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Rocky Road

While looking into Buddy Holly I came across this about Steve Hoffman

70.101.217.98

From Buddy's Wiki page:
"In February 1984, MCA mastering engineer Steve Hoffman sent what are known as safety copies of several Buddy Holly master recordings to John Pickering of The Picks[22] who took them to Sound Masters studios in Houston, TX. There, the reunited group overdubbed their new vocal parts onto at least 60 recordings, and sent them back to Hoffman at MCA. The general consensus seems to be that, with Hoffman's influence, MCA would've issued these "new" recordings as an album[22], perhaps to commemorate the 25th year since Holly's passing. This however, was not to be.

Not long afterwards, Steve Hoffman was fired by MCA, for, among other things, stealing master tapes of Holly material and attempting to sell them to, among other parties, the Norman Petty estate. A short time later, a raid produced the stolen tapes which were then returned to MCA. With these plans having fallen through, Pickering decided to take matters into his own hands and go the self-release route.

These recordings slowly made their way to the public on privately pressed albums like "The Original Chirping Sound" and "Buddy Holly Not Fade Away". In 1992, John Pickering approached Viceroy Records to arrange a deal for major nationwide distribution of these overdubbed recordings, who hit a brick wall when MCA made it clear that Pickering did not have proper legal clearance to release such recordings[22]. Andy McKaie, an executive at MCA, has stated that Pickering has never bothered to ask for licensing on the songs. To this day, budget labels release these recordings despite the fact that they are, depending on how one looks at it, bootlegs or pirates."

Follow Ups:

At long last, sir, have you no sense of decency? - Audiophilander 11:41:50 11/04/09 (18)
It's bad enough that you post naive and offensive political discourse over on the Outside Board, but defamation of a well established icon in the music business based upon circumstantial evidence and internet rumor is a whole different ball-game.

For the record, and to provide background for what follows, I have no dog in the Steve Hoffman character assassination "hunt." While I do occasionally post over on the Hoffman board I'm not a "regular" and don't contribute frequently enough to be considered one of his biased supporters (sycophants). Also, over the years I've had polite disagreements with Mr. Hoffman and occasionally with his volunteer "police force" (moderators or Gorts if you prefer), objecting to selective limitations placed on certain topics or types of discussions as a matter of site policy.

That said, I find it indefensible (not to mention cowardly) for one to hide behind a pseudonym or initials as a means of impugning the ethics of a well regarded recording engineer with rumor and innuendo, the apparent intent being to damage his professional reputation at no personal risk to self. If you were banned on Steve's site (understandable, judging from your established behavior on the Outside Board), then perhaps you have a personal axe to grind, but whether that is the case or not, it isn't an acceptable excuse to libel someone anonymously.

Steve Hoffman has been criticized for his professional work (routinely of late) and certainly discussion of any remastered releases he has been associated with that don't meet personal expectations are deserving of critical analysis. OTOH, while the quality of his work should be fair game for debate and legitimate criticism there's an obvious line to be drawn when folks take criticism to a personal level and idle speculation evolves into innuendo and libelous assertions that can't be substantiated.

Over the past day, as I've watched this disheartening thread develop, I've done a fairly thorough investigation of the on-line criticism of Mr. Hoffman and here is what I've learned thus far:

1) A number of folks are PO'd that Steve Hoffman or those representing him limit criticism of himself and of the remastered efforts of his associates on his site.

2) A number of folks are angry about having been banned or finding their disgruntled POV are personae non grata on the Steve Hoffman board and others (probably the same folks) having their defamatory "contributions" to Steve Hoffman's biography deleted from Wikipedia by request.

3) Unverified rumors dating back 25 years have been repeated time and again on various boards that allow more latitude (less moderation) than Hoffman's site; often without attribution or concrete evidence to support claims. Yes, there are a number of unknowns about Steve Hoffman's professional career, but the last time I looked folks weren't presumed guilty without some substantive hard evidence.

