Music figures criticise appointment of Tom Watson to chair of UK Music

Outrage of music world as Tom Watson defends himself on abuse probe in a ‘self-serving’ interview glossing over his links to VIP paedophile fantasist Carl Beech

• Leading music figures criticise apppointment of Tom Watson’s appointment 
• The former Labour deputy leader has been chosen as chairman of UK Music
• T’Pau singer says Mr Watson ‘competely enabled Carl Beech for political gain’

The civil war in the music industry over Tom Watson’s new job escalated last night after he defended his controversial appointment. 

The former Labour deputy leader sparked outrage after giving a ‘selfserving’ interview to a trade magazine in which he glossed over his links to VIP abuse fantasist ‘Nick’. 

Mr Watson admitted to Music Week that ‘mistakes were made’ when he highlighted claims made by the paedophile – real name Carl Beech – who made false allegations of child sexual abuse against former top politicians and ex-senior military figures. 

Former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson has been appointed as chairman of UK Music, the lobbying group representing the commercial music sector

But he added that he hopes to convince critics he can ‘do a good job’. 

His interview only served to fan the flames surrounding his selection as chairman of UK Music, the lobbying group representing the commercial music sector. 

Critics say his support for Beech contributed to a climate in which well-known music figures, such as Sir Cliff Richard and Radio 2 host Paul Gambaccini, were falsely accused of historical sex offences. 

Carol Decker, the lead vocalist for 1980s chart-topping band T’Pau, accused Mr Watson of having ‘completely enabled Carl Beech for political gain’. 

In a letter shared with industry figures after the Music Week interview, the China In Your Hand singer said: ‘We are genuinely concerned critics of his dubious shoo-in to the job through his political cronies and we are trying to challenge this. 

The fact he will now in some way represent me makes me sick to my stomach.’ 

Referring to the ‘Nick’ scandal, Mr Watson told Music Week: ‘I have apologised both publicly and privately to people on that. 

‘I was challenged on this during the [UK Music job] interview as well and I’d say I hope I can convince people I was just trying to do my best and behave with honour and integrity. 

‘But obviously mistakes were made and I regret them greatly. I hope that won’t impact on my ability to do good for the sector and to contribute something back to an industry I feel very strongly about and love very greatly.’ 

Mr Watson appealed for critics to discuss their concerns with him. 

But his appointment has been opposed by the British Phonographic Industry, whose members account for 85 per cent of music sales, and stars including Sir Cliff and Sir Tim Rice. 

Mr Gambaccini, who was probed over unfounded allegations, described the interview as a ‘whitewash of Tom Watson by the music industry’. 

Songwriter Nicky Chinn, who created hits for The Sweet, Suzi Quatro and Tina Turner, attacked Mr Watson’s ‘obvious lack of a moral compass and just as obvious total lack of experience and knowledge in the business’. 

Carol Decker, the lead vocalist for 1980s chart-topping band T’Pau, accused Mr Watson of having ‘completely enabled Carl Beech for political gain’

Richard Lyttelton, a former president of the Royal Albert Hall and expresident of EMI Classics and Jazz worldwide, yesterday sent a furious letter to Music Week accusing them of a ‘PR puff’. 

He wrote: ‘I was concerned to read … your casual dismissal of the claim by what you allege to be “a small group of senior biz figures” that Mr Watson’s appointment was a fait accompli. 

I assure you that it is not just senior biz figures who smell a rat. I do.’ He added: ‘It is hard to think of anyone, with the possible exception of Carl Beech, less likely to unite and represent the music industry and, for the record, I have it on impeccable authority that Mr Watson, despite his claims to Music Week, has never properly apologised to those he damaged.’ 

Daniel Janner QC, spokesman for Falsely Accused Individuals for Reform, whose supporters include Sir Cliff, also called Mr Watson’s interview ‘a selfserving PR puff’. 

He said: ‘His appointment … is a real kick in the teeth for those in the music industry affected by false allegations. 

‘Watson is the man chiefly responsible for whipping up the hysteria after the Jimmy Savile scandal.’ 

On Saturday it emerged that Mr Watson went on a lobbying mission to Brussels in 2018 with Michael Dugher, who was then head of the organisation he now chairs. 

A spokesman for UK Music has said that all board members were involved in the appointment process and the choice of Mr Watson was ‘widely welcomed’.

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