Danny Jones: 'Now artists can get a billion streams, but can't sell out a venue'

In a candid conversation with Metro, Danny Jones, McFly's charismatic lead guitarist, poured out his frustrations with the music industry's current state. It's been over 20 years since McFly's breakthrough debut single, 5 Colours In Her Hair, shot them to stardom with a record-breaking 15 top 10 hits and seven number ones. Yet, despite their enduring success, the band has struggled to crack the singles chart in over a decade. This anomaly is a direct result of the industry's reliance on "silly little algorithms," according to Jones. Fans buying their albums has consistently propelled them to the top, a far cry from the fleeting chart success of today's digital age.

The rise of social media platforms like TikTok has created a culture where artists are judged solely on their ability to produce viral content. As a result, musicians are now more focused on crafting songs that can rack up a billion streams rather than building a loyal fanbase. This shift in priorities has led to a strange paradox, artists can now reach an unprecedented number of listeners but struggle to fill a venue when it comes to live performances. It's a phenomenon that Jones finds particularly disheartening, especially considering the impact that grassroots music has had on his own career.

Jones's journey to stardom began in the humble Ye Olde Man & Scythe pub in Bolton, where he started performing as a teenager. It was in these local venues that Jones first discovered the magic of live music, and it's a feeling he believes is essential to any artist's development. "In local venues, you get to see bands creating the magic on a one-off night; you can't recreate that," Jones said, highlighting the unique experience that grassroots music provides. This sentiment is echoed in the Live at Your Local campaign, a Greene King initiative that aims to support small artists and intimate venues across the UK.

The campaign, which will see 900 grassroots artists perform at free live music events in Greene King pubs throughout August and September, is evidence of the importance of preserving the local music scene. Jones's involvement is more than just a publicity stunt, it's a genuine attempt to keep the spirit of grassroots music alive. "We don't want grassroots to die and fade away," he said, emphasizing the crucial role that small venues play in nurturing new talent. It's a sentiment that resonates with fans and artists alike, who understand the value of experiencing live music in an intimate setting.

As the music industry continues to evolve, it's clear that the current model is no longer sustainable. With artists struggling to gain traction in the mainstream and grassroots music on the decline, it's time for a change. Jones's words of caution serve as a reminder that the industry's priorities need to shift, from chasing viral success to cultivating a loyal fanbase. "Someone in that pub could be the next me," he said, highlighting the potential that lies in every local music scene. As the music landscape continues to shift, it's up to artists, promoters, and fans to ensure that the grassroots spirit remains alive and well.

As a writer, I'm struck by the sense of disillusionment that pervades the music industry today. The emphasis on streaming numbers and social media followers has created a culture where artists are more focused on their online presence than on building meaningful connections with their fans. It's a trend that needs to be reversed, and initiatives like Live at Your Local are a step in the right direction. By supporting small artists and intimate venues, we can ensure that the magic of live music continues to thrive, even in an era dominated by algorithms and social media.

Key facts:

• McFly's debut single, 5 Colours In Her Hair, was released over 20 years ago.
• The band has struggled to crack the singles chart in over a decade.
• The Live at Your Local campaign will see 900 grassroots artists perform at free live music events in Greene King pubs throughout August and September.
• The campaign aims to support small artists and intimate venues across the UK.
• Danny Jones is involved in the campaign as a way to preserve the grassroots music scene.