4) Sadly, repeated rumors create the lop-sided impression of dishonesty in the court of internet opinion. I'm surprised that some folks haven't demanded that he wear an ankle bracelet and not reside within 200 yards of a recording studio!

5) What critical analysis of Steve Hoffman's professional career from legitimate journalistic sources (newspapers, court record disclosures, etc.) is available contains heavily nuanced caveats suggesting that there is no real evidence of criminality or unethical behavior.

So, what do we REALLY know about Steve Hoffman's past as a recording engineer and his professional career in general that can be gleaned by reading legitimate journalistic entries?

Well, we know that when he worked for MCA Steve went out of his way to locate Buddy Holly's original master tapes and produced what many folks consider a brilliant reissue on CD (I own a copy and can vouch for it being that good). At some point he made inquiries with Holly's former band-mates to produce another reissue and it ended up in litigation with Holly's relatives. Master tapes apparently went missing and Steve left MCA (supposedly fired).

On the less verifiable side of the equation, there was a reported FBI raid to recover some master tapes belonging to the Holly family and/or MCA, but little information exists as to the extent of the operation, what was actually recovered or who was responsible. No charges have ever been brought against Steve Hoffman according to any source I've come across.

These are the reported facts as I've been able to glean from various legitimate news sources.

Unfortunately, based upon precious little empirical evidence, some folks are saying what amounts to "Aha! Steve Hoffman is a crook who schemed to rip off the Holly family purely for his own self-interest and that's why he can't be trusted with anyone's master tapes."

However, when you look at what evidence IS available an entirely different interpretation is possible. Using common sense, it's just as easy to read between the lines and surmise that Steve Hoffman was working at the behest of MCA and ended up the fall-guy in a protracted legal dispute between the remaining members of Holly's group, Norman Petty and Holly's relatives in Clovis. MCA could have seen a corporate liability and taken the easiest route since Steve Hoffman was the point man.

The missing master-tapes are rumor (expanded now through the wonder of internet gossip to include other unverified cases), but the safety masters that Pickering obtained, used in re-dubbing and supposedly returned from the Houston studio to MCA may have been with the record company's full approval with Hoffman acting as their representative (the idea being a future issue by former Holly band-mates until litigation over the recordings took center stage); again, corporate exposure may have influenced MCA's decision to make Hoffman the fall guy.

Then there's the issue of FBI raids and seizure of master-tapes that supposedly involved Steve Hoffman. In all candor I can find little verification of such a raid or details that would suggest he hid or tried to sell any master-tapes to third parties. Some of the stuff being said about Steve Hoffman these days makes it sound like his website is a compound and he's David Koresh.

The bottom line in respect to LWR's Starr Chamber approach to crucifying Steve Hoffman on this board can be summed up in the immortal words of Jon Stewart (on the then soon-to-be-cancelled Crossfire program) who seemed to be channeling Joseph N. Welch's remarks to Senator Joseph McCarthy during the Army-McCarthy Hearings: "It's not so much that it's bad, as it's hurting America ... Stop, stop, stop, stop hurting America."

Food for thought.

AuPh
- Extreme Unctiousness - rickmcinnis@dogwoodfabrics.com 13:31:22 11/04/09 (0)
  Gosh LWR,
  
  I think you have been pronounced anathema by Lillian Hellmann or something similar.
  
  One would have thought you called Mr. Hoffmann a communist. DAMN!
  
