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...Rocked the World

Stuart Maconie returns with the series highlighting some of the most influential days in the history of rock.

5/7. Alan Freed: Payola Scandal

Widely credited with coining the phrase 'rock and roll', American DJ Alan Freed became infamous in the 1950s for emceeing what is believed to be the first ever rock concert. At his Moondog Coronation Ball, upwards of 20,000 fans crashed the gates, causing rock's first riot and the dance to be cancelled.

With his career blossoming, claims that he accepted payments from records companies in exchange for airplay (in what came to be known as the Payola scandal) meant he was blackballed within the business. Despite claiming that the money was simply a token of gratitude which had not affected airplay, Freed pleaded guilty to two counts of commercial bribery and was fined $300.

Eventually fired from his job and with the realisation that his dream of returning to New York radio was just that, a dream, he turned to drink. His career and personal life left in tatters Freed died a broken, penniless man in 1965 aged just 43.