Arcade Fire's manager has responded to allegations that the band closed this year's Grammy Awards because organisers knew they would win the Album Of The Year award.

In separate editorials, marketing executive Steve Stoute and music mogul Bob Lefsetz suggested it was not a coincidence that the band, who had already performed, were lined up to play again after the ceremony's final award.

But in an email to Lefsetz' the Lefsetz Letter blog, Arcade Fire's manager Scott Rodger said the band had the slot because ratings are typically low at the end of the broadcast.

“It really is that simple,” he said. “We were one of the least known acts on the bill for a network audience. Don’t you think I wanted a better slot for the band?”

Rodger also highlighted how much of Arcade Fire's performance of 'Ready To Start' was obscured by the end credits.

He also defended the band for winning Album Of The Year for 'The Suburbs', saying they deserved to win because “they made the best album”.

Last weekend, Stoute accused the ceremony of being out off touch and not recognising the biggest-selling artists.

(by Jason Gregory)