Reverend and the Makers frontman Jon McClure on Tuesday has hit back on singer Lilly Allen’s rant about the proliferation of illegal file-sharing websites, saying that “it is her who is taking away money from the kids”.
McClure, who is the vocalist of a popular indie rock act, said that Allen’s tirade on peer-to-peer file-sharing website is all but publicity make her name standout over other artists in the UK music scene.
“It’s a crying shame that it’s only kids stealing music on the internet that kind of brings these people out,” the vocalist said, pointing to Allen and her supporters.
The frontman also stressed that these illegal downloads are “a fact of life” and that Allen, Take That member Gary Barlow, and singer James Blunt were the ones who are insulting the kids who just wanted to listen to good music.
“It is a fact of life and Allen, Gary, and Blunt should accept it,” McClure said.
He added that massive support from people who are frequently downloading music to these file-sharing websites only shows that it is here to stay.
“Allen and Take That’s Gary Barlow are the ones taking away money from these kids when they are playing in concerts in big stadium, it is just an insult really,” he added.
“It is complete and utter bull$%!&. They are not even in the position to lecture these kids about stealing their music,” McClure said.
“There are issues far more important and if they want to save the world, start with that. Musicians have to let people hear their music for free, in actual fact,” the frontman added.
He stressed the definition of Rock ‘n Roll, saying that the spirit of this music leans toward rebellion.
“So, how can you say to the kids don’t do that?” McClure pointed.