  In my unhumble opinion, if astralnavigator says it is true, I will believe him.
- RE: At long last, sir, have you no sense of decency? - astralnavigator 12:19:42 11/04/09 (0)
  With respect, I think you protest too much.
  Hoffman has made himself out to be a very public figure, indeed, he relishes it. So he's a fair subject for discussion.
  It seems to be virtually a stock dismissal by Hoffmanites to say, in response to negative discussion of Hoffman, that there is a grudge due to being 'banned' by Hoffman from his board. That just doesn't hold water, and besides, there are a hell of a lot of good people who have been banned at that most highly policed board - Shawn Britton and Rob LoVerde from MOFI, for example.
  The Wikipedia matter you mention was a case in point. There were numerous legitimate references to Hoffman's past issues, but the absolutely overwhelming aggressive campaign waged by his followers eventually made Wikipedia throw their collective hands up and just cleanse the whole thing and freeze his entry.
  I agree with you that the internet is far too prone to rumor and innuendo. It happens here too. But on the other hand, Hoffman himself is the master of 'Chinese Whispers' and allows his site minions to throw just about every other person under the bus without any conscience. Peter Mew, Bernie Grundman, Jeff Bowers, Ken Scott, MOFI, - you name it, they've all been beaten up at Huff's - yet, even the slightest hint of a criticism of the guru himself gets a very swift removal and a banning of the author by his censors.
  David Koresh? No, no one has suggested that. But the behavior of his followers and the cult-like adoration he seems to bask in does have those overtones. Jeez, one guy even has an online shrine set up dedicated to his hero!! Let's get back to reality. He's s mastering engineer, not a musical creator. He does, or at minimum sets himself up to be, as big as those artists and engineers who actually did the creative work. That is just plain wrong.
  The reason his minions haven't been able to get the story on the Buddy Holly Wikipedia page removed, not that they haven't tried, is that it has been found to stand up to scrutiny.
  But why argue about this?
  Why won't Hoffman respond directly and clear it up once and for all?
  Here are the questions of Hoffman that I would like an answer to:
  1. Were you fired from MCA for unauthorized use of Buddy Holly master tapes?
  2. Was there an FBI raid on you to recover missing master tapes, and were there any such tapes found?
  3. Are you banned by Universal/MCA or any other record company from working with their tapes?
  4. Is it true that you cut up Ray Charles master tapes and spliced inferior copies in place of some tracks?
  5. Do you return all records and CD's loaned to you by your board members?
  6. Do you keep audio products sent to you for evaluation and endorsement or return then to manufacturers when finished?
  7. Do you only use first generation original two-track master tapes in your remastering or do you sometimes use later generation tapes or digital copies?
  8. Why do you allow wide latitude among your board members in criticism of others' work yet little to none of your own?
  The answers to these questions, if truthful, would clear these matters up instantly and conclusively.
  Would you undertake to post on the Hoffman site and obtain the answers please?
  
  Edits: 11/04/09
- Hoffman, MCA lawyers and FBI agents - LWR 12:13:09 11/04/09 (15)
  all are hereby invited to duke it out here on neutral ground without fear of moderators and minders erasing claims, reports and issues. I stand by what Wiki says and what others here have said.
  I have said nothing about his ability as a recording engineer. A twister of knobs and slider of slides. As a former part owner of a studio in Los Angeles for 10 years I am familiar with what skills go into sitting at a board and listening and following the producers vision and ideas.
  What I have an issue with is the theft of intellectual property, the stealing of food and care of an artist, his family or in the case of Hoffman, a dead man's legacy. If you want to defend such a low life cretin, fine. lI'll remember that about you as will others here.
  As far as Outside, I do not give a rat's ass what you think of my posts there, my outlook on things in America or any other little thing that bothers your ass, you know, the one you wrap in faux leather pants at comic book conventions where you joust with your peers and find love.
  In other words, leather boy wannabe, you can stick your opinion up your ass or you can get all sides here to debate and present evidence, your choice and your chance to back up your rant.
  Feel free to present your other sleeve with more heart attached to it, I am done with you.
  - It isn't my job to act as a liaison between you and Steve Hoffman, but your repetition of libelous innuendo ... - Audiophilander 17:01:06 11/04/09 (7)
    ... drawn from the musings of armchair critics on unmoderated sites should be of concern to everyone regardless of whether they like Steve Hoffman's work or not. Spreading juicy gossip all over the internet to fuel controversy may be a commonplace occurrence nowadays, but trashing the careers of professional folks with rumors that date back a quarter century and hint at uncharged criminal acts still reflect badly upon those who condone or participate in it.
    You should keep in mind that this isn't a political forum even though you've treated this matter with the same reckless insensitivity and disrespect for other's POV that you do controversial topics on the Outside board. It's not surprising that you would get personal and attack the character of the messenger with snide remaks. How dare anyone question your right to demean a professional by name in a public forum while, ironically, you remain anonymous yourself!
    You, sir, are a coward and a troll. You apparently lack the guts to publish your own name and provide proof that your posted assertions have any merit while challenging a man's character and demanding that he sink to your level.
    Why on earth would Steve Hoffman or anyone else in his position risk debating private matters in a public forum with an anonymous knucklehead? Furthermore, have you even considered that he may be contractually restrained from discussing some topics? Giving in to such whims may stroke your ego and placate a few fence straddlers, but it probably wouldn't resolve anything in his detractor's minds since their judgments to this point have relied almost exclusively on circumstantial evidence.
    One final point: I doubt that my observations will be lost on the more thoughtful folks here, but that doesn't matter. I'm not doing this for Steve Hoffman or any personal gratification, nor because I find your remarks beneath contempt. My response to your posts are intended as a referendum on anonymous character assassination in general. I hope that some will take my remarks in that spirit even if disagreeing with my overall assessment.
    Regards,
    AuPh
    
