Paul Green resigns from national music tours following allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior.
In a significant shift for the Paul Green Rock Academy, founder Paul Green will not accompany students on their upcoming national tour scheduled for this summer. This decision follows serious allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior against Green, raised by former students. A spokesperson for the academy noted that leadership for the annual student performances, set to commence on July 5, has been transferred to Scott Thunes, the assistant musical director and a former bassist for Frank Zappa’s band.
The tour will feature eight shows across U.S. cities and additional performances in Europe. With this realignment, Green’s name will no longer be associated with the tours, which represent a key highlight of the academy’s annual programming. Thunes will now present the tour under the title “Thunes Institute for Musical Excellence,” a move aimed at refocusing attention on the students and their achievements rather than the controversies surrounding Green.
The decision to alter the tour leadership underscores the academy’s commitment to creating a positive environment centered on the talents and hard work of its students. The spokesperson emphasized that the initiative was taken to prevent any distractions or negative attention that might detract from the students’ performances.
Paul Green initially established his music program in South Philadelphia in the 1990s, originally calling it The Paul Green School of Rock Music. He sold the brand in 2009 but has since continued to lead his academy, which currently operates three locations, including schools in Connecticut and the San Francisco Bay Area. Although he will not be participating in the tour, Green remains an active figure within the franchise.
The controversy surrounding Green intensified following a detailed investigative article published recently in the digital magazine Air Mail. In this report, former students and staff members accused Green of frequently abusing his position and engaging in inappropriate behaviors. Accounts from over 60 individuals revealed a range of alleged misconduct, including invasive questioning about students’ personal lives and pressuring them into unwanted physical interactions.
While some alumni have praised Green, several have reported experiences of volatility and inappropriate behavior, which raised concerns regarding the power dynamics within the educational environment. Reports also indicated that Green owned a residence in suburban New York where drug use purportedly occurred among students.
This year’s tour, for which nearly all students from the Philadelphia location will participate, aims to spotlight the immense talent and dedication of the academy’s young musicians. Thunes, who has previously toured with students, has been characterized by academy representatives as exceptionally capable for this leadership role. The upcoming performances are anticipated to be both memorable and instrumental in fostering a supportive and creative environment for all participants.
