at the Library at the Hudson Hotel. Don Letts from Big Audio Dynamite was DJ-ing and spinning a tremendous blend of music. All of the celebrities from the show arrived and did all of the band except for bass player Leo Williams. It was great night of spending time strengthening friendships and building new ones and the soundtrack to the entire evening was magnificent! It was worth going there sick, exhausted, the hassle of travel, and being overloaded with projects for school. This is a band that is able to create a live sound and show that few can come close to matching. It is no wonder why so many celebrities and other musicians make it a point to make it to their shows wherever they are playing. If you have the opportunity to see them perform live make sure that you do because they are outta sight and dynamite, its BAD but in a great way!

Final Photo and Mike Dirnt Photo@Joanna Huszcza Hennessy

Mick Jones and Fred Armisen Photo@ Big Audio Dynamite

All Other Photos@George J. Baldacchino

All Video @their uploader.

Fantastic Animal Films!

In the past year several animal documentaries have been released. These are not your Mother's animal films but the next generation of films that are being released to wider audiences. The Disney Nature film African Cats is a wonderful example of what these documentary films are becoming. Shot with the highest possible resolution cameras and the best quality audio, the films are stunning in size and scope.

There is more story telling involved in these films. These films can have a tremendously positive impact on animal conservation programs around the world. Years from now I am sure we will learn the stories of great conservationist who were deeply inspired by these filmmakers. I grew up being fascinated and enthralled with Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. I was plastered to my parents television in silence watching these far away places with these monumental stories of life, death, and survival. The stories often featured a lot of love, tenderness, and family. It seems Mother Nature is the world's finest screen-writer, the stories she writes have it all and the stories are as real as it gets. These types of shows helped to create my love and passion for animals and they continue to help it grow.

The story line of African Cats revolves around a pride of lions and a cheetah mother and her young. They are all trying to survive "in the wildest place on Earth". Like every great story each has their antagonist. The Cheetah family faces problems with lions, leopards, baboons, and hyenas. The pride of lions from crocodiles, buffalo, and other lions. They both struggle with the harsh elements of Africa and the need to feed large families while remaining safe.

The National Geographic film The Last Lions narrated by Jeremy Irons tells the story of a lioness and her surviving cubs as they flee their territory in search of a safe haven. Their pride was taken over and the mother took all of her cubs that she could rather then see them killed. It is a very difficult feat for a lone lioness to raise cubs on her own. She must leave them without protection to hunt to feed them. They do not have the benefit of other lionesses to help to feed or protect them nor does this mother  have her own territory for them to live. Being a nomadic lion is dangerous because other lions may attack if they catch a nomad in their territory.

Morgan Freeman narrates the IMAX 3D film Born Wild. The film features orphan orangutans and orphan elephants. It discusses how something simple like the Palm Oil used for cooking is leading to the murder and mutilation of the orangutan's habitat in the forest of Borneo. The local farmers burn down their ancient forest often burning the animals to death or will kill them in order to plant more palm trees that produce the oil. Two girl scouts recently began petitioning their own organization to stop using palm oil in their cookies. While palm oil does provide income for the local farmers there are numerous alternatives for cooking.

The other orphans in Born Wild are Kenyan Elephants. Wild elephants face most of their dangers from humans poaching, trophy hunting, and in land disputes. Elephants follow the same paths their ancestors have for thousands of years. There aren't many city planners in Africa who thoughtfully research the best place for new human developments where there will be minimal conflict with wild animals. In Africa settlements and farms often crop up in wild places where they should not be. Loss of habitat is the most dangerous issue for all animals in the world and must be controlled.

The new generation of films owe a great deal to the film makers who came before them. I remember watching Tarzan films on Saturdays as a boy and enjoying everything about them. I was fascinated how Tarzan lived with the animals. The shots and sequences were brilliant for the time. I think in a way I wanted to be Tarzan. I try to help animals now because of the example Tarzan set in the films.

The movie Born Free has an enormous impact on me. Born Free tells the story of Elsa the Lioness, who was raised by George and Joy Adamson. They would later be forced to either send her to the zoo (like her sisters) or release her into the wild. Although Elsa was indeed born a wild lion, she did not posses the necessary skills or knowledge of lion behavior. George and Joy went through a traumatic and ultimately triumphant journey with Elsa in helping her to be a wild lion again. Elsa never lost her love or bond with the George and Joy. Even when she lived in a wild pride and had cubs she brought the cubs to visit her human friends.

The actors in the film would grow to love and be devoted to their animal costars and George Adamson who managed the lions on the film. The lions came from a variety of backgrounds but were all hand reared. George, Bill, and Virginia could not understand the logic in making a movie about a lion getting her freedom and then returning lions (and a now famous elephant) used in the filming to captivity. They fought to have has many of the lions from the movie given to George Adamson who would attempt to turn them into a wild pride. Bill and Virginia decided to move into the producers chair and make a documentary film about it to help finance George's cost. Sadly they were only given 7 lions but all seven went onto great success as a wild pride. The remaining lions were sent to Zoo's and circuses. One of the male lions named Boy would become Adamson's closest friends.

George and Boy would later star in another movie entitled Christian the Lion.

  Bill and Virginia found Christian living in a London furniture shop ironically named Sophistocat. Christian's owners wanted a better life for him and new the time was nearing when he would be unable to live in London. Bill and Virginia moved Ace, John, and Christian to their country estate to give him a better life while they worked with George and the Kenyan government to get Christian to Africa. Bill and Virgina used the proceeds from the movie they were filming about Christian to again provide funding to George and his lions. Boy did not provide Christian with a warm welcome but they did become the best of friends.

These films all show the tremendous capacity for love. They illustrate the best potential relationships between humans and many animals. We can live in trust and friendship with many of them and many good natured humans do. These films illustrate the need to educate more people on animals and how our decisions impact them in a matter of life-and-death. It shows how the good people of the world must stop the evil people and those who act without thought before entire species of animals are extinct. Since the 1950's the lion population in Africa has dropped by over 80%! The people of Africa would be wise to protect the creature who most signifies Africa. If the lions and elephants are all gone it is doubtful anyone would visit Africa as a tourist.

All of these films are currently in theaters or available on DVD and will touch you deeply. Please share them with your friends and consider making a donation of any amount to The Born Free Foundation
or Wild Life Now Foundation & George Adamson/Tony Fitzjohn Trust.

All photos courtesty of Derek Cattani, Drew Fellman/Warner Brothers Pictures, Disney Films, National Geographic Entertainment and the Father of Lions website.