Chris Moyles has been criticised for revealing his opinions towards unsigned musicians, and it would be an understatement to suggest that this has resulted in blowback.
After receiving feedback from audience members the previous week that he did not give lesser known bands sufficient attention on his morning programme on Radio X, the DJ decided to voice his thoughts on the topic during that broadcast.
Responding to the claims, the 48-year-old – who appeared in I’m A Celebrity last year – said: ‘That’s not what this show is all about.’
Not holding back, he continued: ‘And the real reason is, and this will blow their tiny minds and they’ll hate this, the reason why we won’t play unsigned bands is because – and there are exceptions to the rule – but the main reason is that most unsigned bands are crap.
‘I’m sorry, but that’s the truth.’
It should come as no surprise that the comments made by the presenter infuriated unsigned musicians.
Andy Croft, the creator of The Moons, responded angrily to Chris Moyles’s comment that most unsigned bands are bad on Twitter by writing: “Chris Moyles believes that most unsigned bands are trash.” In this day and age, the majority of music that is signed is, in my opinion, unoriginal and garbage, and the bands who are signed have the leverage to get their music heard whereas unsigned musicians do not.
‘Every band/artist starts out unsigned and has to graft to even be noticed. Don’t p**s on their fire’.
Another band from Teesside, Benefits, sent a response as well, and they were not afraid to go personal.
‘It’s alright, no big breakfast radio show plays unsigned bands, R1, R2 etc. He’s not John Peel, he’s just a guy at the back end of his career trying to make pay days when he can,’ they began.
‘He’s a mid tier Britpop band still selling out half decent sized halls, not arenas, and that’s ok.’
They continued: ‘Coincidentally, speaking of Peel, when he started at R1 in the 90s Peel called him “DLT in waiting.” Moyles response was that Peel was, “Kenny Everett-in-waiting, because Kenny Everetts dead and it’s only a matter of time before John pops his clogs”.
‘Using “it’s just banter” as an excuse he’s said much worse things than slagging off unsigned bands.’
The statements made by Chris were referred to be “shocking” by Hardwicke Circus as well.
‘Don’t call yourself a DJ when you’re not interested in discovering new music,’ they blasted.
‘Outed yourself once again as a completely insipid half-wit.’
Ouch.
