Buy your music. It might save a job...

THE news that HMV has called in administrators will have music lovers weeping into their box sets this week.

But it got me thinking: was it illegal downloads that brought the retail giant to its knees?

The joy of buying CDs, reading the sleeves and then adding them to my collection is something I’ve never lost — but I can’t say the same for most of my friends.

For the most part, they just want the songs — or more likely the song — on their MP3 player or computer. And with so many sites online for illegal downloads, you may well be labelled an idiot to actually bother to pay for music in a shop like HMV.

Even your favourite TV series can be watched legally (or illegally) online without too much effort.

It’s little wonder HMV crumbled as people become too sneaky to fork out for what they listen to or view.

Illegal downloads are slowly killing off the music industry — HMV is just the most high-profile casualty.

Gone are the days when you listen relentlessly to a CD until you know every single word of every single songs. People just want their favourite songs now, and head to iTunes to do just that.

Globally, 19 out of every 20 tracks downloaded are done so illegally — and this has been the case for the past five years.

Realistically, it seems miraculous that HMV lasted this long without going into administration.

There was only so long this could continue without a massive retail outlet collapsing, and now 4,500 jobs are at risk — with up to 300 of those in Ireland.

A favourite pastime of mine was getting lost in the downstairs section of HMV Grafton Street — coming across CDs you had long ago lost or never knew you desired.

There was a real sense of adventure in heading in there and trying to select records that loved ones might like to hear whilst scoffing at the taste of those who browsed in the Easy Listening section.

HMV stores offered an impressive vinyl selection, alongside books and merch from every band you could possibly want to learn more about.

The outlet holds a place very close to my heart as my first book, Jedward — Our Story, hit No1 in their sales chart in 2010 (let’s face it, it was never going to hit No1 in Easons!).

So, dear readers, the next time you listen to an illegally downloaded soundtrack or TV series, spare a thought for the thousands of people now set to lose their jobs — and the gaping hole that’ll be left in the music retail industry in Ireland and the UK — if HMV bites the dust.

Illegal downloads, tumbling CD sales and digital competition ultimately brought HMV to its knees.

Every action has a reaction. So next time, buy your music and favourite TV shows, if not for the sake of the artists, then for the innocent workers who are now set to pay the ultimate price.