Culture Secretary Andy Burnham said they were located in deprived areas that had few other youth facilities. "These fully-equipped spaces will make a big difference for young people who are looking for somewhere to practise, spend time and find an outlet for their creative skills," he said.
The scheme is being co-ordinated by former Undertones singer Feargal Sharkey, who is now head of music industry body UK Music. "The benefits stack up socially, economically and culturally - and hopefully some of those young people will pick up valuable skills and go on to work in one of our fantastic creative industries," he said. "The Knotty Ash facility will plug directly into Liverpool's thriving music scene and local music business - encouraging creativity, bringing the community together and benefiting a new generation of musicians."
Eurovision Turn-off - Benny Andersson of Abba, Eurovision's most famous winners, has said he has given up watching the song contest because it "means nothing" for music. "What it is now is possibly a great television event, but for music it means nothing," the songwriter said. He said it was a good spectacle "if you can bear sitting for such a long time". He told BBC News that the event went downhill after his group got their big break by winning the contest in 1974. "I don't watch Eurovision. It's become so huge," he said.
Tenor Confusion - The future of tenor Jose Carreras is in doubt following conflicting statements concerning his intention to retire. In an interview with The Times, the 62-year-old is quoted as saying that, in opera terms, his career is "done" and that full roles are now too demanding. His international manager, however, has said Carreras would perform opera again if the right production came up. For the next few years, though, he will focus on concerts and touring, Michael Storrs told the BBC. "It's a complete non-story," he declared, claiming The Times had "misrepresented" what the singer had said. Carreras is due to receive a lifetime achievement award at the Classical Brits in London this week.
(Jim Evans)
