Phil Spector Mugshot Shocks Viewers

Is Phil Spector's mugshot news? Phil Spector's mugshot is all over the place and yet Phil Spector's mugshot simply shows an old guy as he really is.

Yes, it is news, I think. People can hide behind a lot of things, including hair.

Nancy Dillon has written an article titled "Phil Spector's mugshot reveals a not so hairy situation" in the Daily News.

In her article, there is a picture of Phil Spector with no wigs. This photo was taken and released by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

TMZ likened him to the "Crypt Keeper." I suppose I can see that.

Spector is the legendary producer of rock and soul music back in the 1960s and 1970s. He developed a methodology referred to as the "Wall of Sound." Using this technique he would employ multiple numbers of the same instrument such as three drummers or three bass players. The idea was to make the studio equal another instrument; it would essentially take on a life of its own. It changed pop music forever.

Spector worked with such stars as The Beatles, Ronettes and The Righteous Brothers.

Phil Spector is serving 19 years for the second-degree murder of Lana Clarkson who was a "B" movie actress and was at his mansion when he killed her.

Spector had become known for his drunkenness and his violence. He had a habit of playing Russian roulette with the lives of women and unfortunately Clarkson lost.

But why does this rate as news?

While there is always an element of voyeurism, the real issue is to see a person reduced to who they really are. There are no wigs or makeup. This is a 69-year-old man who doesn't appear to be in very good health and who shows the markings of a hard life as far as hard living.

The issue of wigs reminds me of an episode of "All in the Family" from the 1970s. Daughter Gloria gets a wig and her husband Michael won't leave her alone because theoretically to him it is like having an affair without having an affair.

Further, the element of being attractive to younger women is not there and we see his attractiveness was his money.

In addition to his lack of hair, there is another picture of Spector in 2005 with what I guess is the "old man's Afro."

Why is this photo of Spector news? It brings together the issues and brings them into focus. This man has had problems for a long time and it was just a matter of time before he hurt someone.

Reference:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2009/06/10/2009-06-10_phil_spectors_mugshot_reveals_a_not_so_hairy_situation.html