March 14, 2007 16:50

Malcom McLaren predicts death of record labels

Former Sex Pistols manager gives speech in New York

The man behind the Sex Pistols’ rise to notoriety is predicting the demise of all record labels due to the rise of the internet.

Malcolm McLaren gave a keynote speech yesterday (March 13) at a reception held at the British Consulate in New York City to mark this year’s Live From London showcase during which some of the UK’s up and coming acts hit the US.

During his address, he argued that technology and the internet were making music authentic again.

He told NME.COM: “No one cares about selling units any more. All record labels will end up closing eventually because no one wants actual CDs anymore. You can get whatever you want on the internet for nothing now. The experience of seeing a band or artist perform in front of you is what is valued today and that’s why live entertainment is having such a boom at the moment.”

Meanwhile, a number of British acts played shows around the city. At the Bowery Ballroom, Amy Winehouse wowed the crowd whilst the nearby Mercury Lounge played host to north London scamps The Holloways, who produced a typically hyperactive set.

--By our New York staff.
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