Sham Bands and Other Hoaxes (Episode 55)

There truly is a fine line between what’s real in rock n roll and
what’s just an act. Judging the authenticity of an art form that at
its heart is about transformative performance can be difficult, or
worse, can take away from the power of it all. Where does one put
the line in the sand beyond which is a total fabrication of
aesthetic rather than an honest expression of self as art and
music? Further complicating the matter is pinning down a measuring
stick to determine the value of the music....record sales,
billboard charts, financial accumulation, critical accolades,
influence on other musicians. Sure, pre-packaged acts like the
countless beautifully faceless boy bands seem to be an imitation of
actual pop music but can that still count as art or even become
art? So are the Monkees counterfeit rock n roll? Are their songs
worth less because they were created and enabled by television
producers? What about the Sex Pistols? Assembled, manufactured,
marketed. So is most of Motown, for that matter. Even the beloved
mop tops were shaped and molded and given matching Boots. All this
to say, authenticity in rock n roll is on a sliding scale. 
  Today’s episode takes a look at the history of artists that
played with the notion of what’s real in music. Artists, who after
obtaining fame and success, switch their identity or persona as
intentional deceit toward some end...freedom, art, homage, satire,
money. Sometimes, they might just be bored. Or prone to the
creative use of multiple personalities and dissociative identities.
Or just wish they could re-write their autobiography. Sometimes,
just for a big fuck you to someone special. Today is an examination
of the history of hoax bands.  Subscribe to Highway Hi-Fi:
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