    Edits: 11/04/09
    - RE: It isn't my job to act as a liaison between you and Steve Hoffman, but your repetition of libelous innuendo ... - astralnavigator 19:13:39 11/04/09 (5)
      "You, sir, are a coward and a troll. You apparently lack the guts to publish your own name and provide proof that your posted assertions have any merit while challenging a man's character and demanding that he sink to your level. "
      
      Oh, just fuck off. You're now just sounding like one of those Hoffmanites. This is just absolute drivel.
      
      Just like those psychopaths, I did nothing at all to attack your character - not one iota - and yet you cvall me a coward and a troll.
      
      That's exactly what Moonies do.
      
      That rubbish about "contractually limited" is exactly the tripe he uses on his board as deflection. You've bought in - hook, line and sinker. I haven't either the qualification or the patience to attempt to deprogram the brainwashed.
      - "I did nothing at all to attack your character - not one iota - and yet you cvall me a coward and a troll." - Really??? - Audiophilander 00:19:36 11/05/09 (4)
        
        In Reply to: RE: It isn't my job to act as a liaison between you and Steve Hoffman, but your repetition of libelous innuendo ... posted by astralnavigator on November 04, 2009 at 19:13:39
        
        Have I even responded to one of your posts directly? Maybe you're just confused; you should reconsider pointing personal invective in my direction at least until I respond to one of your posts in the manner you've indicated. My comments have ALL been directed squarely to LWR, who started this thread and has ratcheted up the animus to libelous proportions.
        
        BTW, my position on Steve Hoffman's site is as I stated earlier (linked below). Sorry, to dissuade you of your beliefs that I'm one of the Hoffman regulars, but in the eight years that I've been registered over there I've posted under a thousand posts total (some folks over there do that in a couple of months). I've also had some strong disagreements with his forum policies over the years and even run afoul of the "Gorts" on occasion.
        
        AuPh
        Read the second paragraph; I stand behind it... (Open in New Window)
        
        RE: "I did nothing at all to attack your character - not one iota - and yet you cvall me a coward and a troll." - Really - astralnavigator 06:57:14 11/05/09 (3)
        
        In Reply to: RE: "I did nothing at all to attack your character - not one iota - and yet you cvall me a coward and a troll." - Really??? posted by Audiophilander on November 05, 2009 at 00:19:36
        
        Fair enough. I did think you were responding to me, perhaps through LWR.
        
        Just to be clear, personally, I care relatively little about the stories on Hoffman's sticky fingers.
        
