Shears Fears for Bands

Scissor Sisters star Jake Shears fears traditional rock bands are dying out because it is cheaper for record companies to sign solo artists.

The I Don't Feel Like Dancin' hitmakers were forced to axe a tour of Europe last year (10) after funding problems meant the road trip was not financially viable.

Singer Shears is convinced the concert cancellations signal an industry shift away from promoting bands in favour of solo stars.

He tells the U.K.'s Seven Days magazine, "The fact of being in a band at this moment in time - I don't know if you've noticed but there are not many bands around. It is a very expensive proposition to be in a band. That's why a lot of record labels are signing pop stars and individuals. It's expensive to tour and that's the bottom line."