A record label owner has begun withdrawing his company’s releases from the Russian market in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
Founded by Paul Birch more than 40 years ago, Revolver Records has released albums by The Stone Roses, Leo Sayer, The Scorpions and Jane’s Addiction.
The company is now deciding whether to stop all sales or donate proceeds from sales in Russia to refugee charities.
Wolverhampton’s Mr Birch has urged leading music moguls to do the same.
“Music generally leads when it comes to ethics, but in the war in Ukraine, sport and not music leads,” he said.
“In fact, the music seems to be lagging behind.
“In light of the war in Ukraine and the government’s announcement of sanctions against Vladimir Putin’s confidants, shouldn’t more assets be confiscated?”
The Association for Independent Music (AIM) is hosting a conference this week, and Revolver has offered to sponsor a debate on the position music should take.
Mr Birch received the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to music in the Queen’s Birthday Honors 2020.
The news comes as Universal Music Group said it was “suspending all activities in Russia” and closing its offices in the country “effective immediately”.
The music conglomerate joins other big companies and brands, including Coca-Cola, Starbucks and McDonald’s, in announcing the move in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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