Nigel has spent the day with Mark Hoppus in Parliament ahead of the launch of this year's Rock the House competition which Mark will be judging.

The competition offers unsigned bands the chance to perform on the famous House of Commons terrace with some fantastic prizes on offer for the winner.  Alice Cooper is one of the patrons of the competition, which was founded by Brighton MP Mike Weatherley.

The competition celebrates the very best of up-and-coming unsigned British artists and the live music venues that support them. The aim of the competition is to raise the political profile of the importance of intellectual property rights, and live music, among parliamentarians. The UK Music industry is hugely important in terms of employment and overseas earnings. Thismust be encouraged and protection of Copyright is essential to the ongoing ability to pay artists for the work they create.

Following Mark's visit, Nigel commented;

“Mark is a global superstar and it’s great I was able to get his support for the launch of this year’s event.  I think it’s very important to promote our local musicians. The music industry is very important to the UK and I want to do my bit to promote this growth industry.”