I wish someone at the BPI would tell us why they decided to hold it AFTER Valentine's Day (on or before boosts sales of music enormously - giving music as a loving gift is a tradition). I'm afraid I know the answer - total incompetence - the same reason why EMI is now dead - well done, Tony.

Anyway - please read my thoughts before the show airs...

www.kingofhits.co.uk/index.php/Attitudes...before-the-show.html

My first thoughts surrounding the later date for the Brits were that they probably didn't want the ceremony to be too close to the Grammy's - both events centre around Adele, after all!

Also, I guess sales would benefit from two spikes rather than one if Valentine and the Brits fall in two different weeks?

Sadly, very few people in Britain know about or watch The Grammys so there's no spike there (especially when it's the same day as the BAFTAs - doh); secondly - of course the gift of music has become less as it's less physical (no wrapping or packaging). So a show on or near a special day like Valentines has more impact when it's an instant download.

Having been in the beautiful Comedy Theatre (now Pinter) I decided I'd change The Brits to a smaller venue like that - intimate performances aimed at fewer people in the theatre - more intelligent TV coverage (more pre edited packages etc)... I think Award Shows need a total rethink; they have not moved with the times.

For example, our Great British Music Weekend meant we had several 3-4 minute packages, spectacular and multi artiste, which looked great in small chunks, promoted many different artistes by featuring hooks and moments, without becoming boring.

Just as when I ran Eurovision, we need to think many aspects - ears (music) - eyes (TV) - intimacy (in the home) - event (in a theatre)... it's essential to combine all elements for a good, effective, high rated show.

Unfortunately the morons running music and the morons scheduling TV don't bother to think of things like this. They are too busy just doing the established things - no time to sit and think and very few brain cells to do it with.

An example of The Peter Principle in action: every executive is promoted to their level of incompetence. In Tony's case: twice.

Wadders - a nice man, a quiet man, a decent man - but not very good at music and no leader. EMI went down on his watch ("Oh it wasn't my fault; I had no control"). The music industry collapsed on his watch ("The BPI has no power; you're not being fair"). The Brits were wasted ("Sales are collapsing anyway; nothing could have saved them"). Piracy exploded ("we did all we could...").

Real leaders achieve. Losers make excuses.