Most music lovers will agree that Kevin Shields – the producer behind My Bloody Valentine and collaborator with Primal Scream – is a sonic genius. His ability to blend often discordant noise with subtle melodies has earned him respect throughout the world, as well as trumpeting the term ‘Shoegazing’. And Although Shields is now somewhat of a recluse these days, he certainly isn’t fearful of speaking his mind when the situation calls.

Ironically, the man behind the distinctive noise-like music has objected to a proposal from local Hampstead bar, Room 68, to stay open till 1 am due to noise disturbances.  Various other neighbours in the area have voiced their concern at the bar’s plans for late-night drinking on the weekends and launched a protest at Town Hall. Room 68, is a well known local watering hole for Hampstead celebrities. Evidently Shields is not one of them.

Shields tells a local paper, “As a musician I really object to being forced to listen to music I don’t like while someone else makes money. The worst are Dido mixes. It’s a classic case of they don’t give a damn. When I built a studio in Camden, I spent 70,000 pounds getting it soundproofed. They pump their music out at 120 decibels.”