Madonna’s fans are accusing BBC Radio 1 of being “ageist” for the British radio station’s refusal to play the Material Girl’s new single, “Living For Love,” and have now launched a petition over it. Created merely 24 hours ago, “Remove BBC Radio 1 Ageist Ban On Madonna & Others Now!” has garnered nearly 1,300 signatures.
Meanwhile, Radio 1 says its playlist is based on “musical merit” and age is not a factor in what it decides to play.
“Radio 1 does not ban anyone – please don’t believe the papers,” the station wrote yesterday in a Facebook post, citing two Paul McCartney tracks, “FourFiveSeconds” and “Only One,” in current rotation. “The tracks played on Radio 1 are chosen on musical merit and their relevance to our young audience on a case-by-case basis, and whilst around 40% of the country’s 15 to 29-year-olds tune into Radio 1 each week, an artist’s age is never a factor.”
But that’s not stopping fans from using social media to spread their cause, and have even gotten support from Boy George and Diplo.
“At least @BBCR1 had the decency to tell @Madonna she was irrelevant,” the Culture Club singer tweeted on Monday. “They haven’t played me for twenty years!”
Read the full petition statement below. As the New York Daily News notes, “Living For Love” has been played regularly on BBC Radio 2, which caters to listeners over the age of 35.
Remove BBC Radio 1 Ageist Ban On Madonna & Others Now!
Madonna is one of the worlds biggest and most loved artists. She has sold over 300 million records and won numerous lifetime achievement awards..yet even she cannot escape ageism in the industry. BBC Radio 1 has reportedly/allegedly placed a ban on most artists over the age of 35 years old.
Artists like Paul McCartney can be heard playing backup guitar on tracks that feature younger artists such as Rihanna. We the people of the WORLD demand for ageism to be out of the radio/music industry.This is discrimination within the workplace. Ageism, sexism, racism has no place in art.
Artists like Robbie Williams, Take That, Kylie Minogue ect.. have all suffered at the hands of Radio stations. Please do not let this happen to Madonna.
Thank you.
Fun Fact: “Living For Love” (Madonna’s new single) has ONLY been played ONCE on BBC Radio 1 ever since it debuted despite the massive demand.
Madonna’s latest album, Rebel Heart, is out March 10. “Living For Love” is the latest single, and you can watch the video below.
OMG! Thanks you guys! I ❤️you! True ❤️. #rebelhearts pic.twitter.com/ec8wDeheVn
— Madonna (@Madonna) February 18, 2015