Twelve months ago, you couldn't open a newspaper without finding a reference to the latest band or singer who owed their burgeoning new career to MySpace. The cumulative effect of all the column inches was to create the image of a site that had nothing to offer but millions of bedsit balladeers. But, as the song says, it ain't necessarily so. These days, you would be surprised who's got a MySpace page.

At www.myspace.com/coldplay Chris Martin and his merry cohorts offer their fans hand-drawn cartoons and concert videos, in addition to a jukebox of greatest hits streaming live. Similarly, Radiohead, one of the few bands to make real money from the internet, offer a similar service at www.myspace.com/radiohead and their song House of Cards has been listened to a staggering 2.4 million times.

Farther away from the glare of the spotlight are bands such as James, whose die-hard loyal following keeps abreast of all their latest news and their current near sold out tour, including a “top secret project” at www.myspace.com/jamesisnotaperson. Their lead singer Tim Booth writes a beautiful blog, and there are clips of live performances and radio sessions. No sign of their big hit Sit Down, though.

Delving deeper into Jurassic territory, even bands such as The Who (www.myspace.com/thewho) and the Rolling Stones (www.myspace.com/therollingstones) have discovered the power of MySpace, even though both bands seem more interested in maximising its commercial potential than in “meeting” their public.

So, just how far back can the musical archaeologist excavate on MySpace? I tried the Beatles. No streaming music (surprise, surprise), and a last news update in September. Perhaps they really are a vinyl act after all. Get back to where you once belonged, chaps. Next up? Why, it's that bane of Morecambe and Wise, Des O'Connor. There's a page there with his name - www.myspace.com/desoconnor. I watched with baited breath as the page started to open. Then - disappointment. No Des originals such as I Pretend or Dick-a-Dum-Dum here. Instead, it's the home page of a very funny man with a banjo who calls himself Desmond O'Connor. It turns out to be rather more enjoyable than the real thing. Someone sign him up now!

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