Elbow frontman Guy Garvey has launched an attack against people who download music illegally.

The singer said people who can afford to buy music but still indulge in file-sharing are “going to hell”.

But he said he could understand why people who can't afford to buy music choose to “rip it” instead.

Garvey's comments came when he was asked if he was concerned that the band's forthcoming album might be leaked ahead of its release next year.

"If you can afford it and you don't pay for it then you're going to hell and you've got your own room,” he told BBC Newsbeat.

“Especially when it's a smaller band. There's no excuse."

Elbow are currently putting the finishing touches to the follow-up to their 2008 Mercury Prize-winning album 'The Seldom Seen Kid'.

The group are set to embark on a UK arena tour next year.

(by Jason Gregory)