Word In Your Ear Van Morrison’s agent writes crime fiction as the music business sleeps
Apr 29, 2026
Paul Charles, longtime music agent for Tom Waits and Van Morrison and author of the Max McCusker mysteries. He recalls first hearing the Beatles, meeting Tom Waits in Tower Records, watching how bands take the stage, why touring rules artists’ lives, rising ticket prices and dynamic pricing, and how he balances managing acts with writing crime novels set in Portstewart.
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How A Tower Records Encounter Won Tom Waits
- Paul Charles met Tom Waits by chance in Tower Records on Sunset Boulevard and struck up a conversation that led to becoming his agent.
- He had been trying for years to reach Tom through managers and lawyers before that spontaneous meeting resulted in four cups of tea and a long partnership.
A 60s Prog Song Got Reborn With Norah Jones
- A Frupp track Paul co-wrote, originally Sheba's Song, was retitled Soon the New Day and recorded with Norah Jones on vocals for a later project, giving the song a second life.
- Warner Bros traced Paul's old credits, contacted him, and properly credited and paid him for the use.
Touring Replaced Royalties As Artists' Main Income
- Touring has become the primary income source because recorded-music royalties have collapsed, making live shows essential for artists' livelihoods.
- Paul notes heritage acts now earn serious money touring, so agents focus more on keeping date books full than persuading artists to play.