        I do care more about how his conduct and that he condones and encourages from his followers damages the cause of high quality music reproduction.
        
        As I said, Hoffman is the master of 'Chinese Whispers' - a subtle comment well placed and then running to hide behind "sorry, can't talk as I'm an industry insider", or allowing his minions and wife to do the dirty work - which is cowardly, and makes Hoffman a base wimp to me.
        
        Allowing other highly respected industry figures, who have done more for music that Hoffman ever could, to be denigrated, abused, have false information posted on, and generally thrown under the bus, yet being hyper agressive in containing and controlling his own 'reputation', is the way a wimp operates. To me, Hoffman is a snake in the grass in the music industry.
        
        I'm not a public figure. I don't make any money from any of my activities in audio. I'm a customer, including of companies Hoffman works for. On the other hand, Hoffman IS a public figure by his own choice, and DOES profit handsomely from his activities. That is a very big distinction you fail to appreciate.
        
        Enough said on Hoffman. Where there's smoke there's fire, and his actions on his board clearly demonstrate that he has things to hide under that mullet.
        
        You say LWR (and I suppose me too) is a coward for posting "libelous" comments here (although you can't demonstrate that they are, and indeed, there comments are widely posted across the internet with no legal action from Hoffman at all).
        
        With respect, my position is that even ignoring allegations about his past and purely on his conduct currently, it is Hoffman who is the coward.
        
        Thank you for conceding that point; I wasn't directing any accusations at you through innuendo. - Audiophilander 13:59:55 11/05/09 (2)
        
        In Reply to: RE: "I did nothing at all to attack your character - not one iota - and yet you cvall me a coward and a troll." - Really posted by astralnavigator on November 05, 2009 at 06:57:14
        
        > > > "Fair enough. I did think you were responding to me, perhaps through LWR." < < <
        
        Sorry for the confusion; when I confront someone over their behavior, I'm direct; I may use sarcasm, but rarely innuendo.
        
        While I have reservations about your assessment of Steve Hoffman, you don't seem to have a pattern of fueling the flames; LWR does have issues, but those are usually relegated to the Outside board. BTW, I'm all in favor of discussing the merits of AF releases that are remastered by Steve Hoffman and/or his associates; the more information available to consumers, the better.
        
        Calling Steve Hoffman "mulletman" may be rude, but it isn't an unfounded accusation based upon the photographs I've seen (at least until he switches hairstyles or starts wearing a toupee). LWR directly called Steve Hoffman a thief; that's Libelous since he can't back it up. If folks choose to believe that Steve Hoffman is dishonest, that's their prerogative, but stating someone is guilty of thievery in a public forum without incontrovertible evidence to back it up is ethically wrong.
        
        Whether folks agree with his forum policies or not, the Steve Hoffman's board has been fairly consistent from Day 1 in the treatment of folks registered there. FTR, I don't like all of the forum policies over there either, but since he does maintain the site and does allow relatively unfettered discussions which provides useful news I'm OK with it; YMMV.
        
        I do not agree with the premise that where there's smoke there's fire, because occasionally what appears to be a four alarm blaze is only smoke and mirrors! And then there are folks like LWR who like to blow smoke and yell fire in a crowded theater just to watch folks trip over themselves on the way to the exit!
        
        Cheers,
        AuPh
        
        RE: Thank you for conceding that point; I wasn't directing any accusations at you through innuendo. - astralnavigator 15:58:16 11/05/09 (1)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Thank you for conceding that point; I wasn't directing any accusations at you through innuendo. posted by Audiophilander on November 05, 2009 at 13:59:55
        
        No worries, I try not to fan the flames overtly.
        Now I return to my 40th aniversary remixes of King Crimson listening. Bet those will drive some folks, somewhere else, just nuts.
        
