Talking of 'X Factor' type stuff, Simply Red man Mick Hucknall says Simon Cowell is responsible for all war, disease and hunger. Oh hang, no, he's responsible for a culture that fails to support new musical talent. By comparison that doesn't sound so great a crime really does it?
But anyway, here's what Hucknall says about the state of the music biz now compared to when he started out: "Our culture isn't supporting recorded music in the same way it did ten years ago. The 'X Factor's done an incredible amount of damage. It's benefited one or two individuals - like Slimy Cowell - who've made a fortune, but I wonder how much the actual artistes will make or if anyone will know who they are in ten years? It's great family entertainment for people who don't give a toss about the recording industry, but for us as artists it's very damaging".