Paul Weller has posted a message to his website about Record Store Day.

An annual celebration of vinyl culture, Record Store Day has become a controversial subject in the last two years, with many believing that the day has become exploited by major labels, eager to take advantage of the occasion to sell unnecessary special editions. Modern Love and Tri Angle are amongst the indies who’ve publicly stated that their release schedule has been hindered by such products. This year, Ebay sellers put RSD-only limited editions on sale before the day even took place, and the marketplace is currently awash with expensive re-ups.

Weller’s new 7″ single, ‘Flame-Out!’, was a victim of such touts, prompting the singer to post the following:

This is a message to all the fans who couldn’t get the new vinyl single on Record Store Day and/or paid a lot of money for a copy on eBay.

I agree with all of you who have sent messages expressing your anger and disappointment at the exploitation of these “limited editions” by touts.

Apart from making the record, the rest has very little to do with me but I am disheartened by the whole thing and unfortunately I won’t be taking part in Record Store Day again.

It’s such a shame because as you know I am a big supporter of independent record stores but the greedy touts making a fast buck off genuine fans is disgusting and goes against the whole philosophy of RSD.

There were copies of my single on eBay the day before Record Store Day and I’ve heard stories of people queuing outside their local record shop only to be told there were none left at opening time!

It only takes a few to spoil a wonderful concept for everyone else. Shame on those touts.

Don’t support their trade and don’t let them use Record Store Day to ruin the very thing it’s designed to support.

Onwards. PW