        Edits: 11/05/09
        
        I bought those as well (RED & ITCOTCK), mostly for the rare video, but the surround mixes are quite nice. (nt) - Audiophilander 22:01:09 11/05/09 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Thank you for conceding that point; I wasn't directing any accusations at you through innuendo. posted by astralnavigator on November 05, 2009 at 15:58:16
        
        :O)
    - Boo hoo - LWR 17:11:17 11/04/09 (0)
      are you out of sleeves or hearts yet? Nothing is changed. You feel better for venting and I fart in your general direction. In other words hotshot, your opinion here or elsewhere means nothing.
      I do what I do and Hoffman can come after me or continue hiding from the many fingers pointed his way and a few ...like mine...not pointed but raised upwards, whicjh leaves my other one raised to you.
      Hoffman is a thief.
      Steve, you out there? Come play with us.
  - And for the record - LWR 12:19:17 11/04/09 (6)
    Never have been to his site. Never been kicked off of it.
    - "Never have been to his site. Never been kicked off of it." - Really? - Audiophilander 17:26:14 11/04/09 (5)
      I suspect that you aren't stating the whole truth here! In fact, you've provided evidence of this apparent dishonesty even in your own thread:
      
      > > > "but I always detected a odor coming from projects he was involved with. This sort of screwing of the artist, or robbing of the graves in this case, should be widely publicized and made well known." < < <
      
      How would you know what projects he's currently involved with if you don't visit his site occasionally?
      
      Let me guess: Are you going to now claim that you keep current on Steve's projects via osmosis or do you have a group of recovering Steve Hoffman Board addicts who send you emails updating you on his activities as part of their therapy? ;O)
      
      Of course, how thoughtless of me! You're a paparazzi and an industry guru, right?
      
      Regards,
      AuPh
      - You are such a dumb shit - LWR 17:31:53 11/04/09 (4)
        
        In Reply to: RE: "Never have been to his site. Never been kicked off of it." - Really? posted by Audiophilander on November 04, 2009 at 17:26:14
        
        I read trade press and music magazines and reviews dumbo. I collect music.
        You done yet?
        
        And... - LWR 17:34:34 11/04/09 (3)
        
        In Reply to: RE: You are such a dumb shit posted by LWR on November 04, 2009 at 17:31:53
        
        if his site is scrubbed constantly as I read here after my first post, how would you explain my having gained the knowledge from there? You sure did not think that thru did you Sherlock?
        
        "if his site is scrubbed constantly ... how would you explain my having gained the knowledge from there?" - Audiophilander 23:59:44 11/04/09 (2)
        
        In Reply to: RE: And... posted by LWR on November 04, 2009 at 17:34:34
        
        The promotion for his mastering projects isn't scrubbed constantly and his site has moderation that is fairly consistent. FTR, so far I've seen very little in the way of knowledge from you. Note: Some folks don't like the moderation at his forums and gripe about it on other sites, but I suspect that you're more familiar with his site and policies than you've led folks here to believe.
        
        > > > "You sure did not think that thru did you Sherlock?" < < <
        
        It's elementary, my dear Watson! Not only did I think it through, I caught an obnoxious troll in his own troll lines. Here's why:
        
        Your comment...
        
        > > > "I always detected a odor coming from projects he was involved with. This sort of screwing of the artist, or robbing of the graves in this case, should be widely publicized and made well known. These types are ghouls and any financial gains should be taken and given to the artist or the estates...." < < <
        
        You're just making one assumption after another based on second hand information and then jumping to the conclusion that Steve Hoffman should be called a grave robber and exposed as a criminal.
        
        If you detected any "odor" while investigating the man's projects I seriously doubt that it came from the trade press or music magazines. Claim that if you wish, but it won't pass the smell test either. Trade and music zines tend to be information dumps, and the music industry isn't high-profile enough these days to be good fodder for the gossip magazines. Note: As I understand it, your favorite, Weekly World News, is no longer even being published.
        
        Maybe your "vast" knowledge of Steve Hoffman's projects came from the exuberant promotion (some might say over-promotion), that originates from fans of his work at his site or maybe it was just a by-product of your unwashed laundry and a vivid imagination.
        
