Noted musicians joining performers' union

MANCHESTER, England, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- Members of top bands such as Badly Drawn Boy and Radiohead say they will join a new performers' union at an upcoming meeting in Britain.

Radiohead guitarist Ed O'Brien said when the Featured Artists' Coalition meets during the "In The City" music industry conference in Manchester, his group will be among its newest members, The Daily Telegraph reported Saturday.

"We believe all musicians and artists should be signing up," O'Brien said of the unionization effort.

Badly Drawn Boy singer Damon Gough echoed that sentiment, saying musical performers need to band together to prevent illegal music downloading and the music industry from destabilizing further.

"I think with the digital age and record companies dispersing and disbanding, young bands need a governing voice that will support them and help protect their work," Gough told the Telegraph.

The British newspaper said also among the performers set to attend the conference that starts Sunday are Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour, singer Robbie Williams and the metal group Iron Maiden.