Music industry struggles to shake ugly legacy of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll
TORONTO — Allegations of sexual misconduct swirling around pop-rockers Hedley have put the spotlight on an industry long defined by the mantra of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll — but several music veterans believe a powerful sea change is already well underway.
As the explosive #metoo movement is upending patriarchy in Hollywood and politics, the music industry, too, has been awakening to deeply ingrained gender inequities and increasing pressure to change its ways, said Melissa Auf der Maur.
“The climate is different and there’s all kinds of improvements happening at large,” said Auf der Maur, whose heyday as a bass player included stints with the ’90s bands Hole and Smashing Pumpkins.
“With every decade there have been efforts to try to address this inequality.”