THIS SITE HAS BEEN ARCHIVED AND CLOSED.

A communiqué from AOL Time Warner sub-division Warner Music (on behalf of Madonna's label Maverick, home of the 'tones) reads as follows...

"Deftones are offering local bands the opportunity to open on each of their upcoming UK tour dates in June.

All you need to do is send a package (ideally three tracks with a picture and some info about your band) to the respective promoters who will make a decision following the closing date of May 27th. If you'd like to open at London Brixton Academy (June 2nd) or Manchester Apollo (June 4th) please send your material to:

Deftones Competition
Clearchannel
1st Floor
Regent Arcade House
252-260 Regent Street
London
W1B 3BX

Or if you'd like to open at Glasgow Braehead Arena (June 3rd), the vital address is:

Deftones Competition
CPL
21 Sandyford Place
Glasgow
G3 7NG"

This does all sound good and it is a great opportunity, which more bands should be given anyway (rather than all the music biz politics which means you see a shite opening band like Halo!) but something is fishy here. Clear Channel are currently trialing schemes to bootleg bands' shows (which currently they can do for nowt if the band are unsigned and no company OWNS the music!). Drowned in Sound recommends whichever bands get these shows read any contract thrust upon them and if possible wave it under the nose of someone with a legal eye. You don't want some big faceless corporation who monopolise American radio selling your record in five years time now do you?

To do some homework and read some scary facts, check out clearchannel.com.

DiScuss: Is this another sick way for corporations to strangle and exploit art? Or are the Deftones just nice guys promoting their new record and giving new bands a helping hand?