Tom Clarke: 'Radio 1's Commercial Playlists Are Sh*t'

The Enemy's Tom Clarke has criticised BBC Radio 1's decision to overhaul its music playlists in an attempt to attract a younger audience.

The new criteria – which places emphasis on commercial acts - was introduced earlier this year after it emerged that the radio station's average listener was aged 33.

In an interview with Mirror.co.uk, Clarke said the alteration had had a negative impact on guitar music.

"I think 2009 has been an awful year for music because in England, Radio 1 for some reason have stopped playing anything with a guitar in it,” he said.

“What’s happened, their balls seem to have retracted into their lower abdomen, and they’re playing what can only be described as shiite.

“But there’s always Kerrang! and XFM isn’t there?"

The singer described Radio 1's current output as “diabolical” and “a shame” for new bands.

"In trying to alienate all the older listeners in playing shit, then yes, they’re going about in completely the right way,” he said.

“They’re just presuming that younger listeners want to listen to shit. I don’t understand it.”

Meanwhile, The Enemy are due to embark on an extensive UK tour next month, starting in Preston on November 7.

(by Jason Gregory)

 The Enemy's Tom Clarke Takes Break From Music To Work On A Farm (18.01.2010)

 The Enemy To Play Hogmanay Street Party In Edinburgh (11.11.2009)

 Tom Clarke Says The Enemy Are Better Than Keane (22.09.2009)

 The Enemy: 'We Want To Record England World Cup Song' (21.09.2009)

 The Enemy Announce Massive UK Tour (10.09.2009)

 Oasis' Noel Gallagher Dismisses Enemy Rivalry Reports (05.06.2009)

 The Enemy Cancel Oasis Support Slot Tonight (04.06.2009)

 The Enemy To Follow Oasis Jaunt With Huge UK Tour (03.06.2009)

 The Enemy, Super Furry Animals Join Somerset House Line Up (29.04.2009)

 The Enemy's Tom Clarke: I'm Not The Voice Of My Generation (15.04.2009)

 The Enemy Added To Camden Crawl Line Up (14.04.2009)