It gets quieter every year - since they moved it from January to June, almost nobody bothers to attend.

www.kingofhits.co.uk/component/option,co...d,64/?g2_itemId=4823

It really has changed, reflecting the decline of interest in music. The music is as good as ever (Ed Sheeran and Adele are both on peak form) but the industry has collapsed.

Who needs it now - nor the expense - with everything available online these days.

Yes that is the problem in a nutshell and it comes because today's behind-the-scenes executives have allowed music to lose the special place it had in humanity's heart. Due to various mistakes it is now nice for the young to have and a pleasant accessory for older listeners whereas 40 years ago it was essential, like food and drink. 1977 - like air. 2017 - a luxury.

I still argue in favour of meeting people rather than reading e-mail blasts from music-tech websites. Nothing beats a conversation with promoters from across the world, or connecting with upcoming writers at a reception or getting face-to-face with top music sync people or sharing saké with Japan's top music publishers.

I find it strange that people do not see the value of that.

Midem vs Lions - so fascinating since Midem changed to June from January; comparing the two; Cannes residents say Lions has overtaken the Film Festival as the most attended convention whereas Midem is virtually dead, whether or not attendees still appreciate it (it's fun for me to meet up with old friends like Seymour Stein). Even more interesting are the people you meet at LIONS - a couple of years ago Mark Thompson, once DG of the BBC now Boss of the New York Times; Piers Morgan... And seeing how the faces change as they age; get more fumbly and wrinkled; Young Turks become Old Farts (I include myself; he said, breaking wind).