        BTW, the fact that you're telling us that you collect music doesn't mean didly squat in respect to the opinions you've expressed about Steve Hoffman's projects or accusation of criminality. You are certainly entitled to an informed opinion, but so for the informed part is getting short shrift.
        
        > > > "Hoffman is a thief." < < <
        
        You've made the claim that Hoffman is a thief; that is a VERY serious allegation that should be backed-up with evidence rather than being pulled out of your back pocket; otherwise it's just libelous tough talk from someone too cowardly to post their own name while making the accusation.
        
        I'm obviously not opposed to monikers, but some folks apparently like to abuse the Constitutional protections afforded free speech by hiding behind their anonymity and yelling fire in a crowded theater. You don't seem to care how much damage you do to the public reputation of your target as long as you're allowed to post your sewage here without penalty. I guess it provides you the momentary gratification of thinking that you're winning the LOUDNESS war (not music, but trash-talk).
        
        Regards,
        AuPh
        
        New shirt, same bleeding heart - LWR 06:14:49 11/05/09 (1)
        
        In Reply to: RE: "if his site is scrubbed constantly ... how would you explain my having gained the knowledge from there?" posted by Audiophilander on November 04, 2009 at 23:59:44
        
        So, here is the deal. I believe he is a thief of others porperty. Period. You do not like the fact that I say that about someone whose site you post at about10 times each month (1000 times/8 years) I am certain you hang there more than that.
        I have no ability to prove I have not been there, can't prove a negative can we?
        However I have not because of one big reason, I don't give a rat's ass about his self serving web site and now that I know you hang out there I know why my gut feeling worked.
        You can hve the last word because this has gotten old and I do not care what you think.
        Meanwhile you may be interested in this, since you like picking them.
        
        Edits: 11/05/09
        
        He's drank the Steve Hoffman Kool Aid. It was Cherry flavored. - tnelson 07:21:57 11/05/09 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: New shirt, same bleeding heart posted by LWR on November 05, 2009 at 06:14:49
        
        What we have here in Audiophilander is a rah rah rah Steve Hoffman fan club member. This isn't the first time that I've heard of the master reel theivery and I'm not even in that industry. Truth be damned. One drink of the Kool Aid and it is all over.
There's an, umm, "interesting" forum where this stuff is discussed - andy_c 15:00:12 11/03/09 (0)
I do not necessarily condone this, but I'm just saying...
- Here it is (Open in New Window)
You just got the tip of the iceberg... - astralnavigator 09:20:34 11/03/09 (13)
That's just a small part of the story that involves FBI raids and a permanent ban from ever getting near any Universal/MCA tapes.

To say that this guy has some baggage is an understatement.

A lot of the dirt was for awhile on his Wikipedia page, but his minions absolutely waged war against Wikipedia to get all of it taken down, and eventually Wikipedia threw their hands up, sanitized the page, and closed it to alteration. That's how this guy operates.

A lot of other reissue companies are pretty pissed, saying that he has hurt all of them in getting rights to master tapes from many companies.

On the other hand, he has created a very powerful marketing persona through his incessant self-promotion, so there are plenty of reissue labels that want his name attached so they can tap into his followers.
- AF just released Skynyrd's Second Helping - DAT 11:01:34 11/03/09 (2)
  which is an MCA owned album. This is the first I'd ever heard of these allegations, which, if true, is very sad.
  
