Outspoken music industry man Alan McGee has caused some upset by saying of the PIAS warehouse fire during the London riots was 'funny'.
One of the founders of the UK indie scene and the man behind acts like Oasis and The Libertines, McGee sparked some controversy after opening a speech at the Big Sound event in Australia by saying: "I’m probably the only person who thought that was funny".
The Scotsman behind much of the success of the UK Indie music scene with his now-defunct label Creation Records is no stranger to causing outrage with uncensored commentary. In the past he has called for Paul McCartney to retire, insisted on the banning of the Brit Awards, and refusing to go to Buckingham Palace for dinner with Prince Charles.
He was quoted as saying later in the day “I read that the Sony PIAS Building burnt down. I’m probably the only person who thought that was funny. I call that a result. Got rid of all the shit music. And you get paid for it, the stuff you couldn’t sell.”
The majority of the small independent music labels whose stock was destroyed in the fire will be unable to claim on insurance, according to PIAS.
McGee retired from band management in 2008 but continues to be involved in the music industry.
