You’re right. This is a sad story but its elements have been around the music industry for decades. Most people wouldn’t want to know how the sausage was made. I can’t tell you how many albums were made by musicians who then had to teach the band members how to play the song. I’ve even played keyboards on songs that you still hear all the time because I was a lot better than what was in the group and could pick up things quicker, thus cutting studio expenses. I knew the overall story but not the ending. Thanks for filling in details. You’re the man!
Thanks, Daniel, really glad you liked it! I’ve heard a few stories about what goes on in studios, but I’m sure it’s just the tip of the iceberg. That’s awesome that you played keyboards on some popular songs! I won’t ask you to reveal them here. Will definitely have to buy you a beer one day, though. 🍺
As much as I think Frank Farian deserves some of the blame, he also tried to stop them from touring and potentially blowing their cover, advice they ignored. But it's a sad truth that the music industry is a big exploitation mill that thrives on this kind of deception, especially where pop music is concerned. I don't know (actually I do) how people can continue to throw money at acts for whom it's common knowledge that they're being exploited financially and personally by their management, labels, and other industry folks. And as long as they do, stories like Milli Vanilli and Britney Spears will keep happening again and again as if for the first time.
Good post! I always wondered what happened to those guys. Very sad how they ended. They were just trying to make some cash and the music industry used the shit out of them.
I'm excited to watch this doc! I remember when they were stripped of the Grammy and how outraged the public was over their lip-synching, but I do remember the questioning of Boney M after that in the media (I grew up with Boney M albums, and knew the name Frank Farian). And remember when Ashley Simpson was excoriated on SNL when she was caught lip-synching? No one would say boo now, or it would blow over fast - but it ruined her singing career (did she have any other career after that? I do not know).
The doc is really well done. I tuned in because I was bored and wound up watching the whole thing and writing about it. I think you’ll really enjoy it, even if you only have a passing interest in what happened. Let me know if you ever get around to watching it!
Thanks, Staci! The doc was excellent. A lot better than I expected.
I love their songs.
You’re right. This is a sad story but its elements have been around the music industry for decades. Most people wouldn’t want to know how the sausage was made. I can’t tell you how many albums were made by musicians who then had to teach the band members how to play the song. I’ve even played keyboards on songs that you still hear all the time because I was a lot better than what was in the group and could pick up things quicker, thus cutting studio expenses. I knew the overall story but not the ending. Thanks for filling in details. You’re the man!
Thanks, Daniel, really glad you liked it! I’ve heard a few stories about what goes on in studios, but I’m sure it’s just the tip of the iceberg. That’s awesome that you played keyboards on some popular songs! I won’t ask you to reveal them here. Will definitely have to buy you a beer one day, though. 🍺
As much as I think Frank Farian deserves some of the blame, he also tried to stop them from touring and potentially blowing their cover, advice they ignored. But it's a sad truth that the music industry is a big exploitation mill that thrives on this kind of deception, especially where pop music is concerned. I don't know (actually I do) how people can continue to throw money at acts for whom it's common knowledge that they're being exploited financially and personally by their management, labels, and other industry folks. And as long as they do, stories like Milli Vanilli and Britney Spears will keep happening again and again as if for the first time.
The whole system is so rotten, it’s a wonder any artists managed to escape it. Exploitation is the name of the game and shit always rolls downhill.
Good post! I always wondered what happened to those guys. Very sad how they ended. They were just trying to make some cash and the music industry used the shit out of them.
Thanks Kenny! It really is a tragic and cautionary tale.
I'm excited to watch this doc! I remember when they were stripped of the Grammy and how outraged the public was over their lip-synching, but I do remember the questioning of Boney M after that in the media (I grew up with Boney M albums, and knew the name Frank Farian). And remember when Ashley Simpson was excoriated on SNL when she was caught lip-synching? No one would say boo now, or it would blow over fast - but it ruined her singing career (did she have any other career after that? I do not know).
Excellent article, as always, Sonny!
Thank you, Sheila!
The doc is really well done. I tuned in because I was bored and wound up watching the whole thing and writing about it. I think you’ll really enjoy it, even if you only have a passing interest in what happened. Let me know if you ever get around to watching it!
“The music you’re told to like…”