The success of the Isle of Wight’s very own indie rock band Wet Leg has been highlighted in the House of Commons, with Joe Robertson MP paying tribute to the band during a music streaming debate.
Robertson highlighted the band’s remarkable rise to the top of the UK album charts, even surpassing the legendary Oasis in the rankings, during a Department for Culture, Media and Sport statement on Tuesday (22nd July). The Isle of Wight East MP praised them for both their musical talent and their role in showcasing the Island’s distinct culture on the global stage.
During the statement, Joe invited the Minister to join him in congratulating the band on their chart-topping success. In response, the Minister quipped:
“I am more Wet Leg than Oasis”.
In a past interview, the band explained the origin of their name, which comes from an old Isle of Wight saying used to describe visitors from the mainland, ‘Wet Legs’, those who get a leg wet crossing the Solent.
The wider debate in Parliament focused on strengthening protections for artists in the fast-evolving streaming landscape. MPs called on the Government to regularly review the code of practice for music streaming, ensuring it keeps pace with industry changes and includes real consequences for companies that fail to comply.
The streaming code of practice, introduced following the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee’s inquiry into the sector, sets out standards for fairness, transparency, and accountability in streaming deals.
Joe added:
“Bands like Wet Leg deserve a fair shot and that means contracts that are transparent and systems that reward creativity. The code of practice is essential to building trust in a rapidly changing digital market”.
Fantastic. Well done
Great to see the huge success of this Island rock band!