Just got back from a month's travelling by boat (no e-mail) and not sure whether this has already found it's way to the list or not - but I thought it's an interesting snippet of info in regard to the recent discussion on Joni's view of the music business. She's so right! Upon my return I found this tape sent to me from the U.K. with an interview that was broadcast on BBC 2 on October 16th 2002 with Richard Allinson interviewing Peter Gabriel about his new album 'UP', record labels and 'Thomas The Tank Engine', among other things.
PG & Richard discuss the fact that the approach of record labels and media to rock music, in particular to the age of the musicians, hasn't changed in over 30 years ( i. e. the news-worthiness of The Stones or Paul McCartney being over 40, then over 50 (gasp!), etc..). Here's a transcript of the relevant bit: PG: >>>> "The mythology about 'Rock' is that it is this sort of testosterone filled late adolescence music. Which is certainly part of it's origin - but it's become another form of music, for better or for worse. You don't dump writers, film directors, painters when they hit 50, 60, whatever. If they've got something to say, let them say it. But record labels? Now I remember one conversation with a record label boss in America, talking about Joni Mitchell - and he said: " Well, she's a woman and she's over 50 - and that these were two reasons why they shouldn't spend money on her". Both very stupid in my mind, because there's a great artist there who's still doing great work.">>>> And also: >>>>" Some artists definitely do their best work while they're young but don't eliminate everyone due to age - but rather use your ears and intelligence">> _______________________________________ Peter still uses his ears apparently. Cheers, Simone
