'Fat' jibe leaves UK band not feeling so magic

[KiwiCoromandel]

One of Britain's most highly-rated new pop bands stormed out of their debut performance on BBC TV show Top of the Pops after a presenter allegedly described them as "fat".

The Magic Numbers, made up of two pairs of siblings, refused to perform their new single on Sunday's show after taking offence at remarks made by guest host Richard Bacon.

Newspapers reported that in rehearsals Bacon introduced the band by saying: "What do you get when you put two brothers and sisters in a band? A big fat melting pot of talent." As a result the group, whose debut album has been nominated for this year's Nationwide Mercury Music Prize, refused to perform.

"Due to derogatory, unfunny remarks made during the guest presenter's introduction to our performance, we felt we had to make a stand and leave," the band said in a statement on their website.

"It was an important day for us and should have been special. We didn't take this decision lightly but we stand by it." A BBC spokeswoman admitted Bacon used the word "fat" but said it was a misunderstanding and that he had not meant to cause offence.

"It was a figure of speech and he was referring to the band's status," she said.

"It was absolutely in no way referring to the appearance of any of the band members. Richard was mortified about the misunderstanding." She said Bacon had tried to apologise to the band but their management team refused to give him access.

The group was replaced on the show by electro-pop group Goldfrapp.

The British-based Magic Numbers, who are made up of siblings Romeo and Michele Stodart and Sean and Angela Gannon, have won a growing fan base and much critical acclaim with their cheery 60s-style pop tunes.

source:AP

[slum_goddess]

just what the world needs, more 'cheery 60s-style pop tunes.' :)