South Devon herald express - World beating Teign band pay tribute to fans (march 1 2000)

Thanks a million we would not be here today without our local fans. That was the message from dynamic South Devon rockers Muse as they stormed into the charts and finally achieved national fame. And in an exclusive interview with the Herald Express just before they boarded a plan for a tour of Japan and Australia, they also revealed they want to play a Thank You concert in Devon soon. Muse mania has now really taken off on a national scale. Their latest single Sunburn came straight into the Top 40 at 22, and the album Showbiz, was re-released on Monday. The threesome, Matt Bellamy, Chris Wolstenholme and Dom Howard, have attracted rave reviews for their all action live gigs around the UK and Europe, and gave a storming performance on TFI Friday on Channel Four. This week they are on Top of the Pops and the single has been given loads of airings on Radio 1. But as mega stardom beckons, the lads have not forgotten their roots. Vocalist and songwriter Matt said: "Please thank everybody back in Teignmouth and South Devon for us. "We couldn't have done it without them. They stuck with us through the hard times and we owe a great deal to a lot of people. "Whatever happens, Teignmouth will always be home to us. We are trying to arrange a special concert in Devon before the summer festivals start as a way of saying thanks." Matt emphasised that it was still early days in their career. "There are lots of things we want to try and this is a dream come true for all of us," he said. "We are involved in a lot of travelling but love seeing different places and it is really expanding our minds. It has given us a great chance of seeing the world." Manager Dennis Smith of Totnes said the Far East tour was very much a promotional exercise. Then it was on to America for a major tour. "The future looks extremely rosy but we are keeping our feet firmly on the ground. "We were looking for a Top 40 entry, so coming in at 22 is very good." In their home town the single is doing a roaring trade at Woolworth. Manager David Hyde revealed they have made a special promotion of the single and album. Matt revealed that the lyrics of Sunburn were about an old girlfriend. "Back when we were trying to get a deal, I knew a girl who told me she believed in me and thought the band would make it. "She became a source of inspiration but, unfortunately, in addition to being a light in my life, she also burned me, hence the title." Herald express

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