Piano pop group Keane have given a damning verdict on the X Factor by sensationally joking that the hit talent show could drive people to suicide.
The band’s Tom Chaplin and Richard Hughes were talking to stv ahead of their sold-out show at the Garage in Glasgow.
Their new single ‘Perfect Symmetry’ will be released on Monday 29th December, and is likely to put them up against X Factor winner Alexandra Burke.
When asked what they thought of Burke’s version of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’, Tom and Richard were initially diplomatic and said they didn’t have a problem with the song if it meant more people got into Leonard Cohen.
However frontman Tom then said: “Unless they are feeling very depressed then that might drive them to the end.”
“They probably are if they’ve just watched the X Factor,” Richard cheekily added.
The pair, who said they haven’t heard Burke’s version, went on to express their dismay at the influence of TV shows in determining the outcome of the charts.
Tom, who went through a spell in rehab in 2006, also said that he is massive Leonard Cohen fan and seeing the Canadian singer/songwriter at the Glastonbury festival earlier this year was one of his best ever music experiences.
When it was put to the band that they could give Alexandra a run for her money for the coveted No.1 spot, Tom responded: “That’s wishful thinking, who’s Alexander?”
