It has recently been revealed that more than a billion music tracks have been illegally downloaded in the UK throughout this year, according to an industry survey.
The British Phonographic Industry has claimed that 1.2 billion tracks were stolen in 2010, by the 8 million people who download copyrighted music on a regular basis.
BPI chief executive Geoff Taylor says:
“Illegal downloading is a parasite that threatens to deprive a generation of talented young people their chance to make a career in music.
“It’s also holding back investment in the fledgling digital entertainment sector.”
Illegal downloading is something which I have never condoned personally, as I always buy my CDs and MP3s from legal sources. The problem is certainly growing though, and only time will tell how the music industry responds to this very real threat to their livelihoods.
This is a debate which often causes controversy as people will always stick up for the lead guitarist from their favourite band. However, when discussed seriously in rock circles, there is a general consensus about who should be near the top of the list.
We will just consider a few of these here (my top 5), so if you disagree, feel free to comment on who you feel should be at number one.
5) - John Frusciante
4) - Kirk Hammett
3) - Chuck Berry
2) - Jimi Hendrix
1) - Jimmy Page
These guys have made their instruments shout, scream, cry and perform at their optimum, as they sought to find perfection: so on behalf of rockers everywhere - we salute you!
With Christmas Day less than a week away, I thought I would get into the spirit of the festive season by looking at some of the best Christmas rock songs out there.
These tracks certainly prove to rock fans that not all Christmas music is bad.
Here is a look at three of the greatest rock songs with a Christmas theme:
Number 3 - Bruce Springsteen, “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”
This is a Christmas favourite over in the US. It was recorded at a gig in 1975 but released 10 years later as a B-side. You can’t really argue about The Boss being in any list.
Number 2 - John Lennon, “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”
1971 was the year when this anti-war song first came out. The message may now be lost somewhere due to the fact it is often regarded as just a Christmas song.
Number 1 - The Pogues (featuring Kirsty MacColl), “Fairytale of New York”
Ok, this may be more of an Irish folk ballad than a rock song, but this is my list and this is my all-time favourite Christmas song. It wouldn’t be Christmas really for me without hearing this 1987 hit.
It has been revealed this week that the American singer-songwriter Tom Waits, known for his own brand of experimental rock music, has finally been given the go-ahead for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The 61-year-old is in illustrious company, with other 2011 inductees from the 15 original nominations including the likes of Neil Diamond and Alice Cooper, and joining the likes of the Rolling Stones and Little Richard.
Waits has certainly changed his tune after hearing the news. He said: “I never really cared about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but now I am surprised to discover how much I do care.”
For the next round of nominations, you’ll just have to wait till next September.
I feel blessed living in the Manchester area because when I’m driving around in my car I like nothing better than to listen to Rock Radio on 106.1 FM.
As the first classic rock station in Manchester - yes, this is true - there really is no competition.
For Christmas there are plenty of things lined up including the compilation of ‘The Rock Radio All Time Top 500′.
Listeners can still have their say; just send in your top 10 favourite tracks using the online form and explain why you have chosen each one.
To listen to the definitive 500 greatest rock songs in the world (as decided by Rock Radio listeners); tune in between Christmas and New Year.