Lately, whenever I read about the big upcoming music festivals, I scratch my head, wondering who the hell all those bands are. Not just the small, indie stage bands. Major ones.

Then the realisation hits me: everyone has heard of them but me. These mysterious bands are being played non-stop, on the radio and television, to an audience of millions of adoring fans—I just haven’t been listening. A while ago, I got sick of being let down every time I tuned in to Triple J; so, like a coward, I retreated back into my CD collection and pretty much stayed there.

The older generation is not at all incapable of keeping up with the latest chart music: they think it sucks, and they don’t want a bar of it.

This year, Delta Goodrem put out her debut album, which spent 27 consecutive weeks at #1 on the ARIA chart, and went platinum 13 times. When I heard that Delta had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, my reaction was similar to when I heard that Skulker’s instruments had been stolen at a gig. Not being a particular fan of the music, but realising that no one deserves such a thing to happen to them. From the bottom of my heart, I hope she gets well soon.

When she does recover, I’m positive that she will use the opportunity to get out there and perform, and will use her talent to make albums with artistic and musical merit. Having done all that, if she wants to pose for FHM, or speak out on some important issues, or whatever else musicians do instead of playing music: awesome.