January 15, 2008 10:25

The Verve threaten to withhold next album

Band join Robbie Williams in their protest against EMI

Photo Gallery: The Verve

The Verve have joined an increasing number of artists - including the like of Robbie Williams, Coldplay and Paul McCartney - in a protest against their record label EMI.

The newly reunited band is now threatening to withhold their next album until they receive assurances about the record label’s financial security.

The Verve were due to deliver their long-awaited follow-up to 1997’s 'Urban Hymns' in June. A question mark now looms over whether this release date still stands.

As already reported, Radiohead and Paul McCartney have already walked out in protest and Coldplay are considering following suit. It is also reported that Robbie Williams is 'on strike' until the label sorts itself out.

A delegation of band managers led by The Verve and Snow Patrol manager Jazz Summers will meet the new boss of EMI in Kensington today (January 15).

Summers revealed his anger over the reduction in advances paid to artists, commenting that EMI, led by Guy Hands, "has not got a clue of what this business is about".

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