The View’s failure to gain entry to America because of visa problems could boost the Dundee rock group’s chances of breaking the lucrative US market in the long term, according to a music industry expert.

Alec Downie, of New Music in Scotland (NEMIS), which nurtures new Scottish bands, conceded that the loss in touring, merchandise and CD sales will have a negative financial impact on the band, their management and their label for now.

However, he was hopeful the visa issue would be resolved soon and the band, who played a home-town gig at the Caird Hall on Monday night, could benefit from a sense of anticipation.

The View’s 10-date US tour was cancelled for a second time due to ongoing immigration problems following lead singer Kyle Falconer’s drugs conviction for cocaine possession.

Mr Downie put The View on as part of a NEMIS showcase two years ago. Speaking from the US, he said, “The US is a massive market and every band needs to increase their fanbase to grow and sustain and the US is an elusive, lucrative and artistically challenging golden fleece for most British artists.

“The View are very much a live rock ‘n’ roll band and part of their excitement comes from their energetic and compelling live performances, so if the US audiences do not get the opportunity to experience this, chances are it will be difficult to increase their US fanbase.”

The View already called off one US tour, including an appearance at the South by Southwest festival in Texas, where they were previewed as the next Arctic Monkeys.

“The band must be gutted as it is every kid’s dream to tour the US and I am sure the disappointment will be felt by numerous fans who anticipated their arrival,” said Mr Downie.

“I am sure they will resolve this soon and that they will rip it up in the US.

“Hopefully this negative press will serve to heighten the sense of anticipation so that when they do arrive people will be even more ready for them to storm through the US.”

Falconer was fined for possessing £150 worth of cocaine when he was arrested after the group performed at Abertay University last August.

Defence agent Billy Boyle told the court Falconer had been handed the drug by music industry insiders at the gig and had left it in his pocket. He asked for an absolute discharge, as a conviction would make it “next to impossible” for the singer to get a US visa.

Mr Downie said there is no doubt that it will be argued in some quarters that Falconer’s conviction has tarnished the image of Scottish music worldwide, but said that was “frankly, rubbish,” adding, “Common sense must apply.”

“The View, like the Stones or Oasis, if allowed into the US, will generate a great deal of wealth for all concerned, including the US government, and I am sure that their lawyers will be working on agreeing an entry criteria that will see a full US tour sooner rather than later, and perhaps when the story runs out of legs in the press that will help American audiences experience a great young Scottish band at the peak of their game.”

It is thought negotiations are continuing with the US immigration authorities and it’s hoped the problems will be overcome at some point. But the band’s management will now wait until those problems are cleared before organising another US tour.