Well, it looks like EMI has started attacking some of the Radiohead fansites because they are hosting live mp3s. Members of Radiohead have spoken out in past interviews that fan file-sharing on the internet is important but unfortunately, since they don't own the rights to their music, they can do little.

It just makes me sick because back in 2000 when Kid A was about to be released, EMI and Capitol embraced the fansites and incorporated them in to promoting the album, which went to #1 in many places including the USA because of the online promotion. Most of us got cool swag like stickers and stuff, but the label basically used us to promote the band and it was fine with me as I enjoyed helping the band.

Now that EMI is attacking the fansite Meeting People is Easy, I feel sick. The site was hosting live mp3s from one concert! I could understand if the site was hosting mp3s ripped directly from OK Computer or any other RH album. We (webmasters) do not make any money by what we do. We have to pay for everything out of pocket. Without the fansites, Radiohead fans would have no way to get lyrics, news, tour dates, etc..., as the official RH site has none of this. EMI should not be bullying the very people that are simply promoting the band for them and helping to generate sales for the money hungry record label execs.

For more information, check out the Green Plastic news item.