There’s some buzz going around that Arctic Monkeys, among other Brit celebs, have allegedly been involved in a controversial tax evasion scheme. According to the Times, “George Michael, four members of Arctic Monkeys, Sir Michael Caine … are among more than 1,600 people who tried to shelter £1.2 billion through one of Britain’s most aggressive tax avoidance schemes” called the “Liberty” scheme. Oops.
Alex Turner and the rest of the band have thus far declined comment and it remains to be seen whether the lads were aware of Liberty’s shaky legality or not. What does this mean for the band? I don’t know, honestly. But seeing as Turner takes much of his songwriting inspiration from real life, maybe we can expect some future songs dealing with corruption, greed, “damn the man” themes?
Here are some songs about money — having money, lack of money, having money taken away — to help get inspired.
The Beatles – Taxman
If you drive a car, I’ll tax the street
If you try to sit, I’ll tax your seat
If you get too cold I’ll tax the heat
If you take a walk, I’ll tax your feet
The Kinks – Sunny Afternoon
The tax man’s taken all my dough,
And left me in my stately home,
Lazing on a sunny afternoon.
And I can’t sail my yacht,
He’s taken everything I’ve got,
All I’ve got’s this sunny afternoon.
Supergrass – In it for the Money
We’re in it for the money…
Radiohead – Dollars and Cents
We are the dollars and cents and the pounds and pence
And the pounds and pence
We’re gonna crack your little souls
Dire Straits – Money for Nothing
Now that ain’t workin’ that’s the way you do it
You play the guitar on the MTV
That ain’t workin’ that’s the way you do it
Money for nothin’ and your chicks for free
