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)