Columbia's Clive Davis claims that the fees went up the moment performers started calling themselves "artists". But with the potentially rich pickings offered by the rock 'n' roll circus, it was surely only a matter of time before the vultures started hovering. Elektra Records' Paul Rothchild judges that the beginning of the end came "When David Geffen enters the Californian waters as a manager. The sharks have entered the lagoon, and the entire vibe changes. It used to be 'Let's make music, money is a by-product'. Then it becomes 'let's make money, music is a by-product'".

Goodman's eye for detail is exhaustive and thorough but he still makes this book an entertaining read, including a great selection of anecdotes--like the time Bob Dylan casually swapped a priceless Andy Warhol print for a sofa he fancied in his manager's office. --Patrick Humphries