Letter: Jobs for the bands

AS someone who has worked as a roadie and a tour manager, I find the views expressed by Alan McGee, the director of Creation Records, totally wrong (report, 18 February).

The musicians who are most productive are engaged in some sort of employment. They can relate to everyday life and also afford to tour. They are able to spend more money on decent rehearsal facilities and a recording studio, and on professional advice and equipment.

A look at any listings magazine will show how many bands are trying to "make it" at any given time. Very few will make it to become household names. Why doesn't the Government bring in a loan system, as they have for students, so that musicians may return the money paid to support them, when they become rich?

C R D HAYES

London N2