then back, picking up parcels along the way. “I knew it was money. From shady individuals, yes. Sometimes royalty cheques, but they were all made out to Yameta, the offshore account Mike Jeffery set up in the Bahamas.”
The Animals, whom Mike Jeffery managed before Hendrix, were once the UK’s biggest act after the Beatles. They split up in 1966 with just £500 to their name. Their lead singer, Eric Burdon, described that Bahamas account as a “Bermuda Triangle” for their money. Hendrix found the same.
“Mike Jeffery told them that Yameta would be a tax haven for all their money,” says Wright. “But no one got any of it. Jimi died a pauper. The Animals didn’t have a pot to piss in.”
Jeffery may have been more unscrupulous than most, but in any business that runs on cash, the Mob is never far behind. Tours in the US had to contend with Mafia control of trucking, baggage handling and stadium concessions. Managers had to be tough nuts to protect their clients. Jeffery was a short man, not given to overt violence. Yet in his dark glasses and overcoat he exuded menace. He flaunted his connections with organised crime and the FBI.
then back, picking up parcels along the way. “I knew it was money. From shady individuals, yes. Sometimes royalty cheques, but they were all made out to Yameta, the offshore account Mike Jeffery set up in the Bahamas.”
The Animals, whom Mike Jeffery managed before Hendrix, were once the UK’s biggest act after the Beatles. They split up in 1966 with just £500 to their name. Their lead singer, Eric Burdon, described that Bahamas account as a “Bermuda Triangle” for their money. Hendrix found the same.
“Mike Jeffery told them that Yameta would be a tax haven for all their money,” says Wright. “But no one got any of it. Jimi died a pauper. The Animals didn’t have a pot to piss in.”
Jeffery may have been more unscrupulous than most, but in any business that runs on cash, the Mob is never far behind. Tours in the US had to contend with Mafia control of trucking, baggage handling and stadium concessions. Managers had to be tough nuts to protect their clients. Jeffery was a short man, not given to overt violence. Yet in his dark glasses and overcoat he exuded menace. He flaunted his connections with organised crime and the FBI.
But murdering your own star act? Perhaps Jeffery was capable of the deed, but what could the motive
But murdering your own star act? Perhaps Jeffery was capable of the deed, but what could the motive