Following on from the post about music’s most controversial onstage moments of the last 20 years, here are that period’s ten most controversial offstage moments, plus five equally outrageous ones from before 1990. There’s even a runner-up… what can I say, musicians and controversy go hand in hand.

Radiohead release “In Rainbows” [2007]

One of the world’s biggest and most revered bands, Radiohead sent shockwaves through the music industry when they released their seventh album online, for whatever price the purchaser wished to pay. This unconventional sales strategy did the band no harm, with the album reaching #1 in the US, UK, Canada, France and Ireland.

Britney Spears gives us a piece of her [2007]

Prompted by a substance abuse problem, the death of her aunt and her divorce from babydaddy Kevin Federline, Spears embarked on a public cycle of self-destruction which included shaving her own head, attacking a paparazzi photographer with an umbrella and several stints in rehab. 2008 saw the massive commercial success of her “Circus” album and, fortunately, a return to stability.

Phil Spector’s murder charge [2003 - 2009]

On 3 February 2003, legendary music producer and Wall of Sound inventor Phil Spector was arrested on suspicion of murdering actress Lana Clarkson in her Hollywood home. Spector was subsequently found guilty of second-degree murder, with his court appearances as infamous for his assortment of bizarre wigs as for their shocking subject matter.

George Michael’s bathroom incident [2003]

Former Wham! teen idol and now successful solo artist Michael was arrested by an undercover police officer for “engaging in a lewd act” in a Los Angeles public bathroom. Michael, who following the incident confirmed long-held public speculation that he was gay, later stated that he openly met men for anonymous sex with the blessing of his partner, Kenny Goss. In 2006, he was again accused of publicly engaging in sex acts.

Gary Glitter’s child sex and pornography charges [1997 – 2009]

The glam-rocker was arrested in 1997 for possession of child pornography and again in 1999, at which time he was also charged with having sexual relations with an underage girl. After being charged with committing obscene acts with two more girls [aged 11 and 12], Glitter was jailed in 2006 despite his continuing denial of any wrongdoing, claiming that he was being framed by the British press.

Michael Jackson’s child sex allegations [1993, 2003]

Jackson was accused by Evan Chandler of molesting Chandler’s 13-year-old son, Jordan, at the Neverland ranch. Jackson was again accused of sexual abuse in 2003, this time by 13-year-old Gavin Arvizo. A five-month trial followed, which resulted in Jackson being acquitted on all counts, but his public image never recovered.

Andrew WK admits to being a marketing creation [2009]

Famous for his image as a party-hard nice guy [albeit with a face covered in blood], WK announced onstage that the truth was far more complex: not only was that image dreamed up by a committee including his father and several associates, but he was in fact the second person to play the role, the first presumably having cruised some time after WK’s 2001 debut “I Get Wet”.

Marilyn Manson – selected moments [late 1990s – early 2000s]

The man formerly known as Brian Warner has been embroiled in so much offstage controversy that it’s hard to choose just one incident. Allegations that his music was somehow responsible for the Columbine massacre? Or that he purchased Nazi memorabilia and masks made of human skin? Appearing on the cover of “Mechanical Animals” with breasts and sans male genitalia? How about his ongoing – and untrue – claims to journalists that he had had ribs removed in order to be able to fellate himself? See, I told you it was impossible to choose.

Judas Priest accused of inciting suicide [1990]

British heavy-metal mainstays Judas Priest were the subject of civil action by the parents of James Vance and Raymond Belknap, who accused the band’s song “Better By You, Better Than Me” of containing the subliminal message ‘do it’, which had encouraged Belknap to commit suicide and Vance to attempt it. The action was dismissed, with Priest frontman Rob Halford saying that if the band was going to include a subliminal message in its music, it would be ‘buy more of our records.’

Lady Gaga – is she actually a lady? [2009]

Not according to a picture taken at one of Gaga’s concerts in England, in which she appeared to reveal male genitalia whilst dressed in a skimpy red undergarment. While she has allegedly admitted in the past to possessing both male and female sexual organs, the source of those allegations was questionable to say the least and the debate soon died down.

And we even have a runner-up, which I couldn’t make this post without mentioning:

Metallica Good, Napster Bad [2000-2001]

The heavy-metal gods took on Boston college student Shawn Fanning and his file-sharing site, eventually winning the battle to have it shut down in July 2001. In other news, beer and money continue to be good, fire and grab-asses continue to be bad, Metallica’s post-2000 output continues to be ehh.

By: Heather Fuhrer

And, as promised, here are five pre-1980 incidents that make Britney look positively amateurish…

Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” video

Keith Moon redefines the term “car pool”

Robert Johnson sells his soul to the devil

John Lennon says Beatles are ‘bigger than Jesus’

Jerry Lee Lewis marries his 13-year-old cousin