Ananova:

A member of Duran Duran has branded Simon Cowell a "joke" and accused him of helping to ruin the British music industry.

Guitarist Andy Taylor said Pop Idol's Mr Nasty knew nothing about nurturing talent.

"If the world thinks Simon Cowell and Nicky Chapman are representative of people in the music industry, they're wrong," he said of the Pop Idol judges.

"Simon Cowell is the guy that discovered Sinitta. I rest my case. It's a joke."

Taylor said Gareth Gates could have been the next George Michael if the right people had looked after his career.

"I don't have anything bad to say about the artists on these shows, because it's not their fault.

"But Gareth Gates probably could have been George Michael if he had been handled properly," Taylor said.

"He's got a good voice and a great look. But what do they do? They make him sing Unchained Melody. It's not a good thing."

Duran Duran have just announced their first UK tour in 18 years, with dates in London, Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham next April.

They are currently supporting Robbie Williams on his Australian tour.