Feargal Sharkey

Feargal Sharkey chairman, UK Music (new entry)

Why is he on the list?

The former punk rock singer turned music campaigner deserves his place after getting an influential group of MPs to back his call to free up live music from excessive regulation.

If adopted, these should make life easier for licensees who want to embrace the growing trend of live music. Sharkey is held in genuine affection by MPs as being a respected and passionate campaigner for all aspects of the UK music industry. The recent success shows he has the ear of those in positions of influence.

What has the past year held

Campaigning vociferously for the staging of live music to be de-regulated. His message was given at a hearing into the impact of the Licensing Act by the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee.

The committee's report says pubs with a capacity under 200 should be allowed to stage live music without additional licensing conditions. Elsewhere, the former Undertones frontman has been arguing strongly against the infamous Form 696; adopted by 21 London boroughs at the request of police, it means licensees have to fill out arduous forms for every night of entertainment staged.

The MPs' report said this was "well beyond the requirements of the Act" — another victory for Sharkey and fellow campaigners.