Chadwick was quoted in an extensive Music Week Q&A, in which he was asked his opinion on the proposed EMI takeover by Universal.

The Essential MD answered by saying, "I find these huge conglomerates a bit scary. If you're at EMI, you are at the home of The Beatles, you have this whole tradition and you probably feel part of something.

"But a combined company, with less staff? They might eventually feel lost in the ocean. Is it good ...