Paul Weller released a limited edition single on Record Store Day and was disheartened to learn that many of the copies wound up being auctioned off on Ebay at inflated prices, and worse yet, it's been alleged that some of the copies were up on Ebay the day before Record Store Day. Today Weller announced he will no longer participate in Record Store Day:
"I agree with all of you who have sent messages expressing your anger and disappointment at the exploitation of these "limited editions" by touts.
Apart from making the record, the rest has very little to do with me but I am disheartened by the whole thing and unfortunately I won't be taking part in Record Store Day again.
It's such a shame because as you know I am a big supporter of independent record stores but the greedy touts making a fast buck off genuine fans is disgusting and goes against the whole philosophy of RSD.
There were copies of my single on eBay the day before Record Store Day and I've heard stories of people queuing outside their local record shop only to be told there were none left at opening time!
It only takes a few to spoil a wonderful concept for everyone else. Shame on those touts.
Don't support their trade and don't let them use Record Store Day to ruin the very thing it's designed to support."
Record Store Day UK quickly released their own statement today informing the public that if any stores are found to be the ones flipping Record Store Day exclusives, these stores will be banned from participating in future RSD events. Obviously nothing can be done to prevent the general public from flipping records, however the allegation of exclusive items being sold the day before Record Store Day is concerning if true.
Weller's single "Brand New Toy" is one of three new tracks appearing on his upcoming collection More Modern Classics, which is set for a June 2nd release. Stream "Brand New Toy" below and watch the official video for the song here.
Published on April 22nd, 2014 @ 5:51 PM