John Hug Jon Hug Con artist, pathological liar Los Angeles, California

2nd of Sep, 2011 by User438974

After reading the other reports about John Hug, and his rebuttal, I also have to put in a few words. I've known John for over 30 years. He was, and may still be, a very talented guitarist and arranger. He was married and has a daughter as well as a step daughter. His wife did tragically pass away sometime around 2001-2002. He did work with many major recording artists, producers, record and film companies. That is all true. He was also an occasional employer, someone I had respect for as an artist and someone I considered a friend. I have been a guest in his home. At one time many years ago I heard a story about John borrowing a vintage Les Paul guitar and never returning it. I could not believe it and defended him with zeal thinking the story an exaggeration. Unfortunately, I would later find out that this story was more than likely true. I also loaned him an instrument, amplifier, recording equipment and cash. I consider myself lucky. Eventually most of what he borrowed from me and one item he borrowed from another victim were returned. That said, this happened only after dozens of phone calls, emails and offering him a pass on a $1,250. loan I had made to him. Despite promise after sob story promise, he has yet to return 2 condenser microphones, nor did he offer to replace a lost power supply from a mic preamplifier I had loaned him. I can only assume he sold, pawned or traded them for something. I have two other friends who both loaned him instruments that are still gone after 7+ years. During this whole time, I have concluded that John is not only a talented musician, but a first rate con artist who seems to have no problem exploiting personal tragedy for personal gain. I've heard tales of John "borrowing" money, musical instruments, labor, microphones and outboard equipment then disappearing with the loot from more people than I can count on one hand. Many of them at one time considered him a friend. It is a sad tale, but a person can only take being lied to and manipulated for so long before having to take a hard line and tell the truth. Last time I spoke with John was in 2005 or 2006. In our last conversation I told him that after he returns all of the items he "borrowed" from both myself and my other associates I might consider speaking with him again. I have never heard another word, nor have the other victims, but obviously, considering his defensive rebuttal to accusations against him, John has not changed his ways. Like an earlier report said, if you loaned it to John, it's not technically stealing. So I will just offer some friendly advice. Unless it is something you never want to see again, do not loan John money, musical instruments or other equipment. I personally would not work for him as a musician or recording engineer without being paid in cash up front and would not let him out of my sight if he were in a music studio. If by some miracle of chance and redemption John returns all of the items (or reimbursements satisfactory to myself and the two other victims I know), I will be more than happy to write an update stating that he is making a solid attempt to redeem himself. Until then, take anything he says with a large handful of salt.

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