The superstar remains one of the most clued-up artists around about the machinations of the music business, especially when it comes to the charts and here he is observing a new march of British talent succeeding in the US in a way that has not happened in years.

"In the American charts at the moment you have Adele, you have Coldplay, but you also have Jessie J, Cher Lloyd's record is happening, you have Ellie Goulding, The Wanted, One Direction. ...