  Hoffman's "From the Original Master Tapes" is still an amazing sounding disc even after all these years.
  - RE: AF just released Skynyrd's Second Helping - astralnavigator 11:16:53 11/03/09 (1)
    The Skynard was remastered by Kevin Grey due to Hoffman's ban at Universal/MCA.
    - which they screwed up - jimmyjames 02:17:31 11/05/09 (0)
      see link
      
      "E pur si muove...And yet it moves"
      http://www.audiofidelity.net/content/audio-fidelity-remaster (Open in New Window)
- Funny that I knew none of this until now - LWR 09:28:57 11/03/09 (9)
  but I always detected a odor coming from projects he was involved with. This sort of screwing of the artist, or robbing of the graves in this case, should be widely publicized and made well known.
  These types are ghouls and any financial gains should be taken and given to the artist or the estates....
  - "but I always detected a odor coming from projects he was involved with" - Metralla 14:24:42 11/03/09 (6)
    I don't believe you.
    I also did not know the information you supplied in your opening gambit.
    
    Regards,
    Geoff
    
    Edits: 11/03/09
    - You have every right not to believe me - LWR 14:34:10 11/03/09 (5)
      I have every right not to give much of a shit.
      - Sorry - Metralla 17:52:54 11/03/09 (1)
        
        In Reply to: RE: You have every right not to believe me posted by LWR on November 03, 2009 at 14:34:10
        
        I did not mean that as an insult.
        
        Regards,
        Geoff
        
        Forgiven - LWR 18:11:59 11/03/09 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Sorry posted by Metralla on November 03, 2009 at 17:52:54
        
        You may want to ask him about it to his face. See what happens.
      - RE: You have every right not to believe me - astralnavigator 15:43:41 11/03/09 (2)
        
        In Reply to: RE: You have every right not to believe me posted by LWR on November 03, 2009 at 14:34:10
        
        He's one of the lead minions. Expect worse. Remember the Moonies?
        
        You don't know me mate - Metralla 17:50:18 11/03/09 (1)
        
        In Reply to: RE: You have every right not to believe me posted by astralnavigator on November 03, 2009 at 15:43:41
        
        Don't be silly. I simply post there and I have met Steve Hoffman on a few occasions. If you want to continue with a reasonable dialogue, I'm ready. LWR has posted something I'm unaware of - you also seem to have some background information. Let's treat each other with respect.
        
        Regards,
        Geoff
        
        RE: You don't know me mate - astralnavigator 18:07:45 11/03/09 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: You don't know me mate posted by Metralla on November 03, 2009 at 17:50:18
        
        Happy to do so, but you sure did come across badly in response to LWR.
        
        Anyways, the facts on Hoffman are very well known, although you won't find them on his board - even a whiff results in a swift, permanent ban and removal of postings.
        
        Sadly, he was fired from MCA due to the removal of Buddy Holly tapes among others, and there was a subsequent FBI raid on him to recover same. There were allegations that Ray Charles masters were cut and parts replaced. There is more, and let's just say that this is a person who has a reputation for sticky fingers. Universal/MCA won't let him near a master - hence Kevin Grey doing Skynard, and his removal from the AP Impulse 45 series. I'm surprised he is starting to get access to some Sony titles, I was told in the industry that he was barred there too, but I suspect massive layoffs may have caused that to be forgotten.
        
        It's a shame, more for the other companies attempting to license masters for audiophile work who have to now go through hoops due to paranoia over tapes going missing.
        
        It's also a shame becuase he can often be a good mastering engineer, but I have to admit that the conduct he condones and encourages on his board and a lot of outright tall tales are real impediments to respecting him.
  - RE: Funny that I knew none of this until now - astralnavigator 09:50:17 11/03/09 (1)
    I think the Ray Charles estate would agree with you. That's another story that has been swept under the rub.
    
    Edits: 11/03/09
    - It seems to stretch all the way back - LWR 10:08:07 11/03/09 (0)
      to the dawn of recording history. Black artists mostly getting screwed out of royalties. Producers adding their name to the publishing (where the money is), crafting contracts so that studio hours and fees and a zillion other expenses and overheads are never covered by any sales. I think this reached it's apogee in the 40s and 50s especially with the black Doo-Wop and R&B artists probably getting the largest collective bone up the rear of any genre of artist or musicians before or since.
      It makes the heartbreaking vocals of Doo-Wop, which I grew up on, even more heartbreaking.

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