Celine Dion

Muse are threatening to sue Canadian super-warbler Celine Dion for unauthorised use of their name in her new stageshow.Dion offered the band $50,000 (£32,000) in return for the use of the name 'Muse' for her up and coming residency at Las Vegas. They declined the offer. Muse own the trademark 'MUSE' worldwide for any music related services including live performances and records. Despite their refusal, Muse received notice from Dion's management company Dragone that they "will proceed without the proposed settlement and will use the mark CELINE DION MUSE for its shows and related goods and services". The Las Vegas show will feature a live performance by Dion, dancers, and acrobats, all with musical accompaniment. Dion's show is scheduled to begin a year long run at Las Vegas' Caesars Palace in March 2003.The 4,000-seater show will run twice daily and feature more than 70 dancers and musicians. Tickets for the show are selling for as much as $1,000.

"NO, absolutely not as we don't want to appear to be Celine Dion's support act!" Muse are outraged by this absolute disregard for another artist's identity. This is also pure capatalism i.e. a large company using it's wealth to trample over others. A press release has gone out over the weekend. Muse will continue to stand up for their rights.

Matthew : "This is a classic example of a huge music empire trying to crush the smaller bands." -"They've told us they are pressing ahead with using the Muse name whether we like it or not, they think if we try and sue them they will crush us with their might." - "We fully intend to crack America with our next album and we don't want to turn up there with people thinking we're bloody Celine Dion's backing band." - "I find her music completely offensive for a start and I'm sure our fans do as well." - "It's not just the fact they want to call the show Muse, they also want to call any sound and video recordings Muse as well, which means you'll have Muse DVDs and albums coming out in the States."