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The Reverend slams Lily Allen on file-sharing debate Reverend And The Makers Tickets

Frontman says 'Don't lecture the kids'

Reverend And The Makers singer Jon McClure has rejoined the debate on illegal file-sharing, speaking out against the likes of Lily Allen and Take That.

Saying that there are far more important issues going on in the world today, the singer weighed in on the high-profile musicians who have been commenting on the hot topic.

"It's complete and utter bullshit because I don't see how millionaire rock stars are in any position to be lecturing kids on stealing their music," he told the Press Association. "I think downloading music is a fact of life, and I think the people that are supporting this (campaign against file-sharing), like Take That and Lily Allen, that take the money from the kids when they're playing in stadiums, it's just an insult really."

Earlier this month Lily Allen called upon artists to back her campaign against illegal file-sharing, with members of Radiohead and Take That coming out in support.

McClure added: "If they really want to save the world, or whatever, there are issues that are far more important. It's a crying shame that it's only kids stealing music on the internet that kind of brings these people out.

"The bankers are taking the Michael, the MPs are taking the mick, Afghanistan, Iraq, melting of the Earth, you know what I'm saying. It's a sad state of affairs if that's the only thing that gets them excited, if you ask me. Rock and roll is about rebellion innit, so how can you start acting like the people that sit at home and say 'Don't do that kids'?".

Feature - the file-sharing debate: all the key quotes so far

Blog - Why Lily Allen is right about file-sharing

News - Lily Allen challenges Radiohead over illegal file-sharing


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Comments (12)

ifipctoldthetruthforonedayitsworldwouldfallapart 

Sep 30, 2009

Of course illegal file-sharing wouldn't bother the Rev because no-ones interested in getting his music, legally or otherwise.

mr red 

Sep 30, 2009

One thing that Mr McClure clearly doesn't realise that some musicians leave politics for the politicians. I don't think this world could handle anymore bono's on a one man quest to save the world. File sharing is something very serious for small bands of today. if you're signed to an independant label and you haven't got that hit single under your sleeve then you're gonna struggle to meet rent and buy milk. Don't assume if you're in a signed band then its all supermodels, drugs and glitter. So to have people file sharing your music and not coughing up 79p for a track is very sad.

hmmmmm 

Sep 30, 2009

what a fool! this statement just reads as a "look at me, i'm rock and roll and dealing with big world issues".

Golfman 

Sep 30, 2009

I think Jon talks alot of sense and it sounds as though hes not a greedy man/artist. Good on you.

IndieWriter 

Sep 30, 2009

McLure having a go at someone for lecturing the kids... Is that worse than that Sugababe saying she was untalented and slagged people off too much? Lily Allen really draws hate from massive hypocrites doesn't she!

binstig 

Sep 30, 2009

I'm no fan of the Rev's music but he sure has a point. Without illegal file sharing theres no way I would've even heard of Lily Allen until she went to number 1. It would through downloading rough versions of her older songs that I grew to know her (and now hate her). There are much bigger issues out there than to just sit whining from your middle class suburban house. Bitch.

prettylush 

Sep 30, 2009

Well said, my thoughts exactly, So many of us don't even have the spare cash to buy these peoples records even if we wanted too. These millionaires should count them self's lucky that people have downloaded the music and like it so much they are willing to shell out £20 on a live ticket! Artists can still make plenty of money from live shows. It's not killing music at all.

stairway2notion 

Sep 30, 2009

Smartest thing you ever did say you crazy bastard. Lily Allen should really get a life and concentrate on making half decent music worth paying for instead of yodelling on about how she can't get laid properly.

NowLetsHaveSomeFun 

Sep 30, 2009

Here we go again, "The Rev" spouting off about issues to keep his name in print.If there are issues which are "far more important", why does he feel the need to comment??!! :o/

orangeiod 

Sep 30, 2009

not always been the biggest fan of his music, but well said rev! good to see not ALL musicians are driven by their pocket.

bradpringle 

Sep 30, 2009

Well done Rev for completely missing the point of her rant, she wasn't complaining for her sake (at least not just her's) but for the smaller bands. Way to get involved on just a quick glance of a headline, now go away.

supertrin 

Sep 30, 2009

Why the f*ck should Music be free? It never has been before and i spent a lot of cash buying several thousand records. Why should people nowadays get it for free? Would you lot go to work for free 3 days of the week because you get paid for the other 2 days? That is what you are basically saying with regards to making money from touring rather than records. F****** morons, music shouldn't be free unless the choice of the artist.

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