Hi there! We know it has been a while since we last updated this newspage. Though Feargal's musical legacy remains (will he ever release new music?), he is still a key player in the UK music industry as head of UK Music.
Feargal spoke at the 2010 SXSW festival keynote in Austin, Texas. Together with music manager Brian Message, Feargal discussed future scenarios for the music industry. "Artists need investment - it doesn't matter if that comes from a manager or a multi-national record company or somebody else... The whole idea that all artists can go out there, give their work away for free and make money from selling badges and t-shirts and gigs is.. quite badly informed."
On March 29, UK Music published 'Liberating Creativity'. Its the first time ever that the commercial music industry has come together to unite behind a vision for the future. The full report can be downloaded here.
Feargal (to the NME): "The UK can overtake US to become the top music nation. We think we can be number one, we're not far off it".
The former Undertones singer also called for a new cabinet committee that would report to the Prime Minister and let ministers focus policies for creative industries such as music, reports BBC News.
Read the NME news report here and the BBC story here. Finally, a Q&A on the Billboard website. More related articles here.
*
Youtube interview 05/02/2010
Comedian & Activist Mark Thomas talks to Billy Bragg (co-founder of the Featured Artist Coalition) and Feargal Sharkey (head of UK Music) and discusses the challenges the music industry faces from illegal downloads and the potential impact of the UK Governments proposed Digital economy Bill.
*
Feargal turns 50! (cont.) 14/8/2008
From all around the world, congratulations have been coming in for Feargal's 50th birthday.
The editors of Adultswim.com wrote us they "quietly wish Mr. Sharkey a happy 50th today", and they sent in this very nice artist's impression of our favourite singer.
Nice work guys!
*
Feargal turns 50! 13/8/2008
On August 13, 1958, Feargal Sean Sharkey was born in Derry, Northern Ireland. And so today we sing "Happy 50th birthday, Feargal!"
Isn't that a nice age to make a stunning comeback album?
Congratulations from youlittlethief.com!
*
A message from Feargal! 4/7/2008
This week, YouLittleThief.com received a very special message, from none other than Feargal Sharkey himself!
Feargal wrote: "Watching some of those videos and looking through the other stuff brought back quite a lot of very fond memories, well done."
He also appreciated the biography, stating: "A great job. Even I had forgotten about some of it."
Thank you very much, Mr. Sharkey!
*
Feargal on Channel 4! 16/6/2008
Feargal, in his new role as BMR chief executive, talks to Krishnan Guru-Murthy about ways to make money from music copying.
Watch the interview here, and take a close look at the punkrock way Feargal wears his tie!
*
Feargal provides the solution to illegal downloading 16/6/2008
British Music Rights (BMR) recently conducted a survey titled What does the Myspace generation really want? Feargal, the chief executive of the BMR, provided a realistic but hopeful summation of the research: "It is quite clear that this young and tech-savvy demographic is as crazy about and engaged with music as any previous generation. Contrary to popular belief, they are also prepared to pay for it too. But only if offered the services they want. That message comes through loud and clear."
Feargals entire article, entitled Illegal downloads: the solution, can be found on the Guardian music blog.
Feargal: closing of London Astoria a 'blow' 12/3/2008
Feargal regrets the recent decision to close down the London Astoria. He commented: "I've had many a great night at the Astoria, and to lose one of the capital's most iconic venues is a blow, especially after recent closures of Hammersmith Palais and The Spitz."
However, there's also some good news. Mayor of London Ken Livingstone's plans to replace the historic venue with a larger alternative.
British Music Rights Appoints Feargal Sharkey and Andy Heath as Chief Executive and Chairman 16/1/2008
British Music Rights is delighted to announce the appointment of Feargal Sharkey and Andy Heath, respectively, as its new CEO and Chairman.
Enjoying global success as lead singer of The Undertones and as a chart-topping solo artist, Feargal Sharkey has since embarked on a wide-ranging career, encompassing A&R man at Polydor, managing director of EXP Ltd and Member of the Radio Authority. Since 2004 he has chaired the UK government's Live Music Forum and, most recently, has been tasked by the Secretary of State for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Secretary of State for the Department for Children, Schools and Families to take forward government's commitment to establish a national network of professionally equipped community rehearsal spaces for young people.
Commenting on his appointment, Feargal Sharkey said: "This is a fantastically exciting role. BMR has a very well deserved reputation as a progressive industry voice, whether taking the lead on policy matters, its long-term vision for collective licensing and the digital business or its range of social and educational programmes."
Up-and-coming musicians met past chart-toppers to hear about exciting plans to create a rehearsal space in Perth and Kinross through the UK-wide Live Music Forum.
The project is being driven by Feargal Sharkey, former Undertones singer who went on to enjoy a successful solo career and who now chairs the UK Live Music Forum.
Young musicians to get more practice spaces 23/7/2007
A drive to encourage young musicians by giving them their own rehearsal spaces was launched today by James Purnell and Ed Balls.
The Culture and Young People's Secretaries have tasked Feargal, former Chair of the Live Music Forum, with setting up a network of rehearsal studios for budding musicians throughout the country.
Feargal turns 50!
