Franz Ferdinand slates Gareth Gates

Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos has slated Simon Cowell and Gareth Gates.

The Scottish group's lead singer said: "People are so sick of listening to manufactured c**p from the likes of Pop Idol and Fame Academy.

"Some of the contestants can't write music and they need other people to produce their records.

"It's not about talent. It's about marketing."

Last week Franz Ferdinand won the prestigious Mercury Music Prize and were also named GQ's Band of the Year.

Alex, 29, believes the tow gongs signal a renaissance for British rock music.

"I think finally we're seeing a backlash and music-buyers are instead turning to some of the great up-and-coming British bands."

Alex - who flew to the States last week for a 36-day tour and an appearance on David Letterman's chat show - branded Pop Idol performers Gareth Gates and Michelle McManus "boring."
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