James Bay says sorry to music fans over 'secondary ticket sales'

Singer songwriter James Bay has apologised to music fans who have to "deal with secondary ticketing sites".

During his acceptance speech after winning Best Solo Artist at the Q Awards, Bay called for an end to websites that allow fans to buy and sell tickets at prices higher than face value.

The Hold Back The River singer said: "Apologies to my fans for ever having to deal with secondary ticketing sites. I hope we see the end of them. They definitely suck."

The 26-year-old added: "Thank you to my fans for listening to my music, for coming to shows, for buying the record."

Bay beat off competition from former Oasis star Noel Gallagher, Mercury Prize winner Skepta, as well as PJ Harvey and Michael Kiwanuka for the award at the Roundhouse in Camden, north London.

Best Breakthrough Artist Jack Garratt agreed with Bay's calls for an end to selling tickets at higher than face value price.

Garratt told the Press Association: "If there are people who are doing what they can to steal moments away from the public or steal moments away from fans, I have no time for those people.

"I'm only interested in finding the best and cheapest way for my fans and my audience to come and see my shows."

He added: "I care about it so much, everyone does."

Earlier this year the Fan Fair alliance, made up of people from within the music industry that lobby for fairer ticket practice, criticised the Q Award's partnership with ticket marketplace Stub Hub.