Anyways, of the many theories regarding the origin of "face the music", I find this one most plausible. It's The Hindu (Indian newspaper) theory (August 30, 2004): "According to some scholars, it comes from a practice that was common in the British military. When an officer was court-martialed, the charges against him were read out for all to hear. The man was made to stand in front of the military band and while the charges were being read out, drummers used to tap their drums. Since the prisoner was facing the band and the drums were being played, he was literally ‘facing the music'. This practice of tapping the drums while the charges were read out gave rise to another expression as well – 'drummed up charges'."

Drummed up charges, by the way, means exaggerated or invented accusations of crime.

Finally, is "face the music" a common expression?

Yes it is, and very much so, as demonstrated by these headlines in the past months:

1. John Cuthbert: Water chief must face the music on prices as costs rise (The Independent, 21 June 2008).

2. Dr. Death decides to face the music in Australia (News-Medical.Net, June 26, 2008).

3.Croatia coach Bilic forced to face the music (Bangkok Post, June 22, 2008).

4. Copyright tough guys, Tories face the music for using song (Canada.com, February 22, 2008).

5. South Korea should face the music for funding terrorists (LA Daily News, September 11, 2007).

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