Irish stalker 'freaks out' Muse frontman
FAN CONCERN: Singer Matthew Bellamy is being plagued by an Irish stalker in military gear
Sunday March 02 2008
An Irish stalker, who dresses in military gear and leaves gifts bearing 'cryptic messages', is said to be tormenting the lead singer of an international rock band.
Matthew Bellamy, the front man of the internationally renowned group Muse spoke of his concerns over his Irish stalker while on a visit to Dublin to pick up the gong for Best International Live Performance at this year's Meteor Music Awards.
Mr. Bellamy, who lives in Italy, described how his home has been visited on numerous occasions by a man claiming to be a family member.
"I'd never really say anything has made me nervous but there is a person who keeps coming to where I live and he keeps leaving bags full of really crazy stuff like loads of bottles with messages written on them.
"He's [also] got loads of poetry that he's written which is all about the end of the world," he continued.
"I think what he's done is that he has tried to create these bits of clues and puzzles that are supposed to lead me on some kind of journey somewhere or something.
"I'm a little bit freaked out," he said. "There are definitely a few people that pick up on the more obscure elements of any political meanings that might be in any of the songs and tend to take it a bit too far."
The singer, who is widely known for his lyrics on global conspiracy theories, alien invasions and the apocalypse, said he believes the man tracked him down after speaking to one of his neighbours, claiming to be a close relative.
"[I know he's Irish] because I was away on tour and the person who gave my bloody address away is a neighbour of mine . . . and the kid went there and asked where I lived and I think he told them I was a family member and [where my house was].
"Apparently the guy said he was Irish and apparently he was wearing all military gear and [was] a little bit on the edge. But I think Irish people are great anyway. Sure I'm half Irish," he said.
The musician, who forms part of Muse along with bass guitarist Chris Wolstenholme and drummer Dominic Howard, has roots in Ireland -- his mother, Marilyn, was born in Belfast, before moving to England in the 1970s.
"I've been [to Belfast] a couple of times over the past year to see my nan, my aunties and uncles."
Muse picked up the award for Best International Live Performance award last month for their set at the Oxegen music festival in Punchestown, Kildare last year.
- NIAMH HORAN
