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Blur are leading a protest by some of the artists signed to EMI label Parlophone as the label seeks to merge with Universal in a £1.2bn deal.
As reported on Gigwise, the European Commission has approved Universal Music's takeover of EMI music - on the condition it sells a number of its existing imprints. Universal will sell EMI's Parlophone, which is home to Lily Allen, Blur and Pink Floyd under the terms of the deal.
However, artists signed to Parlophone are unhappy at being used as 'pawns' in the huge money deal and are organising a protest at what they see as a move which isn't motivated by any artistic interest.
Artists signed to EMI, such as Kylie and Tinie Tempah, are also said to be upset at the nature of the deal.
"Artists are the only people currently being left out of the conversation, which is unfortunate. If the staff at the label are unhappy with the new arrangements they are free to leave, but the artists are not," Blur drummer Dave Rowntree tells The Telegraph.
BMG music has already expressed an interest in purchasing Parlophone.
