Peter Jenner. who managed The Clash, Ian Dury, Disposable Heroes and Billy Bragg and got his start as Pink Floyd's first manager has said "big labels are fucked, and DRM is dead."

According to Jenner, digital music pricing has been a scam where the consumer pays for manufacturing, distribution, and does all the work - and still has to pay more. He contends that labels should outsource everything except finance and licensing.

But he's also optimistic that for almost everyone else - indie labels, musicians, songwriters and entrepreneurs - as well as network providers - the future's going to be pretty bright. He argues that The Big Four major labels know that the DRM era is nearly over - and within two or three years, he predicts, "most countries" in the world will have a blanket licensing regime where we exchange music freely, for a few dollars a month. Earlier this year, France almost voted to legalise P2P and bring in a blanket license - the necessary stepping stone to the future.

Jenner is organising a conference in London on November 15 to discuss these issues. Billed as an "Urgent Blue Sky Debate", for once a music event may live up to its billing.

To check out an interview with Jenner, visit the Register.