In pop music, a tragic death is almost required in order to preserve the public's perception of artistic integrity. Buddy Holly, Jim Morrison, Patsy Cline and Kurt Cobain all assured their place in rock and roll history by seeing their respective buckets kicked early.
In fact, a pop musician avoids a tragic death at his own career's peril. Compare the fates of two Beatles:
First, John Lennon:
| |
Public
Perception
Before |
|
Event |
|
Public
Perception
After |
| |
 |
 |
1970's spacey
flake |
+ |
tragic death |
= |
Poetic
Genius |
Contrast that with Paul McCartney:
1960's musical
wunderkind |
+ |
lack of
tragic death |
= |
1980's and 90's
spacey flake |
 |
We can also conclude that founding Wings is a poor career move.
Other pop stars who might have benefitted from early, tragic deaths: Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley.
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