Simon Cowell manipulates young and is destroying music, say The Strypes

Hotly-tipped young band The Strypes have launched a bitter attack on Simon Cowell, accusing him of “destroying music” and “manipulating naïve young minds”.

The Irish teenage rockers, who have been dubbed “the anti-One Direction” attack the pop mogul in an interview in tomorrow’s ES Magazine.

Bassist Pete O’Hanlon said: “It’s annoying that he has the power to make artfully unintelligent music huge, and tell everyone that is what you should listen to. Destroying music isn’t funny, OK?”

Drummer Evan Walsh added: “He’s just a w***er. It’s the manipulation of naïve young minds as well.”

The boys from Cavan, aged between 16 and 18, have seen their debut album Snapshot reach number five in the UK charts. It has received strong reviews and The Independent called it “a scintillating shot of roughneck rhythm and blues”.

They attracted the attention of Sir Elton John, who signed them to his management company Rocket Music on the strength of a YouTube video.

Guitarist Josh McClorey said they had met the singer a few times “but mainly we just talk about the weather”.

The band, whose lead singer is Ross Farrelly, also tell how they were advised by Sir Elton to “work hard and enjoy it.

“Carry on writing your own songs and just enjoy the ride.”

Read the full interview in tomorrow’s ES Magazine