Heavy rock on the taxpayer

Interesting and successful experiment just happened over in Norway, where Rikskonsertene, the state cultural sponsor, paid for a tour by metal band Opeth.

Normally, the body funds the sort of thing you'd expect an arts council type organisation to pony up for - ballet and opera and stuff. But they're happy to spread their wings a little:

Kristin Stoltz Thomassen, the information consultant at Rikskonsertene, told Norwegian music industry magazine Faro Journalen that the OPETH tour was part of an initiative Rikskonsertene is doing with the pop and rock genres.

"This project is supposed to bring established artists to a young and energetic audiences around Norway, especially in smaller places where promotors would not normally be able to bring artists," he said. "Young people and students get the chance to see artists they otherwise would not be able to see.

"OPETH has been on our radar for a long time, and with the success of the 'Watershed' album, ongoing touring and a dedicated fanbase, we regard this as a jackpot, but also the result of focused work."

So it's about helping out a younger audience, and taking music to them. Which is laudable.

Although you could equally argue that - having been around for two decades - Opeth are as much a part of the Norwegian arts establishment as anyone in a tutu or Wagnerian helmet.