Folkie Weinsteins

Subject: Folkie Weinsteins
From: Jack Campin
Date: 02 Nov 17 - 06:25 AM

How long before we get a Weinstein scandal in the folk scene?

I can think of a few "I can grope anyone anywhere any time" types with the same public behaviour as Weinstein just in the east of Scotland scene, but none who've ended up in court for it. I expect that will change.

Has it happened elsewhere?

Subject: RE: Folkie Weinsteins
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Nov 17 - 06:40 AM

Of course it happens although most folkie women of my acquantance are more likely to respond with a well placed shoe somewhere delicate.

Subject: RE: Folkie Weinsteins
From: Johnny J
Date: 02 Nov 17 - 07:03 AM

"Folkie Weinsteins"

Sounds like a gathering in a German Bier Kellar with a Oompah band laid on...
;-))

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9UqZOv8-OY

Subject: RE: Folkie Weinsteins
From: Johnny J
Date: 02 Nov 17 - 07:28 AM

To address the original topic, I don't believe "general groping" or unwanted sexual advances is any worse on the folk scene than in other area of life. Of course, there are instances where "drink has been taken" and inhibitions are lessened but this can happen on any night out, or pub, club etc. It's not exclusive to the folk scene.

I'm not sure if Weinstein is the best example. I certainly don't know of situations where folk club organisers have asked for "sexual favours" before booking artists for gigs etc. It might happen further up the scale with large concert promoters etc but not at Nitten, Balerno, Edinburgh or even Leith. ;-))

In the seventies and eighties, the musician/groupie scenario seemed to be much more to the fore. It may still be, of course...I don't get out as much these days... but, generally, I think most people on the scene actually have more respect for each other these days.

I remember an Irish banjo player who lived in our area(He'll remain nameless) who was "a bit of a devil" with the women. I didn't regard him as a sexual predator as such but more of an opportunist. While I disapproved of his activities and general attitude, I still wouldn't place him in the Weinstein category.

Subject: RE: Folkie Weinsteins
From: Marje
Date: 02 Nov 17 - 09:32 AM

There isn't really a power hierarchy in the folk world, is there? I can't think of many situations where an alpha male would be able to imply that he could boost a girl singer's career, or (alternatively) ensure that she never got another festival booking. And I can't imagine any circumstances in which a man would have to resign from his job (club host, festival organiser) if I claimed that he had put his hand on my knee back in 1985.

Marje

Subject: RE: Folkie Weinsteins
From: Jack Campin
Date: 02 Nov 17 - 10:04 AM

You can't bring any current members of the Cabinet to mind doing that, can you?...

The situation where you're most likely to see an exploitable asymmetry of power is when a newbie girl singer guests with an established male group.

Subject: RE: Folkie Weinsteins
From: akenaton
Date: 02 Nov 17 - 01:42 PM

I have a friend who produced several groups in the seventies, he said the women were desperate to sleep with group members.

Subject: RE: Folkie Weinsteins
From: akenaton
Date: 02 Nov 17 - 01:48 PM

The groups he mentioned were "folk influenced" but quite famous.

Subject: RE: Folkie Weinsteins
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 02 Nov 17 - 03:27 PM

Ake - I've watched "Confessions of a Pop Performer" at least 3 times in the last 30 years....

This searing documentary lays out exactly how much everyone in the music industry
is at it all the time ..
with their trousers and knickers around their ankles;
and barely a break for a few minutes to strum their guitars or count their millions of top 10 record sales... ...

..shocking it is...!!!!!! 😳

Subject: RE: Folkie Weinsteins
From: akenaton
Date: 02 Nov 17 - 04:04 PM

Well PFR, to be honest my friend didn't blame the group members who were often in long term relationships, but would find groupies and publicity seekers in their beds, waiting for them at every stop and generally making a complete nuisance of themselves.
He also mentioned that music "personalities" had to be extra careful due to the chance of allegations of impropriety being brought.

As I said on another thread (now deleted), sex can be a potent weapon.
It is not as simple as it seems.
I find the furore over knee touching etc an idiocy.....men are hard wired to try it on.....in my youth if you took a girl out and didn't make some attempt at sexual intimacy most would be deeply insulted.
I remember one girl I took home a couple of times, I was very attracted to her, but decided just to play it cool.
She dumped me, years later as a friend, I asked her why.

"I Thought you didn't fancy me" she said. :0)

Subject: RE: Folkie Weinsteins
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Nov 17 - 04:54 PM

Changing the topic again, Ake?

Subject: RE: Folkie Weinsteins
From: Donuel
Date: 02 Nov 17 - 07:02 PM

Who initiates what and when will always be a bit of a conundrum.
Who matters most.
Celebraties seem to be held to a different standard with no statute of limitations. No one cares if Jerrold tried to get to first base with Mildred in 1963.

Even a dog knows if it is attacked or accidently stepped on.

Subject: RE: Folkie Weinsteins
From: meself
Date: 02 Nov 17 - 08:30 PM

What's the point of this thread? Serious question.

Subject: RE: Folkie Weinsteins
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Nov 17 - 10:44 PM

Excellent question.