AT first glance the idea that the Government has given successful Southampton rock band Band of Skulls a grant of thousands of pounds to promote themselves is surprising.

After all, the group who have a strong following in the UK are currently touring in America (see our story).

Don’t rock stars have to struggle for ultimate success as part of their right of passage? The tough times are part of their DNA. Why should the taxpayer hand over £25,000 to give their profile a boost in Europe?

And yet why not? Music, rock music even, is an art form and can be very profitable for the UK when artists strike it rich and pay their taxes.

Few question that the Government should consider supporting British talent to build a reputation and win business for exports.

Artists of all hues fall into that category and Band of Skulls fits neatly into Britain’s world renowned rock industry.

We may then generally think of grant support for business relating to more traditional industries. But times, and tunes, change.

And should the band continue to grow in reputation perhaps one day they will dedicate a song to the British taxpayer to say thank you.