Pat - you are correct. I've already said that the sentence I wrote was misleading and not what I was intending to say. I should proofread before I hit the submit button.

My point is that there is no organization that is compiling numbers that I am aware of. Country, jazz, rap and others all have such information available. In my previous statement, I was referring to the traditional music industry as whole. Aside from the "major" independents, there is a Mom & Pop attitude about traditional music. The music is often presented (here in the U.S.) in clubs and coffehouses that are run by small organizations that are often non-profit in status. House concerts are widespread. Many successful artists play between 100 to 200 dates a year in clubs like these. The majority of their CD sales come from these concerts. These musicians are making a living and covering expenses, but this is not huge money. How accurate is the book keeping in these venues?   When an artist issues their own CD, who is keeping score?

Of course groups like Altan are in a different catagory. But again, how big are groups like this? It is easy to say it is a "worldwide massive industry", but are there figures that show this? I'm not saying it isn't true, it is just that traditional music generally is an unchecked industry.

Yes, Celtic music appears to be a huge industry worldwide. Unfortunately everything from Ireland seems to be labeled "Irish" - Enya, Van Morrison, The Chieftains, and every one else. Look at the best seller lists that appear in Irish Music magazine. Very odd selections in some cities. Very arbitrary.

Again, I want to clarify. If artists are owed money by Green Linnet or any other record label, then they should receive it. I don't doubt the allegations that the Green Linnet 5 are making, I just haven't heard the reaction from Green Linnet. I caution people to let both sides of the story be heard. It is very easy to side with the artists, but I would like to hear Green Linnets side of the story and have their books opened to the artists.

Ron