Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

LA Gets Ready for Next Media Circus

This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.

It's been far too long since Angelenos have been able to enjoy a proper media circus, and thats why starting March 19th, the Phil Spector murder trial is set to begin, televised for our viewing pleasure. After months of postponements and more than four years after actress Lana Clarkson was found dead from a gunshot wound in his Alhambra mansion, Spector will finally have his day in court.

The sixty-six year old Spector achieved success in the sixties with a string of girl-group hits and later went on to produce songs for The Beatles and The Ramones. Famous for his "Wall of Sound", Spector recently got a loving tribute to it on the song "A Great Big Sled".

Is it ironic thatThe Killers sing it?

Spector's hairdo isn't the most eccentric thing about him. Spector has admitted to being bi-polar and has been known for his incredibly dangerous gunplay. One rumor is that he had a gun pointed at Dee Dee Ramone in the studio so he would play the opening chords of "Rock n Roll High School" to Spector's specific requirements. There's no telling how this trial might pan out -- Spector's already been through four attorneys, one of whom is Robert Shapiro, of OJ fame. Currently, Spector is suing Shapiro for refusing to return his one million dollar retainer.

Having never spent a day in jail, the well-known recluse will have to leave his faux-castle home and venture to the mean streets of the downtown LA courthouse. It's been said that Spector is the only Hollywood personality whose bodyguards are around to protect other people from him, instead of the other way around and it seems he will most definitely be an entertaining defendant to watch.

Photo by elkit

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.

Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.

If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.

Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today