How the Paradise Papers reveal the tension between rock stars and taxman

The brightest stars of the musical firmament have battalions of lawyers, managers and accountants to conduct their affairs

“It’s one for you, 19 for me” ran George Harrison’s scabrous jibe at the “Taxman” in 1966, a bitter riposte to the 95% supertax that Prime Minister Harold Wilson’s Labour government had imposed on the very wealthy.

Although top rates of tax are now substantially lower across the developed world (under 50% in the UK and Australia), it’s hardly surprising that the latest international tax avoidance scandal – the Paradise Papers – should feature rock stars in its cast.

The leaked papers reveal Michael Hutchence’s estate tied up in offshore tax havens –