No Rock And Roll Fun

THE HEADLINE SAYS 'POP STAR' - THE STORY? NOT SO MUCH: We actually have some sympathy for Max Odell, who's pleaded guilty to deception charges after claiming dole while having a record deal (His band manchild was signed to One Little Indian a few years back). We know numerous people who were working on music who were either forced by need, or else - as in this case - told to, and carried on signing on. Of course it's true that they were, strictly speaking breaking the rules - saying they were actively seeking work when, in fact, they'd be playing gigs or in the studio, but at least the piddling fraud was done with the best of intentions. Really, the charges should be brought against the indsutry which signs people up, and then fails to provide them with enough to live on.