In the often-unseen world of music law, John Kennedy stands out as a formidable figure, known for his tenacity and willingness to engage in high-stakes negotiations that could rival the drama of any rock star’s escapades. Recently, he reflected on his colorful career, which includes navigating some of the most contentious disputes in the music industry, from wrangling with ABBA to risking jail for The Stone Roses.
Kennedy’s latest memoir, *Just for One Hour: Moments I Pinched Myself in the Music Industry*, chronicles his remarkable journey, starting with his long-standing partnership with Bob Geldof on Band Aid. Despite their tumultuous relationship—Kennedy recently described their ongoing disputes as “the worst argument ever”—he remains committed to the cause, dedicating 25 hours a month of voluntary legal work to the Band Aid Charitable Trust. The initiative has raised an impressive £150 million since its inception, although it has also faced criticism for its portrayal of Africa and the complexities of aid.
Kennedy describes himself as “the cautious word in [Geldof’s] ear,” advocating for a more nuanced understanding of their efforts. He urges critics to recognize the context of their actions during a time when global awareness was burgeoning. “Mistakes must have been made. But I’d like people to be fairly specific about the mistakes,” he asserts.
Beyond Band Aid, Kennedy’s career is peppered with notable achievements. He played a pivotal role in Mike Joyce’s legal battle against Morrissey and Johnny Marr over Smiths royalties, ultimately winning a landmark case that redefined fairness in music partnerships. He also orchestrated a daring escape for The Stone Roses from a restrictive record deal with Zomba/Silvertone, navigating legal minefields that could have led to serious repercussions.
Kennedy’s influence extends beyond legal battles; he served as chairman/CEO of Universal Music UK and later president of Universal Music International. His tenure saw significant investments, including a £3.6 million stake in the *Mamma Mia!* musical, which has since captivated audiences worldwide.
His knack for negotiation is legendary. When faced with Richard Branson’s Virgin Megastore stalling on a £10 million payment to UMG, Kennedy cleverly leveraged Branson’s ambitions by threatening to expose his financial missteps to government officials. This bold move resulted in Branson settling the debt promptly.
In a particularly notable case, Kennedy successfully recovered rights for Richard Ashcroft concerning the Verve’s hit “Bitter Sweet Symphony.” His strategic approach involved negotiating future royalties rather than past ones, showcasing his keen understanding of music rights and artist representation.
Despite his successes, Kennedy acknowledges that his straightforward approach can sometimes lead to challenges. He recounts being fired from a high-profile client after expressing concerns about their entourage of “yes men.” “I said, ‘I’m not sure this is going to work out,’” he recalls. “I was fired four months later—for telling them no.”
John Kennedy’s story is one of resilience and integrity in an industry often characterized by chaos and excess. His memoir not only highlights his professional milestones but also serves as a reminder of the critical role lawyers play in shaping the music landscape.
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