Herald Express 2009-08-13 – Massive support for 'iconic' concerts
To cite this source, include <ref>{{cite/heraldexpress20090813}}</ref>
Massive support for 'iconic' concerts
Thursday, August 13, 2009, 09:51
SUPPORT for homecoming concerts by supergroup Muse is spreading fast.
Pubs, politicians and councillors have also backed plans for two concerts by the rock trio on Teignmouth's Den, saying: "This would be an iconic event."
Anticipation is mounting that Matt Bellamy, Chris Wolstenholme and Dominic Howard will return to their roots for gigs pencilled in for Friday, September 4, and Saturday, September 5.
Today, a band spokesman said the trio — who fill stadiums worldwide — were 'very keen' for the concerts to take place.
Last week it was revealed concert promoters SJM Concerts Ltd have applied to Teignbridge Council for a licence for a 'music concert' on The Den for up to 15,000 people.
An event management plan has been drawn up tackling issues including traffic, crowd, noise and alcohol consumption.
It is understood that, since the revelations were made public last week, Teignbridge Council has been contacted by local people giving their overwhelming support for the concerts.
It is thought that national television and radio stations have already expressed an interest in broadcasting the concerts.
A band spokesman said: "It is the band's intention to make some kind of donation or contribution to a locally-based charity or facility.
"We are very hopeful that this does go ahead. It will be great for the band and the area. It will bring a lot of publicity to the resort and further afield."
The authority's licensing committee are due to meet on Monday to consider the application, which has already created a buzz around Teignmouth.
Ship Inn landlady Kim Jones said: "It is the talk of the town. What I have been amazed by is how many people are so excited by it. There are 60 year olds, who have probably never even owned a Muse album, who cannot stop talking about it and want to get involved.
"I think everyone is really proud of them. It's wonderful they have done so well and everyone is pleased they are remembering their hometown."
New Quay Inn owner Maria Gibbs said: "It would bring a lot of trade in for pubs in the town and it would also be good for the local music scene."
Support has already been lent to the events by Teignbridge Council's leader Cllr Alan Connett and Liberal Democrat MP Richard Younger-Ross.
Cllr Connett said: "This would be an iconic event. This, if it goes ahead, would be the sort of event that people would be talking about in 25 years' time.
"While one cannot preempt the decision of the licensing committee, my first reaction on hearing about the application was what can Teignbridge Council do to make it happen?
"I think it's tremendous that Muse could get the chance to play in their hometown. I am thrilled to bits they want to play here."
Mr Younger-Ross said: "This event could be a world first by a world class band. It's fantastic they want to perform in Teignmouth.
"This is the sort of thing that only local councils can dream of. I am sure, if it happens, those who go will give the boys a huge welcome."