Elbow frontman Guy Garvey has spoken up against promoters who rip-off off young bands by operating a pay to play scheme. Speaking at the annual In The City music conference, Garvey blamed the system for stifling new talent. “There needs to be something really strong in place if a promoter is found to be ripping off young bands,” Garvey said. “It’s really really unfair. It’s basically playing on the hopes and dreams of people who are at the very first hurdle of their musical careers.”

He also remembered the treatment that his own band received in their early days. “If I knew that you could get in touch with the Mus

icians Union and I knew there was someone local who you could report said promoter to, that would be the way to do it. It should be the norm that you don’t get ripped off. I think it should be policed more.”