Artists 'SELLING OUT' - can we discuss?

It's not a big deal, I mean popular music has always been about commerce. It's no different than seeing your favorite actor acting in a commercial.

If it bothers you, go listen to The Who's "Sell Out".

What is it about musicians (and by implication other artist) that makes so many people begrudge them the right to make an honest dollar? Being a musician is a job! It's a way to put food on the family table. It's also a very hard and extremely competitive occupation. Public taste is fickle and there's always some new kid in town who spent his entire adolescence in his family's basement learning everyone of your solos. And that's assuming you achieve some level of success which practically speaking is highly unlikely since most musicians cannot support themselves without taking day jobs. (Buddy Guy drove a truck for nearly a decade after cutting his first records.) After years of playing in bars, endless touring and getting ripped off by record companies/agents someone offers you 5 or 6 figures for a song you did a decade ago. And because of that someone has the gall to say you're selling out! Maybe the artist is thinking of a piano player or drummer he worked with for 20 years who died in a ward room of a public hospital of cancer (all those nights in smokey bars) and how people had to take up a collection for his funeral expenses.

But of course a different standard is used when the artist is successful. But can anyone explain to me why Sir Paul, MIck & Keith, Smokey, Dylan or Eric shouldn't be billionaires? But then again, by some of the replies here Shakespeare or Mozart would be relegated to performing on street corners for spare change. In a meritocracy talent is rewarded.

Timrhu, I am part of that generation. But one thing to remember is that the Summer Of Love was also the same summer that Detroit and Newark burned. You have to remember to always look at the past from both sides. Some of the ideals from that era are still valid (afterall, What's so Funny 'Bout Peace Love And Understanding), but all the talk about the revolution seems quite naive by today's standards. Hell, Newt G. had a more successful and longer lasting revolution in the early 90s.

Regarding the two time inductee to the Rock Hall Of Fame Mr. Crosby -- does he now have a record deal? How is he making a living? I know he's still touring at 66. I wonder if he can retire? Assuming he even wants to. What will he provide for his children? Hopefully his fans won't ever let him down.