Hunters & Collectors Reveal Why They Asked Steve Price To Remove 'Holy Grail' From Radio Show

Just days after journalist Steve Price announced he had been asked to remove Hunters & Collectors' iconic song, Holy Grail, from his radio show amidst speculation that it was a direct result of his controversial comments on last week's Q&A, the Aussie rock legends have explained why they put the request forward to the 2GB radio station.

In a statement posted to their official Facebook page last night, the band addressed the incident.

"First of all, Steve Price was not ‘forced’ or ‘made’ to stop using the song," the statement reads.

"No recording artist has control over radio airplay unless the song is used to sell or endorse a product...otherwise radio has no legal obligation to seek permission from the artist.

"In making the request we acknowledged this fact. There was a clear understanding between the producer and our representative that Steve had to give his consent."

Though they did not specify the request came after Price called writer Van Badham "hysterical" on ABC's panel discussion TV show, the Sydney-founded outfit revealed they only found out that the radio presenter was using their song on his program after receiving a number of complaints from fans in the last week.

"As to whether or not our fans were responding to Steve’s recent appearance on Q&A was never made clear," the post continues.

"As we all well know, Steve travels far and wide. It may have been the central reason but we didn’t respond on that basis.

"Rather, we were prompted by the deep respect we have for the feelings of all in the Hunters family so any concerns they might have as to how our music is used are taken very seriously indeed.

"On balance, we came to the conclusion that our fans’ concerns were deeply felt and demanded a response."

"Lastly, the only direct comment we are prepared to make as to any underlying reason for making the request is that as a band, we simply do not agree with the political views Steve airs on his show," the statement concludes.

"We acknowledge he has every right to express them as he sees fit but we still regard the use of ‘Holy Grail’ as a tacit endorsement of those views."

Read the full post below.