Sorry, but I've read quite a bit of disparaging stuff about the lads, over on fRoots from various people.

Good for them for turning down the folk world. Why the heck would they want to be hypocrites when they know what many in the folk world think of them. AND why would they want to join a world where some folks go out of their way to try to put down the career of others, Seth Lakeman and the fRoots/Mercury fiasco stands clearly in my mind here...

Basically, these are lads who do it 'their way', no bowing and kowtowing, nor arse-licking to and of the big fish of the small pond, so I have great respect for them.

FINALLY some folks who've had the guts to stand up to the Folk Mafia and seemingly say 'You know what, we don't want or need you!'

For WAY too long artists have been so controlled, so dependant on power driven people who have the folk world sewn up so tight, who hold their careers in their hands...

I know one musician who was constantly terrified that I'd say something to upset the Folk Mafia and therefore possibly 'ruin' everything for the band concerned. I told them to take a stand against the controlling ones, not wobble in front of them...but to no avail...This person and the band they play with was, is and are profoundly talented singers and musicians who should, of course, be right up there winning Folk Awards, getting the best gigs, but they're not in the Inner Circle sooooooooo.........

And as for other musicians who've chosen to go the way of the Folk Mafia, bowing and kowtowing, where once they stood firm and strong against 'em, well...................................

Anyways ups, good luck to Mumford & Sons!