Photo: WENN.com
Paul Weller has hit out at Record Store Day, saying that he won't be taking part in the event again after touts taking advantage.
In a statement on his website, The Jam turned solo icon responded to the criticism from various fans that releases were already out of stock at stores due to touts posting them on eBay. Weller released a special pressing of his single 'Flame Out', but was subsequently enraged after finding it posted before release online at inflated prices.
He wrote:
This is a message to all the fans who couldn't get the new vinyl single on Record Store Day and/or paid a lot of money for a copy on eBay.
I agree with all of you who have sent messages expressing your anger and disappointment at the exploitation of these "limited editions" by touts.
Apart from making the record, the rest has very little to do with me but I am disheartened by the whole thing and unfortunately I won't be taking part in Record Store Day again.
It's such a shame because as you know I am a big supporter of independent record stores but the greedy touts making a fast buck off genuine fans is disgusting and goes against the whole philosophy of RSD.
There were copies of my single on eBay the day before Record Store Day and I've heard stories of people queuing outside their local record shop only to be told there were none left at opening time!
It only takes a few to spoil a wonderful concept for everyone else. Shame on those touts. Don't support their trade and don't let them use Record Store Day to ruin the very thing it's designed to support.
Onwards. PW
PS. I'd like to say thank you for all the positive, supportive comments on our privacy case recently. Bless ya.
Below: Photos of Paul Weller live in London
