South Devon herald express - Teign band take world by storm (april 29 2000)

Thousands flocked into the huge stadium in Minneapolis USA to watch super groups Foo fighters and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. But according to a review in the local newspaper it was a group from South Devon who stole the limelight. "If you did not get there early, you missed the best band on the bill - Muse," enthused the critic. Praise indeed. The Teignmouth three piece have just returned from jetting around the world, and rate the experience a mega success. They stormed across America on 22 dates and also wooed them in Japan and Australia. They are still relatively unknown outside Europe, and may have been only the support act at the big city gigs, but their profile has zoomed and they have made thousands of new fans. The tour is all part of the deal with Madonna's Maverick label to try and turn them into world stars, and they are exhausted - but happy. Manager Dennis Smith, of Totnes, who accompanied them on the punishing schedule said that playing in front of up to 20,000 people in the States had been an amazing experience. "It is hard being the support act when most of the people have come to see the star band. But even the Foo Fighters fans, who can be negative and hostile to other groups, gave them a very good reception. "America is a huge country and we do not expect anything overnight there - it is a tough market to crack. But going out on the road is the only way to do it. "While there we met the Stereophonics who are big in this country, but were playing to only a few hundred people at times. They know it is tough as well. "The tour was a non-stop whirlwind and the boys were hammered. You have to be fit and healthy to last, and there were certainly no wild parties - I had to make sure they got plenty of sleep." There was only one gig in Japan - the rest of the time was spent on constant media interviews and promotions, and it resulted in a 25,000 sale boost for their album Showbiz. And it was just as hectic in Australia, where they also met quite a few people from Devon. "Despite the intensity, they enjoyed it all. They just love to play - it's what they always wanted," added Dennis. Lead singer Matt Bellamy admitted it had been "quite challenging" performing in front of so many people, but exciting as well. "We have signed record deals now in even more countries and everything is looking good for us. Touring is arduous and there is going to be a lot more of it to come." He also revealed that they hoped to record a new album at the end of the year. "There is a lot of time to write new songs while travelling on tour and we have quite a few new numbers already. The album will probably be released some time next year." The pace is not going to let up. During the next few months they will playing dates all over Britain and Europe, plus summer festivals here and on the continent. After Glastonbury, they will headline the second stage at Reading, opposite Oasis. Other dates include recordings for MTV and a live performance on the beach at the Cannes Film Festival on May 14 for French TV channel Canal Plus. To keep fans happy, a new single Underworld, from the album, is due to be released on June 5 and is being confidently tipped for the Top 10. Herald express

back to articles