George Michael in the news reminds me of George’s attempts back in 1994 to extricate him from his music contract with Sony. Michael’s attempts failed (btw) reinforced the importance of negotiating agreements with individuals. Even if legal advice is provided (which is a must) any management company must take care to rule out the possibility of the agreement being unenforceable due to restraint of trade, or by reason of its being entered into as a result of undue influence or duress.
Mr Michael lost his case and while it was a not a significant case in terms of legal precedent it remains the case that taking on the might of the large record companies is no easy task.
Mr Michael is a cool man and love or loath his music, you’ve got to admire his cojones.
Panayiotou v Sony Music Entertainment (UK) Ltd [1994] Ch 142.
