June 29, 2005 16:09

BRIGHT EYES APOLOGISES FOR JOHN PEEL SLUR

Conor Oberst tells NME.COM he was “way out of line” during his appearance on the John Peel stage at Glastonbury…

CONOR OBERST has apologised for remarks made during his set at GLASTONBURY in which fans were left offended at comments made about late DJ JOHN PEEL.

Bright Eyes were promoted to the headline slot on the John Peel stage at last weekend’s festival (June 26), after Ryan Adams pulled out due to an ear infection.

After his performance, fans started emailing NME.COM saying they were “appalled” at his attitude, with the singer allegedly making disparaging remarks about John Peel and the Make Poverty History campaign.

A reader claimed: “Some of the things he was saying concerning the Make Poverty History Campaign and John Peel were completely out of order. Being a bit cynical about some people's motives behind supporting the campaign is one thing, and is perhaps okay, but belittling the campaign which many people strongly believe in is plain wrong.

”The John Peel thing was in my opinion even worse as it was completely inexcusable. You can't slag off one of the most important people in our lives just because he didn’t play your tunes. A lot of people left the show and I think and hope he lost a lot fans that night. He lost me. It's a shame because the guy is quite possibly a genius, but also, clearly, he is a complete cock.”

In a statement issued exclusively to NME.COM the singer has offered his “sincerest apology” for his comments about Peel.

He said: “I would like to express my sincerest apology to the friends and family of Mr. Peel for anything I said during our performance at Glastonbury. I truly don’t remember much of the show but have been informed since of what I said and it was way out of line and far from my real feelings.

”I have nothing but respect for John Peel and his beautiful gift for sharing music. I never had the pleasure of meeting him but by all accounts he was an outstanding man and deserves much more respect then I showed. I am very sorry.”

John Peel died of a heart attack last year aged 65.

The broadcasting legend, who had a career spanning over 40 years, was on holiday in Peru when he was taken ill.