Uncharted: Crime and Mayhem in the Music Industry

We’re largely immune to most the craziness that rock starts get up to…arrested for drugs?...yawn…got into a bar fight?...what else is new?...a DUI?...what, another one? There is a red line…anything to do with any kind of sexual assault is still properly greeted with revulsion…murder is still considered a bad thing…and if pedophilia is involved, there is no coming back from that. But once upon a time when all rock and roll was considered dangerous, any kind of bad behavior made the news and resulted in widespread condemnation in the media, from church pulpits, from teachers, and parents. The Rolling Stones built their early career on bad behavior…although they were good friends with the squeaky-clean Beatles, they were artfully positioned to be the anti-Beatles, the bad boys of rock’n’roll…it was all very clever and very effective. As mild as some of the stones’ offences seem today, back then, they were considered outrageous and dangers…the authorities—police, judges, politicians—really were out to get them. That is not an exaggeration…and in the process, the rolling stones amassed a very long rap sheet…there are no fewer than 13 instances where the stones were in big trouble with the police.  This is episode 31 of “Uncharted: Crime and Mayhem in the Music Industry” …let’s examine the impressive and decades-long arrest record of The Rolling Stones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The holiday season is upon us and one questions is always present. Have you been naughty or nice? Depending on your answer you'll either be rewarded or you'll find a much more frightening fate will be upon you, and no, it's not a lump of coal. For centuries, disobedient children in Austria and other Alpine countries have faced a truly terrifying Christmas consequence for their misbehavior — a dreaded visit from Krampus. If you've misbehaved Krampus can be heard before he can be seen which makes him even more frightening. The joyful sound of sleigh bells will be replaced by something far more sinister: the menacing clanking of rusty chains accompanied by the eerie tinkling of cowbells. So be good for goodness sake because Krampus is coming to town. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to myths around the world, the devil is always looking for more souls…this practice isn’t anywhere in the bible, but there are plenty of accounts in other religions, literature, and art. For example, Dante’s “ The Divine Comedy, “ written in the 14th century, riffs on this concept. Other stories involve the devil and demons seeking humans to give up their souls in exchange for riches, favours, or the bestowment of special powers. These are the so-called “deals with the devil.” The best-known ancient example is the story of Faust, a German legend dating to the 16th century... a depressed and bored scholar attempts suicide... when that fails, he calls upon the devil to make things better. “Give me magic powers, knowledge, and a chance to indulge in all the pleasures of this world!”… The devil—known as Mephistopheles in this story—says, “Sure!... You can have all you want for a few years…but when time is up, you will give me your soul, and you will be my slave forever.” Faust says, “deal!”…and for a while, he gets everything he wants, including lots of sex…things inevitably turn out bad for him, and per his contract, he is carried off to hell—maybe…there are other versions of the story where he gains redemption and gets to keep his soul. So how does one make an appointment with the devil to sell their soul?...mostly, you meet him at a crossroads at midnight, discuss terms, and sign the contract. Over the centuries, sea captains, generals, and painters are said to have sold their souls in exchange for worldly things…and so have a number of musicians…the most famous of these stories is connected to blues musician Robert Johnson…it is said he made a deal with the devil and was bestowed with an almost supernatural ability to play the guitar. Robert Johnson eventually died at the age of 27…but what really happened?...was he murdered?...or did his contract expire? I’m Alan Cross, and this is episode 30 of “Uncharted: Crime and Mayhem in the Music Industry”…let’s take a trip to the crossroads to see whom we find there…and here’s a hint: more than just Robert Johnson will be there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you were around in December 1980, you probably remember where you were and how you felt when you heard that John Lennon had been murdered…it was unbelievable, inconceivable, that someone would kill not just a Beatle but a man who was famous for promoting love and peace around the world. On the surface, Lennon died at the hands of a disturbed, depressed fan who hoped to achieve immortality by snuffing out the object of his obsession…but there’s more to Lennon’s death than you might realize…a lot more. On this episode of Uncharted, we’re going to look at some of the little-know stories, neglected truths, and lingering mysteries about John Lennon, his assassin, and what happened before, during, and after that night in December 1980.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices