Interesting point about how uptight the English tend to be about live music which isn't in a formal setting. However I suspect that it could as easily be a result of the restriction which have marginalised and illegalised it, rather thean the reason these restrictions are there in the first place.

With people like Kim Howells the bottom line is topurism. If enough Americans especially make a noise about how they are going to go to places which are music friendly rather than here, it might get through. Wityhout tta therre is a real danger well not get the kind of change that would liberate music (and liberate people), but th esort that will cage us a little more (which is what current proposals look like doing) will be.

So please please tell them you are going to boycott England, until things change for the better. And it doiesn't matter if in fact you have no plans to visit this country in any case - or if you have every intention of coming.