All the money was going towards concerts.... Now that's starting to die too because of insanity prices.
Then the record labels started 360 deals where they got some of the touring & merchandising money. They say that artists make little or nothing from streaming. Well, most didn't decades ago from record sales either. At one time, labels even paid artists with cars, furs, jewelry, drugs, women, etc. But the labels were getting all or most of the sales money. Like Tony M said in the Prince song
Jughead:
Money minders are like parasites
They pose and wheelers and dealers for your rights. And most companies say that you need 'em!
(Not me...)
But I've kicked back, observed, and
(I'm honest...)
Watched 'em bleed 'em, artists young and old
(I can bring you to the top!)
Where'd this unwritten law come from anyway?
That years after the contract, you should still be getting paid?
Boy, I go broke and hit the skids before I take care of a rich sucker's kids. Hell
(My contract...)
A contract ain't no pension plan
(My contract...)
Years after this, my kids are still gonna make the grands
(Tony, you...)
And you laugh at my brother Little Richard when he says you ain't gave him nothing
(Let's leave him out of this)
Hell, that ain't no joke, his songs are still selling, and that man could die broke
So fellow artists
Push for yours, and watch for
Mr. Money Minder, as we settle the score
