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Cameron tribute to music industry

Prime Minister David Cameron mingled with chart stars such as Katie Melua and Chase And Status as he hailed the worldwide success of the UK music industry.

He joked that he had been forced to find a new band to listen to after Morrissey and Johnny Marr forbade him from listening to The Smiths.

He was a surprise guest at a reception in London attended by artists, executives and others from the music world who were celebrating the UK music industry's highest ever share of global sales.

New figures from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) showed big-sellers by Adele, Emeli Sande, One Direction and Ed Sheeran pushed the UK's share of album sales globally to 13.3% in the past year - up from 12.6% in the previous 12 months.

UK acts have claimed the world's top-selling album for five of the past six years, with Adele taking the top spot for two successive years for her release 21. The BPI was also hosting this evening's event to celebrate its 40th birthday.

Mr Cameron has often talked about his love of The Smiths but the band's songwriters have been embarrassed by his mentions of the group and told him to stop.

He said: "I'm a huge music fan but obviously it's been something of a music crisis year for me because Morrissey and Johnny Marr have said I'm not allowed to listen to The Smiths any more, so I've had to find some other stuff I am allowed to listen to."

The Prime Minster also praised the strength of home-grown music, adding: "We should be extremely proud of how our world-leading music industry continues to go from strength to strength, with a record share of the global market and with British acts having the world's top selling album for five of the last six years.

"British music is enjoyed across the world and we will keep backing our creative industries that support jobs, create opportunities and contribute to the economy."

Adele's 21 was the biggest seller of 2012 in countries such as the US, Canada, France and the Netherlands. And releases by 1D, Sande, Sheeran and Mumford & Sons have also made a huge impact. One Direction in particular have had major success with both their albums - Up All Night and Take Me Home - making the top five for 2012 in terms of global album sales.

Source: music.uk.msn.com
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