South Devon herald express - Apology after ‘living hell’ furore (october 06 1999)

Sorry Teignmouth! The up and coming South Devon rock group who caused a furore by apparently slagging off their home town, now claim it was all exaggerated. Muse - signed in a huge cash deal to Madonna's record label - caused an upset in Teignmouth when they were quoted as describing it as a "living hell" with a big drugs problem. But vocalist Matthew Bellamy told the Herald Express: "The comments were included in publicity material and were taken out of context. No offence was meant. "We all grew up in Teignmouth and still visit regularly to see family and friends. "It is a nice resort, but what we were trying to get across is that there is not a lot of scope or opportunity for young people, and there is something of a drugs culture there. We have had some stick about the quotes when we go back to Teignmouth." Drummer Dominic Howard was quick to praise the former head of music at Teignmouth Community College, Jill Bird, for her encouragement. "She was marvellous and gave us plenty of support. There were quite a few bands at the college at the time, but we were probably the only ones to keep playing rather than go on to university." Muse are tipped for superstardom after signing a big record deal with Maddona's label Maverick in the USA, but they denied it was anything like the £1 million that has been quoted in the trade. "It was a lot less than that, but the trouble is now every time I go back to Teignmouth people keep asking me for money because they think we are suddenly wealthy!" complained Matt. "The advance was for all the overheads, including promotion, that goes with making an album, and we will not start making any money ourselves unless the albums sell." The group made a flying visit back to South Devon yesterday when they made a special appearance at Exeter record store Solo to sign copies of their first album, Showbiz. And the young fans who packed the Guildhall shop were given an extra treat - a special acoustic set of three numbers from the CD. It was one of the few times Muse have performed acoustically, and the fans - many of them from Teignmouth - loved it. "They really sounded great. I knew some of them at the college and they have always had talent. I am sure they are going to make it all the way," said 18 year-old Andrew Stone of Teignmouth. Co-owner of Solo, Maggie Garrett, said the interest in Muse was growing all the time, and she was sure Showbiz would be their number one seller this week at least. "We have always supported them right from the early days by arranging gigs for them in Exeter, and they really deserve to go right to the top." This month Muse are supporting Skunk Anansie on tour, and next month will be appearing with American super group Red Hot Chilli Peppers on their European tour, playing in stadiums of over 20,000. Herald express

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