Chris Moyles faces backlash for calling unsigned bands "crap"

The independent music community didn't take those comments lying down

Chris Moyles is apparently done with his audience telling him what music to play.

The Radio X DJ went on a rant responding to critiques that he doesn't play enough new music, saying, "That's not what this show is about."

Moyles took the opportunity to dig into independent musicians, closing his rant by adding, "The real reason is, and this will blow their tiny minds and they’ll hate this, the reason why we won’t play unsigned bands is because – and there are exceptions to the rule – but the main reason is that most unsigned bands are crap."

Here’s that daft @ChrisMoyles rant about @indierock01’s tweet yesterday on @RadioX What an embarrassment for him 😂 @jokewapo played a blinder. pic.twitter.com/RUcbd15u62
— thespecialk69 (@thereyton69) February 18, 2023

Naturally, the independent music community wasn't too happy with Moyles' comments.

Just heard Chris moyles make the excuse about why he said what he said that it’s ‘not his job’ to play new music. There’s a massive difference between not playing unsigned bands and literally calling all unsigned music crap which is such a fxcking ridiculous comment to make. 🔔🔚
— LARKINS (@larkins) February 20, 2023

I spend most of my days listening to new & unsigned bands. They might be sometimes disorganised (because they're new to it), rough around the edges (what do you expect), no money, still finding 'their sound'. But the thing they rarely are in my experience, is 'crap' #chrismoyles
— Damian Morgan | DM Music MGMT Ltd. | BIMM MCR (@DamianHMorgan) February 20, 2023

Many users were less shocked by Moyles' comments, pointing to his decreasing public influence over the years.

People having go at Chris Moyles for not liking unsigned bands but forgets that he works for Radio X, a music station designed for people who don't actually like music
— Strike stan (@CobblerBob_) February 20, 2023

People annoyed by Chris Moyles’ comment about all unsigned bands being crap are imagining that his opinion on music is worth considering. Moyles has never liked any music of any description. He likes 3 things; the sound of his own voice; being the centre of attention; being paid.
— Mark Davyd (@markdavyd) February 21, 2023

Chris Moyles wields about as much influence over the UK music scene as Kate Middleton so idk why people are bothering to get wound up over that unsigned band waffle, he's only embarrassing himself (and his radio station).
— Roisin O'Connor (@Roisin_OConnor) February 20, 2023

Some independent artists even piggybacked on the outrage to promote their own music.

Hi @ChrisMoyles, as a lockdown project, I released 3 compilation CDs of ‘unsigned’ independent artists. All 3 CDs charted.

I’ll happily send you a CD as a challenge to your recent statement. You will find a new favourite artist. 🙂#MostUnsignedBandsAreCrap pic.twitter.com/VD7nqBQzoJ
— Brits & Pieces (@BritsPieces) February 20, 2023

Wanna say thanks to @ChrisMoyles we've had loads of new fans/followers because of your silly comments

Silver lining pic.twitter.com/HAoaFdMs0E
— Citylightz (@citylightzmusic) February 20, 2023

If the recent backlash is any indication, it seems the general public is as done with Chris Moyles as he apparently is with new independent music.