Widespread rioting and looting throughout England attracted global attention these past few days. While musicians often pontificate about socio-economic strife faced by others, these riots have victimized the music industry itself.
A three-story warehouse owned by Sony DADC burnt down Monday night. While Sony is under the huge major label umbrella, indie distributor PIAS used the building to store physical stock for more than 150 independent record labels that aren't quite so lucky.
UPDATE – Three teenagers were arrested on chargers of violent disorder and arson.
This article appears in Aug 11-17, 2011.