Independent Record Labels Watch As Stock Is Destroyed In London Riots Fire
Tuesday, 09 August 2011
Written by James Conlon
Several UK record labels were forced to watch on helplessly last night as vast amounts of stock went up in flames started by rioters in London. An Enfield warehouse owned by PIAS distribution was set alight during last night’s events, where a large number of current British releases were destroyed in the blaze.
Releases from many independent record labels including XL, Domino, Beggars, Warp Defected, Sunday Best and Wall Of Sound were damaged in the riots which broke out across London and in several other major UK cities last night (August 8th). The three-story building was also the residence of Sony’s British distribution base.
Many music fans have been quick to express their anger on Twitter. Spencer Hickman of Rough Trade records was one of the first to break the news this morning on his Twitter account, writing: "PIAS distribution got burnt to the ground last night, they look after XL Group, Domino, at least most of the big indies."
The true extent of the damage is not clear at present, however any loss of stock and potential sales will be detrimental for British independent labels who are already struggling against major label competition.
You can watch an amateur video of the Enfield warehouse fire below:
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