Music News of the Year: Musicians clash over sexism claims

Musician and actor Steve Wall sparked a robust social media debate when, responding to #MeToo comments made by St. Vincent, he said that, "I have never witnessed sexism in the music business. In fact today's biggest stars are women and many powerful women work in the industry. Let's be realistic here. What's she on about?"

This prompted a swift rebuke from musician Brigid Mae Power who stated: "I have experienced so much sexism in the music industry, things I thought that were normal until I saw how my other half - also a musician - was treated.

"I have been lifted up off stage and felt up by a sound guy. Also sound engineers constantly choose to talk to my drummer instead of me when we are discussing set up issues. I have had people say 'you're good for a girl' countless times. I've had people not pay me but pay my male colleagues. I mean this list could go on and on..."

Having been bombarded with similar messages, Wall conceded that, "Well, I've certainly had my eyes and ears opened today. It seems sexism is still a major issue in the music biz. I have now officially come out of the fog and apologise to St. Vincent for doubting her."

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