Industry 'Honors' Capitol CEO Jason Flom May 22, 2008
FLOM
By Chris M. Walsh, N.Y.
The music industry's "honoring" of Capitol Music Group chairman and CEO Jason Flom last night (May 21) can probably best be summed up with a line from singer/songwriter Jewel, whose heartfelt sentiments were obvious: "You suck so badly at your job people pay you to go away."
Sucking at his job and being fired often were just a few of the many recurring themes of the event -- a fund-raiser at Tavern on the Green in Manhattan for The City of Hope cancer research and treatment center. Other themes of the evening included being "uncommonly lucky" in his career, an "absent executive who can usually be found in Aspen or on the golf course," "selfish," known for “screwing artists" and "ugly."
The event kicked off with a hilarious video hosted by Steve Kroft of '60 Minutes.' The video showed artists and industry heavyweights weighing in on Flom, touching on all the recurring themes of the night. Appearances included Jewel, Kid Rock, Edwin McCain, Sebastian Bach of Skid Row, Sugar Ray's Mark McGrath and comedian Billy Crystal, along with such industry executives as Universal Music Group chief Doug Morris, manager Irving Azoff and Warner Music Group chairman and CEO Lyor Cohen. The video closed with a serious message from former President Bill Clinton, who praised Flom for his support of The City of Hope.
The occasion's emcee, "roastmaster" and comedian Jeffrey Ross, had the crowd in his hands with one-liner after one-liner. Ross ensured that Flom, who was perched on a king-like chair and chomping on a cigar in front of the 200-strong industry crowd, never got comfortable.
"It's appropriate your name is Jason," quipped Ross. "Your face would look better behind a fucking hockey mask. You've gotten uglier since the night started."
Beyond the video and Ross' constant harassment, Flom graciously sat through a grueling hour of relentless personal and professional attacks from his roasters, who also included Epic Records president Charlie Walk, rapper Fat Joe and Twisted Sister's Dee Snider.
Additionally, the night featured a performance from singer/songwriter Jill Sobule, who Flom signed and dropped from Lava Records; a point that Sobule pointed out prior to her performance.
The festivities wrapped with Flom being presented The City of Hope's Ambassador Award from RCA Music Group VP of promotion Richard Palmese -- but not before he had a chance to defend himself against his "friends."
"Jeffrey Ross, what can I say about Jeffrey Ross? Thanks for coming tonight," Flom said. "I know you had to cancel a gig at the Chuckles Hut in Schenectady to be here."
The City of Hope is a leading Southern California biomedical research and treatment center, and hospital for cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The night's event raised more than $300,000.
Share
Share on LinkedIn
