Herald Express newspaper of South Devon (02-02-2000)

Plane scare after band lift top award There was triumph and drama for a top South Devon rock band last night. - Muse from Teignmouth took the Best New Act title in the NME Premier awards in London and then the aircraft due to fly them to Germany caught fire. The three piece were about to jet to Hannover in an eight-seater aeroplane to support rock band Bush, when a blaze broke out in one of the engines. The aircraft was evacuated safely, but it meant missing the gig. "They were shocked but never in any real danger. It was disappointing not to be able to make the concert," said manager Dennis Smith from Totnes today. Muse are celebrating in their typical low key way, winning the prestigious title in the NME Premier Awards, announced during a star studded ceremony at the Mermaid Theatre hosted by Radio 1 DJs Steve Lamacq and Mary Anne Hobbs. Dennis said they were all obviously delighted, but the group were "far too busy" to go out on the town. "They have a free day today before jetting off to Zurich to rejoin the European tour. Then they have their own headline tour in the UK, followed by dates in Japan and America. And the new single is released soon. "They deserve this award and have worked hard for it. The votes came from the readers of the NME, who are the ones who really matter. "This will be a major boost to their career and bring them to a much wider public. "They are getting better and better. Earlier this week they played a storm at the Astoria supporting Ash in front of 2,000 people and things are really taking off for them now." Muse, who signed a million-dollar contract last year with Madonna's label Maverick, began playing together at Teignmouth Community College South Devon Newspaper

back to articles