Manchester folk-pop group James have had their comeback album’s artwork banned by the Advertising Standards Agency.
The cover for their ninth album ‘Hey Ma’, their first since 2001’s ‘Pleased To Meet You’ and first since singer Tim Booth has returned to the fold, features a picture of a baby with a gun.
The Advertising Standards Authority has prohibited the promotional images, but James have refused to change the album’s cover image as they feel that they’re making an important point.
James’ lead guitarist Larry Gott told radio station XFM that they had “talked at length about hitting a problem with the Advertising Standards Authority, but it’s such a strong image we decided it go with it anyway. We were looking at lots of ideas with the designers and they came up with an image of a baby and a gun that related to a story in America of a ten-month-old child that had been issued a firearms certificate. ”
He added: “Firearms are dangerous, they’re not to be taken lightly, and we as a society are becoming over familiarised with the image of gun and gun culture.”
‘Hey Ma’ is set for release on April 7, shortly after which, James are due to embark on a UK tour next month, calling at:
Derby Assembly Rooms (April 10)
Lincoln Engine Shed (11)
Liverpool University (12)
Newcastle Academy (14)
Sheffield Academy (15)
London Shepherds Bush Empire (17)
Norwich UEA (18)
Bristol Colston Hall (21)
Blackpool Empress Ballroom (22)
Edinburgh Corn Exchange (24)
Aberdeen AECC (25)