During a recent interview with British blog Music Week, Depeche Mode co-founder Martin Gore expressed his frustration with the current state of the music industry.

The musician pointed out his disappointment for the business’ lack of long term artist development strategy, siting television shows like Simon Cowell‘s X-Factor as “manufacturing” bands instead of nurturing those that have come together organically. Gore posed the question, “What happened to bands getting together?”

“I’m not advocating violence,” says Martin Gore, “but I think somebody should shoot Simon Cowell!”

Upon learning of his fellow Englishman’s comments, Cowell took to Twitter to return fire.

I read Martin gore wants to shoot me. He was is in depeche mode. Do you realise how weird and stupid that makes you. Go and watch the news.

—
Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) November 26, 2012

Why I am angry about weirdo gore is a ton of people have got shot this year and people.like weirdo gore encourage this.

—
Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) November 26, 2012

During an October 13th press conference in Paris, Depeche Mode revealed a new untitled song as well as a 34-date UK stadium tour with US dates and album title to follow.

– Jay Tilles, CBS Local